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PROCEEDINGS 


OF THE 


BRITISH COLUMBIA 


Entomological Society 


PAGE 
REPORT FROM THE KOOTENAY..... Sapte ntbmaagteapaeee oso J. W. Cockte 13 


REPORT FROM THE OKANAGAN..u0..--..e:ecccecceceseececneeeetee E. P. VENABLES 
REPORT FROM WANCOUVER..0..--2..-c-ccscsccsrecssscssnessessensgecees A. H. Busx 
INSECTS OF THE YEAR IN B. Co.ncececcsecsesecseccseneeeeee T. CUNNINGHAM 


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OBSERVATIONS ON THE NARCISSUS FLY............- 


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CLIMATIC INFLUENCES AT WORK IN THE PROVINCE tat nia Sha 


AFFECTING PLANT AND INSECT LIFE.......,..--.--- ET, Witson 34 “3 
Lire History oF IxopEs ANcusTus (Banks) | 


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PROCEEDINGS 


OF THE 


BRITISH COLUMBIA 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


LO 


Sr aeRe 


REV. G. W. TAYLOR, 
Hon. President, B. C. Entomological Society, 1911. 


ce se) oe 


PROCEEDINGS 


OF GHEE 


BRITISH COLUMBIA 
ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


ba 


The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, Mr. Tom Wilson, 
at 2:30 p.m., on December 9th, 1911, in the Auditorium of the Aber- 


deen School, Vancouver, with 17 regular members in attendance. 


CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS (Mr. Wilson). 


Gentlemen :—The duty falls upon me on this occasion to occupy the 
chair, in lieu of the Rev. G. W. Taylor, who has been and is now the 
President of this Society. At the last meeting of the Society I had the 
honor of occupying the position of Vice-President, with Mr. R. V. 
Harvey as Secretary of the Society. 

I regret very much to have to inform you that our President has 
been, during the last few years, far from well and he finds it impossi>le 
to be present with us to-day, and in fact impossible to take a very active 
part in the work of the Society at the present time. No one regrets the 
illness of our President more than myself, for he was elected President 
at the inception of the Society in 1901, and as he still retains the position, 
1 ieel very sorry he is not here to-day, at the first meeting of the Society 
after a period of four or five years. In view of the fact that the Society 
has been in a state of suspended animation for the past few years, perhaps 
it would be well for me to address my remarks towards a brief review 
of the history of the Society. 

In 1901, the late Dr. Fletcher had occasion to visit British Columbia 
in connection with the work of his Department. During his stay in 
Vancouver I had the opportunity of introducing him to Mr. R. V. 
Harvey of the city, who was then Principal of Queen’s School. In 
discussing matters in connection with the Entomological work in B. C., 


6 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


the idea was suggested to form a society whose special object was to 
unity the work of those particularly interested in the study of insects in 
the Province. “The idea came to maturity and the Society was formed. 
For two years we had a live Society here in Vancouver with such 
members as Messrs. G. W. Taylor, Sherman, Bush, Dashwood-Jones, 
Ed. Wilson, Draper, Marrion, Bryant, L. D. Taylor, Hanham and 
myself in more or less regular attendance. “There may have been a few 
more members whose names I do not recall at the present moment. One 
year later, about 1903, the idea was conceived, passed and acted upon, 
to unite our efforts with the Entomological Society of Ontario, which 
in actual fact was a Canadian Entomological Society. Correspondence 
was begun with the Rey. Dr. Bethune of Port Hope, Ontario, resulting 
finally in the amalgamation of the two societies, our Society becoming 
a branch of the Entomological Society of Ontario. Through the courtesy 
of the parent Society, our members were privileged to receive its annual 
reports, as well as the regularly issued “Canadian Entomologist,” for the 
fee of 50 cents per head per year. “This arrangement continued up till 
a few years ago. Regular meetings were held here in Vancouver and 
reports were issued semi-monthly on matters of interest. These reports 
took the form of letters which were forwarded from one member to 
the other by the members themselves. Gradually, however, interest 
waned—not, let it be understood, in entomological work, but rather 
as a Society. Finally Mr. Harvey, who from the beginning had taken 
so active a part in the organization—in fact, I think I may say it was 
entirely due to him that the work of the Society progressed as it did— 
left Vancouver to reside in Victoria. For the past four or five years 
no meetings have been arranged for and no exchange of opinions have 
been received among the members, until at this time, when, through the 
energy of Mr. R. C. Treherne, the members have again met, with this 
excellent programme before them. Even now we cannot say it is much 
more than an experiment, but I know we all sincerely hope it will be an 
experiment which will turn out the right way. 


Mr. Treherne, acting Secretary, followed with a few remarks on 
his endeavours to resuscitate the Society, stating in brief that while he 
had endeavoured to broaden the scope of the Society, uniting the work 
of all engaged in entomological pursuits in the Province, he personally 
desired the Society to remain as a branch of the Entomological Society 
of Ontario and consequently an integral unit with the Entomological 
work of the Dominion. 

Mr. Chairman—I will now ask the members to nominate and ap- 


point their ofhcers for the ensuing year. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


“I 


The following officers were appointed for the year 1912:— 


lslGfan, loreal coo pecoeposcdooaubeSudooobbeoe Rev. G. W. Taylor 


Departure Bay, Vancouver Island. 


TEATS) Vey OLE RE ey Ser cuscret Se oleae eet ORs cee ee ES Tom Wilson 
1105 Broadway West, Vancouver. 


Witcesbresidentrr mm ereract aries sear crsne eee see Gr ©) Days EES: 
Duncans Station, Vancouver Island. 
DECKELAT VERA sepo elon weit a tise crt eesiee es R. C. Treherne, B.S.A. 


1105 Broadway West, Vancouver. 


Advisory Board: Messrs. T. Wilson, G. O. Day, R. C. Treherne, W. 
H. Lyne, R. S. Sherman, J. R. Anderson. 


8 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


REPORT FROM OKANAGAN DISTRICT. 


The purpose of this paper is to take a more or less rough survey of 
the Okanagan district, not confining myself necessarily to last season, 
as I have not had time to do any collecting worth speaking of during 
1911. 

I hope, however, that the paper may not be altogether uninteresting 
to the members present. I feel that a list of my captures would not be 
of much particular interest. I shall, therefore, begin by giving notes on 
those species which have been, during the last few years, of some 
economic importance, with notes on other species that may be of use to 
those who are working on the distribution and life histories of the 
insects of the Province. 

The past few years have not been marked by any serious outbreak 
of injurious insects, but certain species have done a good deal of harm. 
Among these the Fall Webworm has been quite troublesome in some 
districts. Hand picking or burning the webs with a torch has been 
found the most simple and effective means of destroying them; but 
where spraying has to be done for fungous troubles, Paris Green may 
be mixed with the Sulphate of Copper solution to advantage. 

The Caterpillar of the Diamond Back Moth, which is very numer- 
ous at all seasons, was found to be attacked by a parasite, a species of 
Ichneumon which emerged in large numbers from the chrysalids in 
breeding jars. “The Diamond Back Moth is becoming as serious an 
enemy to cabbage growing in the open as Pieris rapae, but as the same 
remedy, the mixture of flour and insect powder destroys both, there is 
not much danger for the crop where steps are taken in time. 

The larvae of Datana ministra attracts some attention by stripping 
the leaves from young fruit trees during the summer, but this species 
never appears in sufhcient numbers to cause any great harm. 

During the summer of 1908 there was a somewhat interesting attack 
on prune trees, by a small larva to which I have applied the name 
the “Prune “Pwig Borer.” My attention was attracted by noticing that 
the terminal shoots were in many cases drying up for no apparent reason. 
On examination, however, it was found that these twigs were being 
bored by a small brown caterpillar eating the pith of the young shoot. 
By and bye I noticed that these shoots broke off with the contained larva, 
which no doubt enters the ground to pupate. I have so far been unable 
to discover to what species the damage is due. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 9 


The beetle, Otiorrynchus sulcatus, the Strawberry weevil, which does 
considerable damage to strawberry plantations by depositing eggs in the 
crowns of the plants, the larvae boring into and destroying the plants, 
was very common during the past season, appearing in houses in some 
numbers. ‘This beetle is very often found in early spring under stones 
and in other sheltered places. Another Ofiorrynchid that is always 
found in large numbers during the months of May and June is Peri- 
tilopsis globiventris, a small grey snout beetle which feeds upon the 
leaves of the so-called wild sunflower. ‘The beetle is quite troublesome 
and is readily taken when one is sweeping with the net among the leaves 
of the food plant, which grows thickly over wide tracts of open country 
around Vernon. I have so far been unable to discover anything of the 
breeding habits of this beetle. 

Rhynchites bicolor is another snout beetle that does some damage to 
cultivated and also to wild roses, by boring into the blooms, before they 
are fully expanded. 

The Apple Tree Tent Caterpillar has not been of any importance 
for the last two years, its place being taken by the Fall Webworm, of 
which I have already spoken. 

Corymbites inflatus is an Elater that has during the last few years 
been the cause of some considerable damage to newly planted fruit trees, 
by eating out the buds during the early summer. Reports have also 
appeared of their destroying the bloom in some cases, but by far the 
most harm is done to the leaf buds. These beetles are extremely 
numerous during most years, and the harm they do has been remarked 
by many orchardists. As soon as the blue lupine begins to bloom they 
congregate on the stalks in great numbers. “Chey are mostly seen around 
the blossoms, as many as fifteen to twenty occurring on one stem. Of 
the breeding habits of this beetle | know nothing, but it is probable that 
it passes the larval stage in the ground near the food plant. 

I have in my notes details of an interesting case of a clergyman who 
some few years ago, whilst working in the open, felt a fly enter his ear. 
After some trouble he managed to remove it. Some time later, however, 
he began to feel great pain in the ear, which increased to such an extent 
that he felt sure, that in removing the fly, some eggs had been deposited 
in his head. Assistance was secured and a quantity of warm oil was 
poured into his ear, from which was eventually expelled a number of 


maggots. After some hours work a number more were removed, and 
after a time the pain subsided. I did not hear of this till some days 
after it had happened, so was unable to try and rear any of the flies, to 
discover the species. Similar cases have been recorded in entomological 
papers at various times, and these have been considered to be due to flies 
of the genus Sarcophaga or Calliphora. It would be interesting to ‘hear 
of other cases of this kind. 


10 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


I have been able to work out the life history of the butterfly, 
Lemonias anicia, up to the third stage, but on reaching this stage the 
larvae refused to eat the food plant provided and they all died. Below 
is given a summary of what I have myself observed. 

May 31. Found several females ovipositing on the leaves of the common 
snow berry bush. Out of ten egg clusters examined, all were laid 
on the under side of the leaf, with the exception of one egg which 
was placed above. Egg period, in one cluster, from May 24 till 
June 12. The remainder, taken 31st May, hatched June 12th to 
14th. When newly laid the eggs are of a slight lemon yellow color, 
changing after a few days to a dull purplish-red, which again with 
time changes, just before hatching, to a dull ash color. 

On hatching the larvae devour the egg shells and spin a mass 
of silk in which they congregate. In the first stage the larvae are 
3mm in length; general color grayish-green, lighter beneath. Head 
dark brown, almost black, with a few short straggling hairs, segment 
behind head brown dorsally. Thoracic tubercles 1, 2, 3, large, 
brown, +, 5, 6, smaller but same color, 7 and fore-legs brownish 
black. Fore-legs with a few short hairs. Abdominal tubercles 
1, 2, 3, large brown, 4, 5, 6, smaller, 7 the same as prolegs, which 
are greenish. Last abdominal segment, gray-brown at apex, body 
not tapering. After feeding a few days the body shows a decided 
greenish tinge owing to the food showing through the skin. The 
young larvae are gregarious in habits and cover the leaf, on which 
they feed, with a dense silky web. 

2nd Stage. Head bilobed, length +mm, segment behind head 
dark brown. Head black, shining, no markings. General color- 
ot body dull black shading into a light brown at anal extremity. 
Underside light brownish-green; the whole body becomes lighter 
after a few days. Body armed dorsally and laterally with rows 
of stout spines, bearing six or seven hairs each, apical ones longest 
and curved. Owing to color of spines the skin appears brownish. 
Face hairy. Prolegs dirty brown. Fore-legs darker. Just before 
moulting a tinge of yellow appears on the dorsal surface of ab- 
dominal segments. 

Moult 2. Head black, shiny, hairy. General color of body 
dull black. Three segments behind head marked with a double 
dorsal row of dull whitish blotches with no definite arrangement. 
These are continued on each segment to the end of the body. 
Scattered spots of the same color appear on sides. Abdominal 
segments 1-8 each bear a dorsal spine of orange yellow. Fore-legs 
black. Prolegs pale green. Larvae still gregarious in habits eating 
out the leaf and leaving the veins. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 11 


Moult 3. Length a little over 7mm but stouter than before. 
Color of skin bluish black clothed with fine diverging black hairs. 
Markings as before, except that the dorsal tubercles are duller. 
Larvae do not spin so much silk, but are gregarious. 


The larvae refused the food plant at this stage and were evidently 
wanting to hibernate. I was unable to bring them through the winter. 


Owing to want of time many details of the life history were not 
noted, but perhaps some of our members will have the opportunity of 
completing in a more extended manner what I have begun. 

As I am leaving this country in a few weeks and shall be in England 
when this paper appears, I shall, I am afraid, not be able to take any part 
in the meeting, but I most sincerely hope that the B. C. Society will 
take on a new lease of life and not be allowed to lose foothold, now that 
the members have got together again. I also hope that this short, and I 
am afraid uninteresting paper, will be the beginning of a regular series 
of reports and addresses by the members, and that its dull character will 
not deter others from doing something far better and more detailed, and 
that our new secretary will arouse interest, as did our old secretary, Mr. 
R. V. Harvey. 

E. P. VENABLES, 


Vernon, B.C. 


Mr. Chairman—lIf there is any discussion on this paper we should 
be glad to hear it. 

Mr. Cunningham—lI believe the Prune Twig Borer mentioned in 
the paper is in reality the Peach Twig Borer, 4narsia lineatella. 

Mr. Treherne—The fly described as depositing eggs in the head of 
the clergyman resembles the “screw worm fly” Lucilia of the Southern 
United States. 

Mr. Wallace stated he had once been attacked by a fly in the same 
way. 

Mr. Chairman—We will now proceed with the programme and I 
will call on Mr. Bush to give his paper. Mr. Cockle has written saying 
he will not be able to be with us to-day, so I will ask the Secretary to 
read his report from the Kootenay when Mr. Bush has presented his. 


REPORT. FROM VANCOUVER DISTRICT. 


During the season of 1911 I have not been able to do much collecting, 
but I will endeavour to give a short account of some of the insects 
I have noticed on the lower Mainland of British Columbia. 


12 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


Parnassius clodius was more plentiful than I have seen it for many 
years. Adults were taken during the latter part of June and in July. 

Papilo eurymedon and rutulus were common flying throughout the 
entire season, but zoliacon was rather rare. Neophasia menapia, the 
Pine White, was not as plentiful as usual, the adults appearing in the 
early part of August. 

The Cabbage Butterfly, Pieris rapae, was very common and did a 
great deal of damage in this district. Polygonia satyrus and silenus were 
present in numbers, as were also Eugonia californica and the Mourning 
Cloak butterfly, Euvanessa antiopa. As you know these four all winter 
in the adult stage, and may often be taken in houses late in the fall and 
earl spring. 

I saw only a few specimens of the Red Admiral, Vanessa atalanta. 
They are never very plentiful. /’. caryae and V’. cardui, the latter so- 
called the Thistle butterfly, did not appear in such numbers as was usual. 
These also winter as adults. Basilarchia lorquini was particularly in evi- 
dence this summer, appearing about the first week in June. 

During the summer I had the pleasure of climbing Mount Cheam 
and there, at a height of 7,000 feet above sea level, I found Erebia 
vidleri very plentiful. It feeds on grasses and is flying usually in the 
first and second week in August. Several specimens of another moun- 
tain butterfly, probably descendants of former Arctic fauna, Oeneis 
norna var, beanii, were taken at the same time at the summit of this 
mountain. It is particularly interesting to note in connection with this 
latter butterfly that it will, immediately on alighting, lay over on its 
side, resting in a position parallel to the object upon which it has 
alighted. No doubt its windy habitat had forced this habit upon it the 
better to protect itself against the elements. 

On the mainland again, Epidemia helloides was very much in evi- 
dence during the month of July. I noticed further two or three speci- 
mens of Lepisesia ulalume in the early spring at the time when the 
cherry trees were in blossom attracted by the blossoms themselves. “The 
White Lined Sphinx, Deilephila lineata and D, gallii were both fairly 
common, the larvae of the latter in particular were very plentiful in the 
late summer feeding upon Fireweed. 

The Tussock Moth, Notolophus antiqua, was very common this year 
in the vicinity of Vancouver, and the larvae did considerable damage, 
especially during the month of July. This is the first year I have 
noticed this moth doing any damage worth mentioning. “The Tent 
Caterpillar, Mfalacosoma disstria, has caused much annoyance in this 
district, attacking fruit trees and ornamentals. It has been very prevalent 
for the last three or four years and does not yet show any appearance 
of decreasing its numbers. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 13 


I have noticed for the first time in my recollection a black aphis 
attacking the Rhubarb, Cucumber and also one on the Holly. While up 
Mount Cheam I again noted a black aphis present in large numbers. 
I am unable to say to what species any of these aphids belong. The 
green aphis was not very troublesome this year, but the Wooly Aphid 
was very prevalent. 

I have noted further that the spittle insects, Cercopidae, caused a 
great deal of annoyance to flower gardens here in Vancouver. 

I trust these few remarks will be of interest. 


A. H. Busu, 


1105 Broadway, West, Vancouver. 


REPORT FROM KOOTENAY DISTRICT. 


The season just closed has been fruitful in demonstrating that at 
least one insect which is usually considered a bad pest and one that it is 
necessary to destroy by spraying, can at least prove a blessing in disguise. 
I refer in this case to the Black Cherry Aphis, Myzus cerasi. This 
insect made its appearance in large numbers at the commencement of 
July and as usual attacked the tips of the sweet cherries. So bad was 
the infestation that in some cases the fruit required washing before being 
marketable, as the brood had spread all over the trees. The main brood 
was, as previously stated, securely placed in the curled up leaves at the 
tips of the young shoots. Here they remained for over a month, and at 
the end of that time died. The foliage all turned black, greatly dis- 
figuring the trees. Examination of the young shoots revealed the fact, 
that but few of the shoots were killed, and that the infestation had 
resulted in retarding the excessive growth which it might have been 
necessary to remove by pruning. The aphis had most effectually checked 
the excessive growth and had left the buds on the season’s growth in fine 
healthy condition. No summer pruning could have so markedly im- 
proved the trees as did this aphis infestation. I must not, however, be 
quoted as an advocate of the propagation of this insect, to do the work 
which is required in summer pruning, but I only cite this as an instance 
where out of evil good may come. 

The white maggots attacking the roots of the cauliflower in the early 
spring months were the cause of great loss to the market gardener. 
During June and early July we had a remarkable infestation of cut- 
worms several varieties were greatly in evidence, but the most common 
were the larvae of Mamestra canadensis. “These not only attacked the 


14 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


growing vegetables, completely destroying them, but they also attacked 
the young shoots of young apple trees, in some cases, that came under 
my observation in a newly planted block of trees, entirely denuding the 
trees of all foliage and cutting off the tips of the young shoots. I quite 
expected to see a large brood of these insects emerge after the pupal 
stage, but for some reason I cannot account for, few of them ever 
emerged as imagoes. I was too busy at the time to make a collection 
of the larvae, so I cannot give any details of the probable causes which 
led to their destruction. 

The season just passed was remarkable for immense swarms of 
Vanessa californica. ‘These insects, though not so numerous as in the 
year 1891, were everywhere in evidence and a large number are now 
hibernating. 

I received several reports of the devastation of Tamarac and 
Pine trees by the larva of Neophasia menapia, but these were entirely 
local in occurrence and probably did but little permanent damage. 

I was much interested in receiving a box containing some specimens 
of the wood tick. The local form Dermacenter venustus is always 
fairly common, but those to which I previously referred are from a 
district in the southern boundary of the Province. I have heard, on 
various occasions, that the ticks in this district caused intense irritation 
by their bites, and that those bitten by them often experienced great 
suffering from the pimples and blotches which showed on their skin after 
being attacked by this animal, and there is one case on record where a 
child was supposedly killed from this cause. “The specimens are smaller 
than those found here, and though very similar to D. venustus, are, I 
think, a different species. I have not had time to go over the specimens 
and sort them out for further identification, but that will be eventually 
done and the authorities can decide as to the merits of the species. 

My regrets are that I have little of interest in the way of captures to 
record; true I have secured duplicates of one or two noctuids that 
previously stood as undescribed uniques, but I was fortunate in securing 
a topotype of Eupithecia agnesata Vaylor, the species having been named 
by Mr. Taylor from an unique. ‘The type is now in my collection. 

During last winter I submitted specimens of Colias, including 
philodice, eurytheme, eryphile and Kootenai, to Mr. Bean, who was a 
great collector and breeder of this genus when located at Banff, Alta. 
This comparison was undertaken to secure his views of the validity of a 
variety of Colias that I have tentatively named Kootenai. Mr. Bean’s 
views are that this variety should be merged with eryphile, but he is not 
prepared to say just where philodice begins. “The specimens were later 
sent to the Montreal Entomological Society for study and from this 
source I am credited with the naming of a new species and the ex- 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 15 


pression of the opinion that I was fully justified in adding to the already 
long list of varieties of this genus. 

I regret that another butterfly to which I applied a tentative name, 
Lycene quesnellii, still remains in my cabinet represented by two worn 
specimens, but I trust that by the assistance of some of the members 
of the B. C. Entomological Society I may yet secure a large series of 
this butterfly from its local habitat, that of Au Bah Lake, Quesnelle. 
Any of our members taking this Blue in that locality will confer a 
great favor by submitting them to me for examination. 


I extremely regret that I am unable to be present to read these 
rambling notes, but wish to express my best wishes for the success of the 
British Columbia Entomological Society. 


J. W. Cockte, 
Kaslo, B.C. 


INSECTS OF THE YEAR IN BRITISH COLUMBIA. 


This is a very comprehensive title and a large order. I hope I shall 
not be expected to deal with all the insects of the year in British Co- 
lumbia. I presume that the thought in the mind of the party who ar- 
ranged the programme was that I would be expected to deal with 
destructive or noxious insects. 

Even if it were contemplated that I would deal with all the de- 
structive insects of the year, the subject would be much too large to be 
dealt with in the time allotted. I see that there are seven other subjects 
to be dealt with, and each in turn must receive a fair share of the time 
at our disposal. I will, therefore, confine myself to a few of the most 
destructive insects with which we have to deal in this Province. 

I may say that we have always had them with us, and mankind has 
had from the earliest history of civilization to suffer more or less from 
the destruction of insect pests, which prey on fruit, vegetables and grain. 
It is the common experience of all mankind since the Creation. 

We have evidence of the existence of noxious insects even in geo- 
logical times. Dr. Dawson, our own Canadian Geologist, has abun- 
dantly demonstrated this fact. In the early history of Egypt and Pales- 
tine it has been shown that the inhabitants of those countries suffered a 
great deal more from the depredation of insect pests than we are suffering 
to-day, although I am bound to admit that it is the experience of 
economic entomologists the world over that there is rapid increase in the 
number of insects that afHict the agriculturist, horticulturist and gar- 
dener. 


16 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


British Columbia, being a comparatively newly settled Province, has 
suffered less than most countries from destructive insect pests, although 
we are, by our geographical position, and having trade relations with 
practically every nation on earth, especially the Orient, more exposed to 
insect invasion than any other section or province of North America. 

Early in the history of the Province the pioneer fruit-growers wisely 
took precaution to protect the country from insect invasion. We profited 
by the experience of California, and were determined to protect our- 
selves. In this we were aided by the Government of the day. In 1890 
steps were taken to create a Board of Horticulture, with power to make 
regulations governing the inspection of imported nursery stock, trees, 
plants and fruit. The Regulations of the Board have, by Act of Par- 
liament, the force of statute law, and it is entirely owing to the pro- 
visions of these Regulations that the Province is free from many of the 
most destructive of insect pests, which inflict such financial loss to our 
neighbours to the south, and the Eastern Provinces of our own 
Dominion. 

We have, however, a few very destructive pests. I think it is wise to 
deal with these. I presume that the object of this Society is to study 
insect life with the view of protecting the country from the depredations 
of destructive insects. I think we may take this for granted, and there- 
fore I will deal briefly with some of our most injurious insects. 

Lepidosaphes ulmi, commonly known as the Oyster Shell Scale, or 
Mussel Scale. I can well remember when this Scale was not known 
either in California, Oregon, Washington or British Columbia. I was 
quite familiar with conditions in these States up to, and including the 
year 1885, and am clearly of the opinion that this Scale did not exist 
anywhere on the Pacific Coast prior to the year 1887, and that probably 
it was imported on nursery stock from Ontario. 

I saw it first on some grand old apple trees in the vicinity of London, 
Ontario, in the year 1888. The owner of the trees was entirely oblivious 
of the presence of the Scale, and was greatly astonished when I sug- 
gested that he should examine it under a pocket lens. I myself was 
amazed at the number of scales that were sucking the very life out of 
these beautiful trees, which were in full fruitage. 

On the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad we began the 
importation of large quantities of nursery stock from Ontario. This 
stock was planted mostly on the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island 
and the Islands, and I have no doubt whatever that the Oyster Shell 
Scale was imported on this stock. 

Fortunately for the Province, it is rarely found east of the Cascade 
Mountains in British Columbia. I did discover a case of infection in the 
Grand Forks Valley last October. In looking over the fruit that was 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 17 


being packed for shipment, I detected the Scale, traced the infection to 
the orchard from which the fruit had been sent for packing, and notified 
the owner that unless immediate steps were taken to destroy the infec- 
tion, I would quarantine the orchard, although it is a large commercial 
concern, consisting of thousands of bearing trees, and in the vicinity of 
several very promising young orchards. 

I have the assurance that the infection will be promptly dealt with. 
It is by taking such precautions as these that we have been enabled to 
keep the interior of the Province comparatively free from this pest. 

Coming now to the life history of this insect, it completes the round 
of life once a year. It belongs to the order “Hemiptera,” Family 
Coccidae, sub-family Diaspinae (Armoured Scales). It is owing to the 
fact of being protected by the covering scale that it is one of our most 
difficult pests to eradicate. 

The winter is passed in the egg, underneath the protecting scale of 
the female. I have here a sample of the egg clusters, which I will 
submit for the inspection and information of all who should care to 
examine it. “These eggs hatch out usually the latter part of May on 
the Lower Mainland, probably from one to two weeks earlier on Van- 
couver Island. 

It is after the insects are hatched, and the tiny youngsters are seeking 
for a place to settle, that they are most exposed to the effect of our 
contact sprays. “They cannot be poisoned, but must be destroyed by 
contact sprays. 

If our fruit-growers will keep a close watch from the middle to the 
last of May, and immediately apply contact spraying material, such as 
the “Black Leaf 40,” a compound of Sulphur and Nicotine, and spray 
the trees thoroughly with this mixture, they will do a great deal to 
eradicate the pest. 

If not destroyed at this time, the young insect establishes itself at a 
favorable point on the bark of the trunk and branches. A favorite loca- 
tion is on the fruit spurs. It inserts its beak and begins to suck nourish- 
ment from the tissues under the bark. 

As the female lays from fifty to eighty eggs, the increase is exceed- 
ingly rapid, and with all those little suckers extracting the juices of the 
fruit-tree, we may expect a rapid deterioration both in quantity and 
quality of the fruit, for the juices that should properly go to the building 
up of the tissues of the fruit are supporting an encrustation of these 
Scales. 

It takes about three months from the date on which the young are 
hatched out till the female attains full maturity, and begins its egg- 
laying process. As soon as the tiny insect establishes itself, white waxy 
filaments extend from the back of the young. This excretion mats down 


18 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


and soon forms a protecting covering, which together with the skin of 
the first molt forms a covering scale. Another molt occurs later, and a 
second cast-off skin serves to enlarge the covering scale. The last molt 
occurs in this latitude, probably about the first of August, or sixty to 
seventy-five days after the eggs hatch out. 

As stated above, the female begins to deposit her eggs soon after the 
second molt. After she lays her eggs, her life work having been com- 
pleted, she shrivels up and dies. “The eggs remain under the scale until 
the following spring, thus completing the round of life. 

In the destruction of this pest, I have pointed out that the most 
vulnerable period of their existence is after the young have hatched out, 
but this is generally a busy time with fruit-growers and owners of fruit- 
trees, and protective measures are usually neglected. 

Fortunately we have in the commercial Lime-Sulphur solution, if 
prepared in the proportion of one to nine or ten, and applied with a 
spray pump having great force, a fairly good remedy for the destruction 
of the pest. 

Unfortunately this insect is exceedingly omnivorous, one of its favor- 
ite food plants being the wild crab-apple, which is found in vast quan- 
tities over the entire Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. I believe 
it is owing to the existence of this natural plant food that we have not 
succeeded better in destroying this pest. 

I believe the time is not far distant when the Government will be 
obliged to bring down legislation to compel all owners of land through- 
out the Province to cut down and destroy all wild crab-apples. If this 
Society will give this suggestion their favorable consideration, and co- 
operate with me in making this recommendation, I think it would be 
one of the most useful things it can do. 

Although we have many other minor scale insects, none of them, I 
believe, are of sufficient economic importance to be dealt with in this 
paper. My desire is to deal with the most destructive pests, irrespective 
of the order to which they may belong. 

This leads to a consideration of the order “Lepidoptera,” Family 
Lacosmoidae, of which the “Clisiocampa americana,’ commonly known 
as the Tent Caterpillar, is the most prominent representative, and which 
has been very destructive in some sections of the Province during the 
year, but compared with sections of Washington, we have not suffered 
nearly as much by the depredations of this insect. 

There are several species of the Tent Caterpillar, and curiously 
enough, most of them belong to the Pacific Coast. The “Clisiocampa 
americana’ is quite common in the Eastern States and our Eastern 
Provinces, but I do not think it is quite as destructive in the East as it 
is on the Pacific Coast. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 19 


The moth is buff color, or dull brownish red, with two transverse 
whitish, or pale yellowish, lines on the fore wings. This is the distin- 
guishing mark from that of the forest Tent Caterpillar, which belongs 
to the same family and is closely allied. 

The “Clisiocampa’ Moth appears early in summer and lays its eggs 
upon the tender shoots and fruit-spurs of the year’s growth. The eggs 
are laid in a ring-like cluster, about the twig, and are glued together 
by a substance which is practically impervious to our most caustic sprays. 

The eggs hatch out early in spring, just at the time when the tender 
leaves are available for the food of the young caterpillars. Soon after 
hatching they begin to form a tent in the nearest fork. Here they live 
in company, moving out from time to time to feed. It is not uncommon 
to see all the foliage destroyed in the vicinity of these nests. Any 
season when they are very plentiful an entire orchard may be defoliated. 
This has happened at several points on the Lower Mainland and on 
Vancouver Island during the past summer. 

Fortunately we have a remedy whereby these leaf-eaters may be 
speedily destroyed. Arsenate of Lead, in the proportion of three pounds 
to a barrel of water, if carefully sprayed on the foliage before any 
serious injury has been done, will speedily destroy them. The Arsenate 
of Lead is preferable to any other Arsenical sprays, because of its 
adhesive qualities. 

The caterpillars must feed on the foliage. It is their only food, and 
if the material has been properly prepared and applied, they must inevi- 
tably perish. 

I would recommend that a close watch be kept on the trees during 
the pruning season, and the egg clusters destroyed. ‘This is the most 
economical method of dealing with the infection. 

After the caterpillars have obtained their full growth, they abandon 
the nest and crawl to some convenient shelter in the vicinity. They 
often seek the eaves of houses and sometimes fences, and weave a rather 
thin cocoon of yellowish texture, this tinge being caused by a fine powder 
of the color of sulphur. In these cocoons transformation occurs, the 
pupal state lasting about three weeks. 

After the moth emerges, she seeks the most desirable position for 
laying her eggs, and she seems to be endowed with sufficient intelligence 
to place the egg masses where the young may find proper food after 
hatching. 

This completes the life cycle of this insect. Fortunately it is subject 
to a fungous disease which carries them off very speedily. It is not 
uncommon to see thousands of them dead on a bush or tree. “They are 
subject also to a parasitical attack, to a slight degree. Entomologists will 
often notice small white, globular eggs on the heads of the caterpillars. 


20 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


These hatch in due course, and the larvae penetrate the body of the 
caterpillar, which is quickly destroyed. 

The “Clisiocampa americana’ attacks various deciduous trees, but the 
apple and wild crab-apple seem to be preferred, so that taking the two 
most destructive insects with which we have to contend in British 
Columbia, it will be seen that the wild-crab, to which reference was 
made when I was dealing with the Oyster Shell Scale, constitutes a real 
danger, which seriously interferes with the eradication of this destructive 
pest. 

It would be a relief to not only the fruit-growers, but those who 
have shade-trees and plants, which are lable to be attacked by the Tent 
Caterpillars, if the wild crabs throughout the Province were destroyed. 

East of the Cascade Range the Tent Caterpillar is not nearly as 
common as it is on the Coast. I think this is largely owing to the fact 
that great care has been taken in the inspection of nursery stock, for it is 
practically impossible for a tree or plant having an egg mass of the Tent 
Caterpillar to pass the rigid inspection, which has been in force during 
the last twenty years. 

This is also true in regard to the Oyster Shell Scale. No tree or 
plant infected with either pest is permitted to pass inspection. 

The next most destructive pests are the Aphides Family, which 
include the Woolly Aphis, “Schizoneura lanigera,’ Plum Aphis, Green 
Aphis of the apple, and Black Aphis of the peach and cherry. 


These are all sucking insects, and more or less in evidence every- 
where that fruit is grown. We have also the Hop Aphis, which is very 
destructive some seasons, but which is easily controlled by using contact 
sprays. I find by experience that the “Black Leaf 40,” to which refer- 
ence has already been made, has given by far the best results. 

I have the most flattering testimonials from various sections of the 
Province, stating that nothing that has been used hitherto has proved 
so effective. 

I may say it has also proved a very excellent remedy against the 
aphis which attack cabbage, turnips and other root crops. A test was 
made with the “Black Leaf 40” at the Government Old Men’s Home, 
in Kamloops, this year, and both superintendents of the Gaol and Old 
Men’s Home have reported that nothing they have ever tried has given 


such good results, and that their garden crops were saved this year by 
the use of this very valuable insecticide. 


I refer to this for the guidance of those who may be interested in 
protecting their gardens and bushes. 

The “Pulvineaia occidentalis” has been more or less in evidence on 
the Coast during the present year. It is not a very destructive pest, and 
yet a bush may be greatly injured by its attacks. I have seen severa? 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 21 


such during the present year. “he Kerosene Emulsion has proved the 
best remedy for this pest. 

During the coming year it is my intention to use the Distillate sprays 
more extensively. They are comparatively cheap and easily applied, and 
seem to give excellent results, both in California and Australia. Con- 
sidering their cheapness, and the ease with which they can be applied, I 
quite expect that they will become very popular in dealing with scale 
insects. 

I have made provision for supplies of this very popular spray for the 
coming season. “The order has already been sent forward. 

In conclusion, I may say it is my intention to keep the public well 
informed as to the general merits of the various spraying materials, which 
are being constantly introduced. 


THoMAS CUNNINGHAM, 


Inspector of Fruit Pests. 


Mr. Treherne—In connection with the Oyster Shell Scale, may I 
inquire if the scale is to any extent controlled naturally by parasites in 
B. C.? In the southern portion of Ontario where the majority of the 
nurseries are situated, the scale is usually commonly parasitised by 
A philinus mytilaspidts. 

Mr. Cunningham—Yes, large numbers are parasitised. 

Mr. Wilson—If the scale was introduced into B. C. on nursery stock, 
as you suppose, how do you account for it being taken miles away from 
orchard land? I have found it on June berry, Barberry, Vine Maple, 
as well as on the crab-apple, and also at an altitude between 2-3000 feet. 


Mr. Cunningham—The medium of spread is undoubtedly birds, and 
I have found young scales on the legs of flies. 


Mr. Treherne—If the Oyster Scale is so common in the forests, 
would the destruction of crab-apple trees in the vicinity of orchards 
effectually control this insect? 


Mr. Cunningham—I claim that in addition to the crab-apple trees 
you mention, all crab-apple trees on the lands of speculators and land 
companies should, by Government enactment, be destroyed. I ask this 
Society to assist me in my endeavors to obtain Government control in 
connection with these trees which undoubtedly represent a serious 
nuisance to the Province. “The acreage of crab-apple trees is so tremen- 
dous and the ground they occupy so valuable that it would be a wise 
measure to destroy them, as they harbor injurious insects and in par- 
ticular this Oyster Shell Scale. 


i} 
i) 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


Mr. Bush—I quite agree that the crab-apple trees are bad and as 
they grow more or less in clumps, their destruction would not entail so 
much labor as one would think. 


Mr. Wallace—How about the Government lands? 
Mr. Cunningham—Let them also be attended to. 


Mr. Chairman—I am sure we have to thank Mr. Cunningham for 
his excellent paper, and I trust he will favour us with another of equal 
practical importance another year. I wish now to draw your attention 
to the next paper on the programme, the commercial culture of the 
Narcissus. A recent importation in the form of the Narcissus Fly from 
Holland is causing much consternation to the growers of bulbs on Van- 
couver Island, and we are pleased to welcome Mr. Wallace here today 
as a practical grower of this class of stock. It has been the special en- 
deavour on the part of our secretary to introduce the practical side into 
these meetings. I will now call on Mr. Wallace. 

Mr. Wallace proceeded to give the members a short extempore 
account of the trouble the Narcissus Fly has been to him on Vancouver 
Island, dealing briefly with methods he had himself tried towards 
eradicating this insect. (His paper will appear at some later time.) 

Mr. Chairman—Our secretary has been fortunate enough to obtain 
an account of the depredations of this Narcissus Fly by Mr. Priestly 
Norman of Victoria, a gentleman who has been in close touch with the 
commercial aspect of bulb-growing on the Island. I will now ask our 
secretary to read Mr. Norman’s paper. 


“MERODON EQUESTRIS” IN SOUTHERN BRITISH 
COLUMBIA. 


“Merodon Equestris,” or Narcissus Fly, is an insect, resembling, 
roughly speaking, an ordinary bumble-bee, about the size of a large blue- 
bottle or blow-fly. 

A still closer resemblance may be drawn to the horse-fly of the 
Upper Country, with which many are familiar. The similarity to the 
latter insect is so striking that the name “‘Equestris’ was derived from 
it, this insect being much better known to the world generally, and 
having a far greater sphere of action than the Narcissus Fly, whose 
ravages are principally confined to the Narcissus alone. 

In speaking of this insect, let it be understood that I make no asser- 
tions. I only give my observations and opinions. Having accepted as 
theories, several of the popular dogmas connected with this insect (which 
even at first hand are vague and unscientific), in the first place I was 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


i) 


gradually led to believe that in several vital ways the habits of the insect 
differed in British Columbia from its habits in Holland. 

The perfect fly is seen from the end of March to the beginning of 
September, but practically all the harm done is in the month of May, 
as the hot sun, so essential to insect life, is during that month tempered 
by a dampness, which keeps the Narcissus leaves fresh and succulent. 

Their activity is naturally greatest in the hottest part of the day, 
from 12 o’clock till about 2:30 or 3, and in badly affected areas their 
peculiar hum at such a time is sufficient to attract the attention of the 
uninitiated, 

At this period the fly moves in the air with a spasmodic, lateral 
movement, is very restless when disturbed, and alights very lightly some 
distance off. 

May being the month that the Narcissus Fly is most common and 
vigorous, this is the time it is seen in copula, when in this condition it 
seeks by preference a high growing object, such as a tree, bush or even 
a high growing weed. A hedge is a very favorite spot, and by going 
around the hedges or fences with a flat board or card it is possible to 
kill any quantity in such a position, as naturally they are slow on the 
wing when coupled, and disinclined to move very far. 

The perfect fly is easily drowned, and, unlike nearly all other flies, 
positively helpless in the water (I have proved this by experiment), 
which is a point worth noting. 

The breeding season seems more clearly defined than any other 
stage. This is probably due to the short life of the perfect insect. 

I believe the insect lays its eggs in the centre of the crown of leaves 
by means of a long ovipositor, the grub in due time hatches out, and 
enters the bulb. 

How it affects an entry is a disputed point, as although it would 
appear that the easiest way would be into the heart under the crown 
of leaves, there is no proof that this is so, and I have never found a trail 
that way. 

The insect is poisonous to the narcissus, and sets up a rust (which 
is one of the ways to detect its presence), and there is never any mark 
in the top half of the bulb. Therefore, the only conclusion is that it 
must enter from the base and work upwards. 


This seems difficult to understand, as one would think that the 
minute grub would have difficulty in making a passage through the 
earth to the base of the bulb. 

The grub takes about six months to feed, from the time of its entry 
into the bulb, and then lies dormant till the turn of the year, or about 
February, when it vacates the bulb, and changes into pupa state, about 


24 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


half an inch below the surface of the ground, and ultimately hatches 
out, as mentioned previously. 


I will now mention the varieties of Narcissus most liable to attack 
by the fly, in order of percentage in each variety observed. ‘The true 
Narcissus type is most susceptible, then come the intermediate season 
daffodils. (Commonest varieties mentioned ). 

Recurvus—most subject. 

Barii conspicius—nearly as bad. 

Ornatus 

Poetarum 

Sir Watkin 

Mrs. Langtry 

Von Sion 

Emperor 
Early daffodils, like “Henry Irving,” “Golden Spur” and “Princeps,” 
are almost free, as are the late daffodils. 

In the true white Narcissi the easiest way to detect the grub is to 
examine the root crown, and as these varieties rarely stop rooting, the 
year round, it makes it all the easier. If there is a portion where the 
roots have not sprouted and looks brown, it is almost sure to contain a 
grub. The usual way of squeezing the bulb to see if it is soft does not 
so readily apply in the case of daffodils, as the true white Narcissi are 
very hard bulbs. (Only a very small percentage of affected bulbs have 
any external puncture, except at base of bulb.) My reason for believing 
that an entrance is made there is that the progress of the grub upwards 
is registered on the root crown (this is only apparent in the continual 
rooting Narcissi, which, incidentally, is the class particularly attacked 
by the Fly), consequently as each bulb layer is bitten or pierced, a 
corresponding number of roots decay. 

Although the base is thus affected, and in advanced stages the root 
growth ceases entirely before the dormant stage of the grub, a sporadic 
growth of the flower spike and leaf crown often continues, with the 
usual appearance (if strong enough to push through the earth) of a 
sickly yellow leaf, nearly always single. This is an infallible sign of 
the previous habitation of the grub in the month of February and 
March. 

The next point is the appearance of the grub in the bulb. The grub 
seems to develop much more rapidly and healthily on damp spots (damp, 
I am persuaded, is essential), as in harvested bulbs out of the ground 
the grub is practically quiescent and torpid, starting to attack the bulb 
vigorously when planted in the ground. 

‘The fact that the grub has had a check is noticeable in this way: if 
the grub is pure white and vigorous, it has received no check or shock; 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 25 


if brown, leathery and sluggish, the bulb has been too dry for consump- 
tion. In this case the passage is filled with pulverized, effete matter, 
instead of the liquid slush which characterizes the perfect development 
of the grub. 

As a proof of the irregularity of the grub stage, I have found 
minute grubs in bulbs alongside full-fed grubs in the next bulb. 

I believe the pest was imported into British Columbia about six 
years ago, and was allowed to increase. As precedent was lacking in 
Holland (the labor there being very cheap and efficient), the pest was 
not dreaded. If they came across an affected area, they raised the bulbs 
and destroyed the grubs. This process is necessarily more difficult here, 
on account of the higher wages. 


PRIESTLY NORMAN, 
Victoria, B. C. 


Mr. Wallace—I am inclined to differ from Mr. Norman in his 
persuasion that dampness is essential to the healthy growth of the grub. 
With the more susceptible varieties of bulbs attack is just as severe in 
dry, warm, sheltered positions. 

Mr. Bush—In one instance at least I am virtually certain I have 
found the grub of this fly in a snowdrop. 

Mr. Wilson—I am of the opinion that it will also attack the iris. 

Mr. Treherne—I would like to draw the attention of the florists 
interested in this fly to the fact that there is a true bulb mite (Rhizogly- 
phus hyacinthi Boisd) which is capable of being the primary cause of 
injury to originally healthy bulbs. This mite has been taken in the East 
on importations of bulbs from France, Holland and Japan. I take 
pleasure in reading to you a short account of this mite as reported in 
the Journal of Economic Entomology, February, 1911. I merely men- 
tion this for fear of confusion in estimation of the injury due to the 
Narcissus Fly. 

Through the courtesy of Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt, I am at lberty 
to read an account of the insect as reported in his annual report for 
1911: 

“Narcissus Fly (Aferodon Equestris F)—During the past few years 
this insect has been noticeably present in British Columbia. It was re- 
corded in 1908 by Prof. R. C. Osborn, having been caught by Mr. 
Harvey frequenting especially the flowers of the Salmon Berry (Rubus 
spectabilis). Professor Osborn believes that it properly belongs to our 
North American fauna, but I am unable to agree with him on account 
of its history in Canada and other countries. I am of the opinion that 
it has been introduced into Canada on imported bulbs, as I have found 


26 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


the larva during the present year on bulbs imported into Ontario froin 
Holland. It had been previously captured on Mount Royal, Montreal, 
by Mr. A. Chagnon in 1903. In British Columbia, it is now a serious 
pest of bulbs, and Mr. A. E. Wallace reported it as attacking narcissus 
and daffodil bulbs near Victoria, B. C., about 50,000 bulbs having been 
destroyed in the year. Mr. P. Norman has kindly furnished me with 
particulars as to many of its habits in that locality which was visited 
in October. 

The perfect insect is seen from March to September, and appears 
to begin to breed in May. The eggs are probably deposited in the 
centre of the leaf crown. ‘The larva are found in the centre of the 
bulb, having made their entrance through the base of the bulb. The 
bulbs are destroyed by the larva or maggots eating away the flattened 
stem at the base of the bulb and afterwards destroying the centre of the 
bulb. Professor Ritzema Bos, State Entomologist of Holland, who has 
written a complete account of this insect, records the eggs as being laid 
in the soil near the foliage. He informs me that it attacks chiefly 
Narcissus tagetta in Holland. Mr. Norman has observed that the early 
varieties of daffodils, ‘Princeps,’ ‘Golden Spur’ and ‘Henry Irving,’ are 
not attacked and that such varieties of narcissus as N. poeticus ornatus 
and N. p. poetarum suffer considerably. The method of eradication 
which has been found most simple and efficient in Europe is the annual 
lifting of the bulbs and the destruction of all those which are found to 
be attacked by the maggots, as can readily be seen. “This method has 
been found effective in England, and also, Professor Ritzema informs 
me, in Holland. Soaking in water is of no value and the destruction of 
the pupae in the soil by the removal of the latter in the spring is im- 
practicable in a large scale. Satisfactory results may possibly be ob- 
tained by poisoning the adult flies with sweetened arsenical baits, and 
experiments on this are being carried on in British Columbia.” 


INSECTS INFECTING IMPORTED NURSERY STOCK, 
FRUIT AND GRAIN, RECEIVED AT THE PROVINCIAL 
FUMIGATION AND INSPECTION STATION, VAN- 
COUVER, BUG. 

Commencing with the Family Coccidae, of the order “Hemiptera,” 
taking the Scale insects first : 

“Aspidiotus perniciosus,” or San Jose Scale, the genus and species 
of first economic importance, for which a large quantity of imported 
nursery stock has been condemned, those principally affected being de- 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 27 


ciduous fruit-trees and bushes, ornamental trees and shrubs, imported 
from the United States, Japan and Ontario. 

Others of this genus are the “4. ostreaeformis” and “A. ancylus,” or 
respectively, European and Putnam Scale, but not such serious pests as 
the San Jose, on account of their less rapid production. Imported from 
United States, Ontario, Japan, France, Holland, Belgium and Eng- 
land. 

“A. forbesi,” or White Cherry Scale, another of this genus, import- 
ed from the United States and Japan. 

“A. rapax,” known as California Greedy Scale, imported from Pa- 
cific Coast States, Fiji Islands and Japan, on apricot, peach, plum, cur- 
rant, rose, ornamental shrubs and citrus trees. One or two other species 
of this genus on ornamentals, citrus, palms, etc., from United States, 
Australia and Japan, including “4. auranti’ and “d. citricola,” or Red 
and Yellow Scale. 

Genus “Diaspis.”’. Several species of the genus Diaspis on peach, 
pear, prune, ornamental trees, shrubs and palms, orange and _ pineapple 
from United States, Australia, China, Japan and Hawaiian Islands, 
that of most economic importance being the ‘‘Diaspis pyricola,”’ very 
troublesome to many of the deciduous fruit-trees on the Pacific Coast, 
and “dulacaspis rosae,”’ on blackberry and rose bushes, etc. 

“Chionaspis.” The genus Chionaspis has been in evidence on fruit 
and ornamental trees and shrubs, palms and citrus trees, and fruit from 
England, Holland, Belgium, France, United States, Mexico, Australia, 
China, Japan, Fiji and Hawaiian Islands, and Ontario. Probably the 
most injurious species is ““C. furfura,” infecting many of the deciduous 
fruit and ornamental trees and shrubs. 


“NMyTILAsPIs.” 


The genus Mytilaspis often puts in an appearance at the inspection 
station, being found on both deciduous and citrus fruit and ornamental 
Oyster Shell Scale, “Lepidosaphes ulmi,” and Purple Scale, “MM. citri- 


cola,” imported from every country already mentioned. 


“LECANIUM.” 


Several species of the genus Lecanium have also been recorded: 
“Saissetia oleae,’ or Black Scale on prune, almond and olive stock; 
“Eulecanium armeniacum,” or Apricot Brown Scale, on apricot and 
peach, mostly from California. Other species infecting ornamental trees 
and shrubs have appeared very frequently on nursery stock from Europe, 
England, United States and Japan. 


28 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


“Teerya purchasi,’ Cottony Cushion Scale, on grape stock, and 
“Pulvinaria innumerabilis,” on several ornamental trees and shrubs, are 
also on record. 

“Mealy Bugs’: “Dactylopius destructor” and “Dactylopius longi- 
filis,” imported on ornamental shrubs and palms, often very numerous 
on azalea from Japan, and pineapple from Hawaiian Islands. 

“Aphis”: “Schizoneura lanigera,’ Woolly Aphis, on root and branch 
of apple and crab trees from England, United States, France, Holland, 
Belgium and Eastern Canada. 

“Aphis persicae-niger,’ Black Peach Aphis, on peach root from the 
United States. 

Green Aphis, “Aphis mali,’ eggs on apple-trees from England, 
Europe, United States and Eastern Canada. 

Plum Aphis, “Hyalopterus pruni,”’ eggs on plum-trees from United 
States and Eastern Canada. 

Cherry Aphis, “AZyzus cerasi,” eggs on cherry-trees from the United 
States. 

Buffalo Tree Hopper, “Cerasa bubalus,’ Family “Membracidae,” 
eggs inserted in bark of apple-trees from United States. 


OrbER-LEPIDOPTERA. 


The insulated egg masses of the Tent Caterpillar (Clisiocampa sp.) 
have been found on the twigs and small limbs of many varieties of 
nursery stock, both fruit and ornamental trees and shrubs, imported 
from England, France, Holland, United States and Eastern Canada. 
On similar stock the cocoons of the Fall Web Worm have also been 
found, also the egg masses of the tussock Moth, “Orgyia sp.,” and the 
Fall Canker Worm, “Alsophila pometaria.” 


Of far more economic importance is the “Sanninoidea exitiosa,” the 
larva of which has often been found embedded in its own excavation in 
the roots of peach, plum, apricot, almond and cherry trees, and com- 
monly called the Peach Root Borer. It has been imported on nursery 
stock from United States and Eastern Canada, and for which a large 
quantity of stock has been condemned and destroyed. 


Another insect causing tremendous loss to the peach, apricot and 
plum growers in California and Oreogn is the Twig Borer, “4 narsia 
lineatella,” the larvae of which have been found in stone-fruit trees 1m- 
ported from California and Oregon. 

The cases of the Bag Worm, “Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis,” on 
ornamental trees from United States and Japan. 

The nests of the Brown Tail Moth, “Euproctis chrysorrhea,’ which 
has proven such a scourge in some of the Eastern States, have been im- 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 29 


ported into British Columbia on apple, pear and quince seedling and 
rose stock from France, but in every case the nests containing the young 
larvae were carefully destroyed. 

One single egg cluster of the Gipsy Moth, *“Porthetria dispar,” 
has appeared on ornamental stock from Europe. 

The Mediterranean Flour Moth, “Ephestia kuehniella,” Family 
“Phycitinae,” and the “Angoumis Grain Moth,” “Sitotroga cereallella,” 
of the Family ‘““Tineina,”’ imported in grain, corn and rice from United 
States, Australia and Japan. 


OrRDER—‘COLEOPTERA.” 


The Flatheaded Apple-tree Borer, “Chrvsobothris femorata,”’ and 
the Roundheaded Apple-tree Borer, “Saperda candida,” larvae found in 
trees from United States. 

The Sinuate Pear Bark Borer, “dgrilus sinuatus,’ larva found in 
trees from United States and Japan. 

The Apple Twig Borer, “Schistoceros hamatus,’ pupa found in 
elder and maple from England and United States. 

The Blackberry Cane Borer, “Agrilus ruficollis,’ larvae found in 
blackberry cane from United States. 

The Giant Root Borer, “Prionus laticollis,” larvae in roots of orna- 
mental and fruit-trees from United States and Japan. 

Old crops of rice from Japan are often badly infected with larvae 
of the beetle “Tenebrio molitor,” but are easily dispatched by the use 
of Carbon Bisulphide, along with the Angoumis Moth and Rice Weevil 
of the genus “Calandra.” 

The fruit bark beetle, “Scolytus rugulosus,” which is of considerable 
economic importance on many of the deciduous fruit-trees and some 
ornamental, has been found on rare occasions. 

The Black Gooseberry Borer, “NX ylocrius Agassizu,” larva in root 
of gooseberry bushes from United States. 

Raspberry Root Borer, “Membicia marginata,” from United States. 


OrDER—* HYMENOPTERA.” 


Blackberry gall insect, “Diastrophus nebulosus,” larvae in galls on 
stem of blackberry from United States. 


*As this record is the first of its kind to be taken in Canada, it would 
be well to state the details. “Two or three years ago an egg cluster on 
imported ornamental stock from Holland closely resembled the egg 
cluster of the much dreaded Gipsy Moth. The eggs failed to hatch, 
so no definite determination was made.—W. H. L. 


30 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


” 


“ACARINA,” OR MITES. 


The Red Spider, “Tetranychus sp.,” and the Clover Mite, “Bryobia 
pratensis,’ often found on apple, plum and many ornamental trees from 
England, Eastern Canada and the United States, the eggs being de- 
posited around the base of the small twigs and laterals. 

Pear Blister Mite, “Eriophyes pyri,” 
from England and the United States. 

This about completes the list of insects that have arrived in British 
Columbia as undesirable immigrants, and have been treated accordingly. 


in the bud scales of pear-trees 


W. H. LYNE, 


Assistant Provincial Inspector Fruit Pests. 


BOMBYCIA IMPROVISA, EDW. AND ITS CONGENERS. 


In Dyar’s list of orth AmericaN nLepidoptera (1902) the name 
“tearli’’ Edw. is given as a synonym of Bombycia “improvisa’ Edw. 
On our finding two Bombycias in the Duncans District of Vancouver 
Island somewhat alike, it was at first thought that one was merely a 
variety of the other, namely, “improvisa’’ the species and “‘tearlii” the 
variety. But for the last two or three years I have felt convinced that 
the two forms were distinct species. “This conviction has recently been 
confirmed by Messrs. Barnes and McDunnough in the September, 1910, 
number of the New York Entomological Society (Vol. XVII., No. 3), 
where, under the heading of “Bombycia fasciata, new species,” is given 
a description of the moth which we have been inclined to regard as 
“tearli’’ Edw., but which Messrs. Barnes and McDunnough state is 
not that species. I may remark that the insect figured in Holland’s 
“Noth Book” as B. tearlii Edw. is evidently B. improvisa, Edw. 

For the benefit of anyone who has not the Journal of the New York 
Entomological Society to refer to, I will quote the description and re- 
marks, as follows: 

Bombycia fasciata, new species. 

“Collar and prothorax ruddy brown: patagia crested, gray, edged 
with dark brown; posterior portion of thorax gray; abdomen smoky 
brown; base of legs clothed with rosy hairs; primaries, ground color 
light purple brown, suffused at base and terminal portion of wing 
with light whitish green and crossed by a broad median band of the 
same color; the basal green portion of wing is bordered by an in- 
distinct geminate, outwardly oblique, subbasal line, angled inwardly 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 31 


on submedian fold and filled with light green; at a short distance 
beyond, a geminate t, a. line filled with ruddy brown runs parallel 
to subbasal line, outer line of the two being broadly black; median 
area with small black spot in cell and a wavy black median shade 
exterior to spot; t, p. line geminate, almost perpendicular, slightly 
outcurved opposite cell, incurved on submedian fold; inner line deep 
black, space between ruddy brown; at a point beyond t, p. line, equal 
to distance between subbasal and t, a. lines, a perpendicular, lunu- 
late, pale green line, the area beyond this being almost entirely 
whitish green; below apex of wing a slight black curved line, con- 
tinued indistinctly as a greenish shade edged with dusky to anal 
angle, often entirely absent; terminal black line slightly lunulate; 
fringes rosy gray. Secondaries dark smoky gray, lighter along outer 
margin with traces of black subbasal line and lighter median band. 
Beneath smoky, banded with lighter, costa, apex of wing and fringes 
rosy; small discal spot on secondaries. 
“Expanse, 37.5 mm. 


“Habitat—Duncans, Vancouver Island (Oct. 1-7), 2 males, 9 
females. 


“Type, Coll, Barnes. 

“This species, which is very constant in markings in all speci- 
mens before us, we consider distinct forms both ‘improvisa’ Edw. 
and ‘tearlii (sic) Edw. ‘The latter species can at once be separated 
by its dull gray color and lack of contrasting markings; the median 
area is scarcely lighter than the remainder of the wing and there is 
no green whatever present; Dyar is evidently in error in making it 
synonymous with ‘improvisa’ Edw. The green basal area of ‘impro- 
visa is more limited than in fasciata and of a decided apple green 
shade; the broad suffusion of greenish in the outer portion of wing 
bordered inwardly by geminate line is almost lacking in improvisa, 
being confined to an apical patch continued as a waved line; the 
course of the t, a. line also differs in the two species; in improvisa it 
is strongly oblique below costa and well angled inwardly on sub- 
median fold; in fasciata it is much less oblique and the angle is not 
prominent; this latter distinction holds good in six specimens of 


” 


improvisa and eleven of fasciata compared by us. 


My own observations entirely agree with the foregoing descriptions 
and remarks pertaining to improvisa and fasciata, with the exception 
that all the markings which Messrs. Barnes and McDunnough call 
“black” are in my specimens a very dark chocolate brown. 

I will now proceed to give my reasons for considering that “inpro- 
visa’ and “‘fasciata’”’ are distinct from each other and the latter worthy 
of being raised to the rank of a species. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


es) 
bho 


In both cases the images bear a superficial resemblance to each 
other, but anyone well acquainted with the insects would have no diffi- 
culty in separating them. ‘The greatest difference, however, lies in the 
time of appearance and also in the early stages of the insects. To take 
the time of appearance first, fasciata is on the wing from the end of 
September to about the middle of October, and just when it is getting 
worn and over, improvisa puts in a first appearance quite freshly 
emerged ; and continues for a fortnight or so after fasciata has practically 
disappeared. In some years, however, the two species overlap a little. 

With regard to ova; at the present time I have eggs from both 
species—fasciata laid 9th to 12th October—improvisa laid 23rd to 28th 
October. Perhaps it would be plainer to contrast the other special dif- 


ferences of the ova in separate columns. 


FASCIATA. IMPROVISA. 


1. Laid singly and promiscuously 1. Laid end to end regularly (in 


attached (lengthwise) to box. lines containing varying num- 

2. Shape, cylindrical, with round- bers of eggs) like strings of 
ed ends; about one-third longer elongated beads, and attached 
than broad. Length, half a firmly to box. 


line. Breadth one-third of a 


: 7: : . 2. The same, but the. size consid- 
line. Sculptured with longi- . 
2 Cae erably smaller and with the 
tudinal striations, strongly : 


striations not so pronounced. 


marked. 

3, Color (after the first few days 3. Greenish yellow at first, after- 
when they were the usual wards purplish brown with a 
greenish yellow), medium greenish tinge, like bloom on a 
brown with a somewhat irrides- plum. Not as irridescent as 
cent purplish tinge. fasciata. 


So far as the egg stage is concerned, the foregoing may be relied 
upon to apply to the respective species. 

With regard to the larvae, the following descriptions are taken from 
my notebook for 1908, in which year I possessed examples of both spe- 
cies, but they all died when nearly full grown, so that I cannot positively 
say which was which. Assuming, however, that the earlier larva turned 
to the earlier moth (fasciata) and the later larva to the later moth 
(B. improvisa), the following notes would hold good: 

B. fasciata, Barnes and McDunnough. 

Larva (nearly full fed) beaten from wild cherry. May 8th, 

1908. Color, dirty brown, underside lighter, a central lighter 

band runs from the head to anal segment where it ends in a point 

cut off by a transverse chocolate colored line. This marking is the 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


we 
w 


most conspicuous on the larva. ‘There are six other dark lines, 
three on each side of the central band near the head at the hinder 
part of the Ist, 2nd, and 3rd segments pointing diagonally forward 
from the central band. At the base of the last pair of marks are 
indistinct bands margining the central band. ‘The central band has 
a central line widening a little on each segment except on the last 
three, where it is barely traceable. Head pinky brown with blackish 
blotches. “There are groups of three and four dark dots on both 
sides of each segment, situated in the darkish band on each side of 
the central band and also dots below the spiracles. “There is a short 
putty colored line extending backward from each spiracle. 

B. improvisa, H. Edw. 

Ova hatched at the beginning of May, 1909. Larva quite small 
when one larva of fasciata found wild half grown and another full 
fed. General appearance of the larva when young the same in both 
species. Newly hatched larvae chose wild cherry out of several food 
plants offered them and continued feeding on the same until they 
died. At the end of May improvisa much brighter in color than 
fasciata and of a more orange brown. ‘The markings are distinctly 
mustard yellowish. The central channel ends posteriorly in light 
brown transverse marking and not in a dark one like fasciata. Above 
the spiracles the subdorsal area is a tawny brown. 

All the larvae (5) found dead in sleeve (on growing wild 
cherry) 5th June. They were flaccid as if killed by heat. The 
largest was then 114 inch long. 


To sum up the most striking differences, fasciata larva was full 
grown about the second week in May, whereas improvisa would have 
been full grown about the second week in June. Fasciata is duller than 
improvisa and has not the distinct mustard yellowish markings along 
the sides, nor the arrangements of shading which give the impression 
of diamond shapes down the back. On the other hand, the markings 
behind the head and on the anal segment are darker in fasciata than in 
improvisa. 

Of course further experience with the early stages will be required 
to ascertain if the differences I have noted are constant or not, and it 
will be necessary to breed the separate forms right through, before one 
can speak with any degree of certainty, but perhaps the foregoing may 
be acceptable, pro tempore, as a contribution to the subject. 

I may state that my “rough and ready” and incomplete descriptions 
of the larvae were noted for my own information and not with the idea 
of publication. 


GEO. O. DAY. 
“Sahlatston,” Duncans, B. C., 14th Nov., 1911. 


34 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


CLIMATIC INFLUENCES AT WORK IN THE PROVINCE 
AFFECTING PLANT AND INSECT LIFE. 


I may preface my remarks tonight by saying that I like to pick out 
my own text, and don’t profess to be a literary man nor yet an universal 
genius who, with the pen of a ready writer, can atack any subject under 
the sun, or the earth, or the waters under the earth. 


It is a little hard to know just exactly how to treat the subject 
which has been laid down for me in the programme. ‘There are sev- 
eral methods of getting at it. We might, for instance, go away back 
into the womb of time and look at the gradual distribution of plants 
and insects in their struggle for existence. We might compare some of the 

general and even the species of this country with those of the old country. 
"When I say this country, I mean this part of British Columbia. In 
some cases we find they are identical, as witness our Droceras and 
Lentibularias, both insectivorous plants. Where there is a difference it 
is generally that the individuals here are larger. ‘Take, for instance, 
the Cowparsnip of the old country, Heracleum sphondYlium, a plant 
seldom growing more than three feet high, and compare it with our 
H1, lanatum, which I have seen over eight feet in height and with leaves 
inclusive of the petioles as much as 3% to 4+ feet. Again, take the little 
plant belonging to the old country, Adoxa moschatalina, a little thing 
seldom more than an inch high, and compare it with its gigantic cousin 
the Devils Club, Fasia horrida, which grows in semi-tropical profusion 
on our mountain slopes, where the soil is rich and the copious showers 
of warm rain are driven in from the Pacific. Such instances as these 
indicate the primaeval condition of our vegetative growth where do- 
mestication and its relative diminishing effect on plant growth have not 
made themselves so noticeable. Let me for one instance compare our 
mammals here with those of the old country. ‘Take the little roedeer 
and place it side by side with such gigantic herbivores as the Elk and 
the Moose. These instances I consider as due to climate conditions and 
to the factor whereby the food materials for plants still remain virginal 
resulting in the raising of large quantities of food for the indigeous 
animals which up to this stage of the world’s history have not been 
affected to any marked degree by the hand of man. 

I have said that where differences exist in this country the types 
here are larger; I ought to say that this does not apply so much to in- 
sects. I have not found that there is very much difference in the size 
of the individual, but when it comes to numbers the preponderance is 
vastly on the side of British Columbia. I do not necessarily mean to 
imply that excessive numbers of certain insects during certain years is 
a factor peculiar to British Columbia, because I know other parts of 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


w 
nn 


the globe are at times disturbed by unusual outbreaks of annoying in- 
sects; but the point I wish to make is that the climatic temperament 
of B. C., while influencing the size of both plants and animals in B. C., 
the same factors with insects affects their numbers. Some eight years 
ago the waters of Esquimalt Harbour were completely covered by the 
adults of the Pine White, Menapia neophasia, and two years ago in 
Southern Okanagan this same insect was so common on the Bull Pines 
that six or seven adults could be caught by each sweep of the net in 
their direction. 


Again, on comparing the vegetation of the coast with the so-called 
Dry Belt of B. C., the difference is very marked. In many cases the 
same species are common to both districts. “Take only one instance, the 
Douglas Fir. It is no uncommon sight to notice a tree cut six -feet on 
the stump on the coast, but such a thing would be unknown in the dry 
belt. 

I am afraid the subject is too vast to bring within the scope of a 
paper of this kind, so instead I shall take the liberty to switch off a 
little and try and show the effect of distribution of some of our common 
insects, at the same time pointing out where this might be due to climatic 
influences. 

If we take a map of B. C. and look at the valley of the Fraser 
River, from Hope down to its mouth, you will notice that we have 
here one of the most important farming districts in the Province. This 
comprises the districts of Agassiz, Harrison, Chilliwack, Dewdney, 
Matsqui, Langley, Surrey, Delta and Lulu Island. This part of the 
country is, from its climatic and soil conditions, naturally one which 
carries a most luxuriant plant growth, and consequently is a rich feed- 
ing ground for many species of destructive insects. The insect which 
has caused the most visible destruction is the Tent Caterpillar. For 
five years it has devastated the forests, and where timely protection has 
not been given the orchards have also been destroyed. Long stretchs 
of country in the Fraser Valley may be seen where the bush has been 
killed, and in such numbers were they on occasion that I have known 
them on the C. P. R. railway line to cause the engineer considerable 
difficulty in starting a grade owing to the grease from these insects on 
the rails. On Vancouver Island the depredations of this insect have 
been confined to more restricted areas. “These are the immediate 
neighbourhood, the Saanish peninsula; the neighbourhood of Duncans, 
from whence there is a gap of nearly ninety miles over onto the low, 
rich land about Alberni. Now when we examine the soil and vegetation 
in all of these different districts, we find a preponderance of what I 
think is the natural and favorite plant food of this insect, viz., the wild 
crab-apple. I have observed that it attacks something like this: 


36 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


1. Wild crab-apple, willow, orchard-apple, cherry. 
2. Birch and plum. 


3. Alders and sometimes hazel. 


I have also seen it strip the leaves from poplars up to +0 and 50 feet 
high. I have never seen it attack the pear or the maple. I have had a 
number of men, both white and Indian, taking observations on this 
point, and they will bear me out. I took a photograph of two trees 
growing side by side, an apple completely denuded of foliage and that 
of a pear untouched. I know I do not see eye to eye with some of our 
Entomologists in the East, but perhaps our B. C. insects have different 
habits from the Eastern forms. 


Much has been written and preached about the Divine given instinct 
which teaches insects to choose for their egg-laying that plant whose 
leaves will afford the most suitable food for the future generation. I 
am afraid this insect has not profited by its teaching, as it often makes 
mistakes. I have observed the egg masses laid on different plants which 
could not by any possible chance be of any use to the young larvae. 
For instance, I have found them on a number of deciduous plants such 
as nettle stems, fireweed, Epilobium augustifolium, hop vines, several 
of the grasses, including wheat and oats, and last summer I found a 
nest that had hatched out on the Douglas Fir. I may say that from 
observations which I have made during the past summer and fall, that 
with the exception of a few local spots, Nature has again reasserted 
itself, and through the agencies of fungous and parasites we are likely 
to be free from any serious infestation of the Tent Caterpillar for a 
short time to come. So much, then, for the Tent Caterpillar. 


An insect which is common both to the Coast and the Dry Belt is 
the Fall Webworm, which attacks all classes of deciduous trees and 
shrubs. It is earlier and more virulent in its operations in the dry 
country than it is near the coast. I have noticed it in the Dry Belt 
as early as July, while down on the Coast district it seldom commences 
work before September. 


What threatens to become a menace to cherry and pear growets, 
more especially in the dry part of the Province, is the “slug” Eriocam- 
poides limacina. 1 noticed this insect as early as the end of June on 
the wild thorn in the woods and on cherry and pear in the orchards 
around Salmon Arm, and all down the Okanagan country as far as 
Penticton. “There are two, if not three, broods in the season in the Dry 
Belt; on the Coast seldom more than one. The Dry Belt of the in- 
terior seems conducive to the spread of this pest, and unless efforts are 
put forth to combat it in the early summer it will certainly weaken 
the tree through denuding them of their foliage. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 37 


I dare say you have read, and perhaps seen, the effects of the de- 
predation of the Spruce Bud Worm. It has ravaged the forests of 
Douglas Fir and other conifers on different parts of the south end of 
Vancouver Island and also the islands of the Gulf lying adjacent to 
the east coast. This insect cetrainly owes its distribution and spread 
to climatic conditions. “The prevailing winds are from the South 
around Victoria and the spread of the insect is from the south northward. 
From observations it seems to be disappearing from the neighborhood 
ot Cowichan Bay, where it was very plentiful last year, but on the other 
hand it has increased its distance about four miles further north from 
Victoria along the line of the E. & N. Railway. 

In this already too long paper I have purposely confined myself to 
some of the leaf-destroying insects, but I hope at some future meeting 
to have something to say about the aphides and others which infest our 
low rich alluvial lands of the Fraser Valley. 


Tom WILson, 
1105 Broadway West, Vancouver, B.C. 


THE LIFE HISTORY OF IXODES ANGUSTUS (BANKS) 
by 


SEYMOUR Hapwen, D. V. Sct. 


This tick is found on a variety of animals, but in British Columbia 
occurs principally on squirrels (Sciwrus hudsonius douglasi and Sciurus 
hudsonius vancouverensis. ) 

The life history, as given below, is the result of a series of experi- 
ments made in summer and winter at room temperature. The time 
given of 221 days for the complete life cycle is probably very nearly 
what occurs in nature. It would appear that the time required for 
Ixodes angustus to go through its life cycle is shorter than in many 
other varieties of Ixodes, as squirrels have nests, and it is in these that 
ecdysis occurs, the process being naturally hastened by the warmth of 
the animal. 

The squirrels from which the ticks were taken, were shot at all 
times of the year and had about an equal number of ticks upon them. 
One point to note about squirrels is that they do not seem to wander 
far away from their abodes, and are often seen feeding day after day 
in the same spot; thus, any gorged ticks which dropped off them to 
moult would stand a good chance of getting onto the same animal 
again. Another interesting feature is the fact that males were seldom 


38 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


found together with the females on the squirrels, nearly 200 females and 
nymphs were captured before a single male was encountered. This 
means that copulation between the sexes occurs almost wholly in the 
squirrels’ nests or on the ground. 

The same general life history should apply also to the ticks found 
on other nesting animals, such as coons, and perhaps skunks, but to those 
which move about a great deal, like the mink and martens, I do not 
think it would apply, nor for bears, which den up after the cold weather 
has started and would no doubt go into their dens free from ticks. 

Ixodes texanus (Banks) was found twice on coons (Procyon lotor) 
captured in hollow trees, both times in the dead of winter; one of them 
up North when the thermometer was much below zero. “The exact 
temperature was not ascertained, but the trees round about were crack- 
ing with the frost. 

These observations are further confirmed by the fact that no ticks 
have been found on the hares (generally known as rabbits) of the 
lower mainland in the winter, whereas in the summer ticks are almost 
invariably found on these animals. 

Though ticks are able to withstand low temperatures without being 
killed, they become torpid when cold, and in my experiments, would 
not attach themselves to animals unless they had been previously warmed. 
Once they are firmly attached they are protected by the hair, and are, 
of course, kept warm by the animal’s heat. 

In conclusion | desire to express my gratitude to Professor Nuttall, 
F.R.S., of Cambridge, for his help and encouragement in the study of 
these and other blood-sucking parasites, and to Mr. F. Kermode, 
Curator Provincial Museum, for giving me the scientific names of the 
various animals I have been working with. 


Ixodes angustus (Banks). 


Gorged, female— Average of 
@yipasitiongibecanitatees see aie cient ketene ene ere 16 days 
hanvae hatchedWat ies ners aces seen ete ae ee 73 days 

Larvae fed on rabbit— 

Average: timesot teedingem pee cen ieee 2.5 days 
Ecdysis, lacvaenisSuelasenymp hse scenic ese eee 61 days 

Nymphs fed on rabbit— 

Averacestime ot teedinges mem cos ae eric ce ee eineeae 2.5 days 
Ecdysis) mymphsiissuesas agullts: 9 97) reer memes 
Adultseattachsand ‘remainy One eerie 7 days 

Allowance for hardening of skin after ecdysis and time 
in waiting for host, ten days at each stage.......... 30. days 
221 days 


Thus it is possible for Ixodes angustus to go through its various 
stages in seven months. 


{ 
‘B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


LIST OF MEMBERS 


January 19th, 1913. 
LIFE MEMBERS— 


Baynes, REED E. see ees a Victoria, B.C. 
TayLor, Rev. G. W. : : # Departure Bay, B.C. 
MEMBERS— 
Apps, A. W. 1 coe 2125 13th Ave. W., Vancouver, B.C. 
ANDERSON, E. M. set acts Provincial Museum, Victoria, B.C. 
Bain, T. H. wee oe = Ses North Vancouver, B.C. 
Bryant, THEO. eae yet ae 23 ae Ladysmith, B.C. 
Busu, A. H. x a 1105 Broadway West, Vancouver, B.C. 
Criark, R. G. ae Dept. Fruit Pests, Court House, Vancouver 
CocKLeE, J. W. are ni ns Ae me =e Kaslo, B. C. 
CUNNINGHAM, T. .... Dept. Fruit Pests, Court House, Vancouver 
Davipson, J. oe ae ee Room D, Leak Block, Vancouver 
Day, G. O. Bee we Pr Duncans, Vancouver Island, B.C. 
HaApwen, Dr. S. — a Experimental Farm, Agassiz, B.C. 
Hanuam, A. W. oe eee Bank B. N. A., Duncans, B.C. 
LIVINGSTON, JOHN att eae ees Kerrisdale P. O., B.C. 
Lyne, W. H. “ak Dept. Fruit Pests, Court House, Vancouver 
Marmont, L. E. a = sos 55 Fraser Mills, B. C. 
Sims, A. E. Ls: Dept. Fruit Pests, Court House, Vancouver 
SHERMAN, R. S. ae ae 2024 1st Ave. E., Vancouver, B.C. 
TREHERNE, R. C. = ae 1105 Broadway W., Vancouver 
VENABLES, E. P. aes ne: a = ara Vernon, B.C. 
DE VERTEUIL, Dr. — ee 672 Granville St., Vancouver 
WALLACE, E. A. a a Flewens Gardens, Victoria, B.C. 
WILson, Tom oe wits 1105 Broadway W., Vancouver, B.C. 


FINANCIAL STATEMENT. 


JANUARY, 31sT, 1912. 


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40 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1911. 


NOTICE.—To become a member of this Society the present annual 
fee is $1.00, payable to the secretary. Members will receive the monthly 
issue of the “Canadian Entomologist,” the Annual Report of the On- 
tario Entomological Society, and the Reports of the B. C. Entomological 
Society. 

In view of the fact that the publications of the B. C. Branch have 
to be financed by the members themselves, the Secretary earnestly re- 
quests such members that feel disposed to contribute towards this end, 


to correspond with him. 


R. C. TREHERNE, 


1105 Broadway W., Vancouver. 


On Page 30. 


S anes aa 


SiS ACW 


PROCEEDINGS 


OF THE 


BRITISH COLUMBIA 


Entomological Society 


Obituary Notice 

Report from Vancouver. .Tom Wilson 
Report from Victoria.. B. M, Anderson 
Report from Okanagan. ....E, P, Venables 
Report from Kootenay. 

Correspondence Be 
Re Imperial Bureau... zh 
Carbon Bisulphide Fumigation............W. H. Lyne 
Beneficial Insects................ Ww. H. Brittain, B.S.A, 
Notes on Xanthia pulchella........ G. O. Day, F.E.S. 
Notes on Schizura unicornis G, O. Day, F.B,S. 


The Strawberry Root Weevil 
‘ay R. C, Treherne, B.S.A, 


Fruit Quarantine ....Thos, Cunningham 
Notes on the Season.. 

Presidential Address. Tom Wilson 
Resolutions 

Mountain Fauna 

Occurrence of Hypoderma bovis in B. c 


S. Hadwen, D.V.8ely : 


Seer 


Neen ee 


2,N.S. SEPARATE COPIES, TWENTY-FIVE CENTS 


PROCEEDINGS 


OF THE 


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1912 
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OBITUARY 


REV. GEORGE W. TAYLOR, F.R.S.C., F.Z.S. 


The subject of this memoir was born in Derby, England, 
in 1851, and came to Canada when he was twenty-five years of 
age. He settled in Vancouver Island and studied for the min- 
istry under the Rt. Rev. George Hills, D.D., Bishop of Colum- 
bia. He was made a deacon in 1884, and ordained to the 
priesthood in 1886. His first clerical charge was Cedar Hill, 
a few miles out of Victoria, and his next a parish in that city, 
where during his charge a church was built. After some years 
of active service in the Columbia Diocese, he moved to Ottawa 
and there founded the Church of St. Barnabas. This was 
after the death of his wife. 


After a few years in Ottawa, for the benefit of his health 
he moved back to British Columbia and bought some property 
on Gabriola Island, a large island off Nanaimo, on Vancouver 
Island. Here he resided for a short time, looking after his 
young family and devoting his spare time to the study of shells 
and insects, continuing the work, in this line, that he had taken 
up on his arrival in the Colony. 

From Gabriola he moved to Wellington, near Nanaimo, 
and became rector of the church there; this charge he retained 
until five years ago, when he was appointed by the Federal 
Government, Curator of the Marine Biological Station at 
Departure Bay. He was largely responsible for the estab- 
lishment of this Station, chose the site on Departure Bay, and 
had the building of the Station left entirely in his hands. He 
held this position until his death. 

Mr. Taylor died of paralysis on August the 22nd last, 
and was buried in the cemetery at Nanaimo. He leaves to 
mourn his loss, a married daughter and three sons. The 
funeral service was read by a dear friend of the deceased, the 
Venerable Archdeacon Scriven. 

For several years prior to leaving Wellington, I believe 
he conducted the services there without any recompense in the 
way of a stipend, and after the move to Departure Bay he 


carried on a Sunday service in a school building about a mile 
away from the Station, whenever possible, until failing health 
prevented. 


In 1881, Mr. Taylor was made a Fellow of the Royal 
Society of Canada. He had been for many years a Fellow of 
the Zoological and Entomological Societies of England, and 
fifteen years ago was elected a Corresponding Member of 
the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club. All these societies have 
been benefitted by his labors. In 1887 he was appointed Hon- 
orary Provincial Entomologist of British Columbia. About six 
years ago, a B. C. Entomological Society was formed, and of 
this he naturally became the President. 


Soon after his arrival on Vancouver Island, he gave atten- 
tion to the attractive and then but little known fauna of the 
Pacific Coast, for in the preface to the Toronto Check List of 
Insects, which was published in 1883, Messrs. Brodie and 
White speak of him as a collector to whom their thanks were 
due, and at the annual meeting of the Entomological Society 
of Ontario, held in London, Ont., October 15, 1884, Mr. 
James Fletcher presented, on behalf of Mr Taylor, a collec- 
tion of Diurnal Lepidoptera to the Society. On this occasion 
Mr. Fletcher said “that although Mr. Taylor was but a new 
member, he had already done good work.” In the report of 
this meeting, the first contribution by the Rev. G. W. Taylor 
to the annals of the Society appears. It is entitled ‘Notes on 
the Entomology of Vancouver Island.” In the ‘Canadian 
Entomologist” for the same year (Vol. XVI.) other papers 
written by him will be found. In the Annual Report of the 
Entomological Society for 1887, he published a very interest- 
ing account of Mount Finlayson, in search of Chionabas gigas, 
Butler. It was during the period of his second residence in 
Vancouver Island, that he became a constant contributor to 
the pages of the “Canadian Entomologist.” In the volumes 
of that magazine numbered from XXXVI. to XLIL., inclu- 
sive, no less than eighteen papers from his hand appear. His 
last contribution, entitled ““On Some New Species of Meso- 
leuca,’ is given in the number for March, 1910. 

Of late years Mr. Taylor gave much attention to the 
Geometridae, especially those belonging to the genera Epith- 
ecia, Curtis, and Mesoleuca, Hubner. Of these he described 


and named many new species. The whole of his collection of 
Geometridae was recently purchased by Dr. Wm. Barnes, of 
Decatur, Ill., who without doubt will make excellent use of it, 
but we cannot but regret that so much of the fruit of our late 
friend’s research and ability should have passed from the Do- 
minion. 

Mr. Taylor was well known as a student of Pacific Coast 
shells, especially those of British Columbia; he was a keen 
collector in conchology, and was also well posted in many 
other branches of Natural History, and he leaves a very large 
and valuable collection of shells, particularly rich in Limpets 
and Unionidae. In the transactions of the Royal Society of 
Canada, 1895-96, he published a Preliminary Catalogue of the 
Marine Molusca of the Pacific Coast of Canada, with notes 
upon their distribution; also a Supplement to the same a year 
or two later, and was engaged upon a new Catalogue for 
publication, which, owing to poor health, was never com- 
pleted. 

He contributed articles on shells, to the “Nautilus” (a 
monthly devoted to the interests of Conchologists, now in its 
26th year), in Vol. V. to VIII. and X. When living in Vic- 
toria in 1891, he published a List of the Land and Fresh Water 
Shells of Vancouver Island (Vol. V.), and in Vol. VII. a very 
interesting account appears of dredging operations in Departure 
Bay with Professor Macoun. Mr. Taylor was also a contrib- 
utor to the Ottawa Field Naturalist. 

One of the writers corresponded with Mr. Taylor as far 
back as 1888, chiefly in connection with their mutual hobbies 
(shells and insects), but did not meet him until the spring of 
1901, when he was moved from the Prairies to Victoria, but 
since their visits were exchanged whenever possible, and some 
of the writer’s happiest recollections are of pleasant evenings 
spent under his hospitable roof at Wellington, and later at 
Departure Bay. 


“ 


Undoubtedly Mr. Taylor’s chief scientific work was done 
in connection with Marine Zoology, and in recognition of this 
the Federal Government in 1905 appointed him a member of 
the Dominion Fisheries Commission for British Columbia. In 
the report of that Commission Mr. Taylor described as many 


as thirty kinds of edible shellfish, and there is in course of pub- 
lication by the Dominion Government at the present time a 
very long and valuable report on the crabs, shrimps, and other 
crustacea of British Columbia. (Ottawa Evening Journal, 
Aug. 24th, 1912). In the thirty-fourth Annual Report of 
the Entomological Society of Ontario appears a highly apprecia- 
tive and eulogistic account of Mr. Taylor from the pen of the 
late Dr. Fletcher. From it we learn that many naturalists have 
given honor to Mr. Taylor by naming after him new species of 
various kinds, as for example, Melitaea taylori, W. H. Edwards. 
Modiolaria taylori, Dall. Leucandra taylori, Lambe. 

The following words written by Dr. Fletcher in the life- 
time of Mr. Taylor, and in the paper above referred to, were 
justly due to the deceased: “Mr. Taylor is an indefatigable 
collector, and a generous correspondent, who considers no 
trouble too much to make observations or secure specimens when 
specially desired. In his parish work he is painstaking, gentle 
and self-denying—always ready to help. A clear and forcible 
preacher, and an earnest liver, who shows in his works that 
religion is not an accessory of everyday life, but an integral part 
often 

Both the Rev. George W. Taylor and Dr. James Fletcher 
(Dominion Entomologist and Botanist) were men of striking 
personality and rare attainments, and neither were permitted to 
see old age; in them Canada has lost men and scholars whose 
place it will be very difficult to fill. 


A. W. Hanuam, 
F. W. Fy es. 


Note.—The photograph of the late Rev. G. W. Taylor appeared as the frontis- 
piece to the last Annual Report. 


PROCEEDINGS 


OF THE 


BRITISH COLUMBIA 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 
19 ha 


The Thirteenth Annual Meeting of the British Columbia Entomo- 
logical Society was held in the Botanical Room, Parliament Buildings, 
Victoria, B. C., on January 9th, 1913. 

The meeting was called to order by the President, Mr. Tom 
Wilson, at 10:00 a. m., with 22 members present. “Vhe day was divided 
into morning, afternoon and evening sessions. At the evening session 27 
members were present. 

Mr. CHAIRMAN—We will commence proceedings by receiving 
reports from the various districts. I notice that I am first on the pro- 
gramme with a report from the Lower Mainland, so without further 
delay I will present it. 


REPORT FROM VANCOUVER DISTRICT. 


On account of the unusually wet season which has not been con- 
ducive to the propagation and spread of many of our pests throughout 
the Fraser Valley and surrounding districts, we were not very greatly 
troubled with many injurious insects during the summer of 1912. The 
attack of the caterpillar Malacosoma erosa seemed to be confined to the 
west and southwest of the mainland, comprising part of the Municipality 
of Surrey and part of the Delta, as far as Blaine on the American 
boundary, and the immigration laws with regard to pests seemed not to 
have been put in force, so the insect exchanged visits to both sides of the 
International line in a perfect spirit of reciprocity. In the town of 
Blaine they were not only a nuisance, but were positively loathsome, 
crawling over fences and into open doors and windows. All along the 
shore of Simiamhoo Bay the few orchards and all the diciduous trees 


6 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


were completely denuded of foliage. The attack seemed to get less as 
we got further inland till around Chilliwack and at Harrison on the 
opposite side of the Fraser River, although the worms emerged in large 
numbers, many of them dried up and did no further harm, while as a 
whole, the most of them remained sluggish and nearly all were attacked 
by parasites. What these were I have not been able to determine. A 
rather bad, though isolated, attack of this insect was around Agassiz, 
where many of the orchards and also the crab apple brush were defoliated. 
This infestation did not extend beyond a mile east of Agassiz. I am 
glad that the point has now been cleared up with regard to the feeding 
habits of this insect. I think I was the first to report to the Department 
at Ottawa that I had never seen it attack the foliage of the pear, but 
this seemed to be pooh poohed down there. Now it has remained for 
some of our American friends to make the same cbservation, and to 
prove it. 

Red Humped Apple Tree Caterpillar, Schizura concinna, I found 
doing extensive damage in the arid and semi-arid parts of the Fraser 
Valley. It seemed to be most voracious, sometimes four or five caterpillars 
would be hanging to the margin of a leaf gradually eating their way into 
the midrib. One could almost fancy one could hear the sound of their 
jaws when they were busy feeding. Some of them I found to be 
attacked by the parasite Limneria. 


Fall Web Worm, Hyphantria textor. This insect is no respector 
of plants when it wants food. All the deciduous trees seem to have 
been made for it. It attacks the apple, plum, cherry, pear and peach in 
the orchards; and maple, choke cherry and thorn are rendered unsightly 
by the destruction of the leaves and also by the filthy webs which remain 
long after the foliage has disappeared. This web will be full of the 
remains of the worms and their excreta. This insect extends its work 
from the Fraser far into the interior. 


Several of the Cut Worms, Noctuids, did much injury in different 
parts of the district. The first that I noticed was up the Coast about 20 
miles, at Sechelt. A little later I found cut worms all the way down the 
Fraser Valley between Lillooet and Lytton, where they had eaten off 
such things as cabbages, tomatoes, cauliflowers, etc. In some cases these 
had been planted three times before a crop could be insured. I may say 
that I also saw the same grubs at Alberni near the West Coast of Van- 
couver Island. 


Bud Moths, Spilonota (Tmetocera) ocellana, were very prevalent 
and certainly injured such fruits as apple, plum and cherry, and more 
especially the Italian prune, and I believe reduced the output of this 
by 50 per cent. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 7 


Click Beetles were very numerous, working among the plum blos- 
soms. They also were to be blamed, in some measure, for reducing the 
crop in some districts. 


The Hop Flea Beetle, Psyloide punctulata, was still in evidence in 
the hop yards at Chilliwack, but I think on account of the rather moist 
season it did not do so much damage as usual and good crops were 
gathered. This insect is very catholic in its feeding habits, as it will 
eat nettles, clover, chickweed, tomatoes, beets and other farm crop. 
It is very fond of the bright sunshine, when it is extremely active, and 
correspondingly sluggish in dull weather. 


Cherry Slug, Eriocampoides limacina, did, on the whole, very little 
damage during the past season in the coast districts, but in the dry and 
semi-arid parts of the Interior it was very numerous and destructive. It 
does not confine its attention to cherries and pears, but attacks the 
thorn, the apple, and other plants of the Rosacae. 


Thrips during one or two hot dry spells which we had I noticed 
did much harm by injuring the leaves of some varieties of roses. “They 
seemed to suck the chlorophyl, leaving the leaves a pale, sickly gray. 


Saw Flies also injured the leaves of certain varieties. They seemed 
to confine their attacks to roses of the Spinosissima class. 


We have had, in certain districts, some very bad attacks of root 
maggots on early turnips, radishes and cabbages. I have recommended 
the use of discs of tar paper which has been advocated by the Department 
at Ottawa, but this is almost out of the question on a large scale, and 
adds too much to the cost of production. In the event of discing not 
being practical, a solution of crude carbolic acid and soap has been 
found to be fairly effectual and it has the merit of being easily applied. 
On a recent visit I paid to the Nicola country, I noticed a very serious 


infestation of Chionaspis pinifolia on the bull pines, P. ponderosa. Some 
of the trees were covered from the ground to the top and so conspicuous 


was it that they seemed to have been powdered over with sawdust. 
Many of the pines are dying, though whether from this cause or not I 
am unable to say. 


I noticed some time ago some curious looking galls on the poplars in 
some parts of the Okanagan. I thought at first that they were an aggre- 
gation of buds, but on examination they were found to be the work of 
one of the mites Eriophyes. Very little harm seems to accrue from the 
attack, as most of the trees seem healthy enough. 


The dry belt seems to be the happy hunting ground for several of 
those gall forming insects, more especially among the Artemesia. I 
have found stems of those plants which were scarce recognizable on 


8 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


account of these galls. I don’t know whether very many of these insects 
have been described. 

During the past season we have had the usual complement of Green 
and Wooly Aphis, but I don’t think it has been larger than other years— 
certainly the Green Aphis has not. I have confined my remarks almost 
entirely to insects doing damage to orchard and other crops, as they have 
come more especially under my own observation. I should like to give 
you a list of captures of Lepodoptera, but as this paper is already too 
long, I shal] refrain. 

Tom WILson, 
1105 Broadway W., 


Vancouver. 


Mr. TREHERNE—Mr. Gibson of Ottawa wrote to me recently and 
mentioned the fact that /, erosa was a variety of “disstria.” In connec- 
tion with the Root Maggots in relation to the market gardening industry 
of the Lower Fraser Valley, I noted that the great majority of the 
enquiries at the Agassiz Experimental Farm were relative to these insects. 
I invariably replied giving the thin tarred felt paper discs and the 
Carbolic Emulsion remedies as having been the most effective in the 
matter of control. Has any one experience in this country with these 
remedies ? 

Mr. Witson—lI can certainly recall instances where the Carbolic 
Emulsion has given the gardeners in the Fraser Valley very satisfactory 
results. One grower saved 90% to 95% of his crop a year or so ago by 
using this emulsion, much to his satisfaction. Previously his crops had 
been failures. 

Mr. Brirrain—Fresh pryethrum has also been effective. 

Mr. BusH—The tarred paper discs are thoroughly effective. 
Usually this remedy is only advocated for small areas, but after all it is 
not such a big job over a larger area. 

Mr. Lyne—Is there any merit in puddling the roots in a sulphur 
and mud bath previous to transplanting? 

Mr. Witson—That method is of very little use. The eggs of the 
fly are laid after the plant is in the ground. 

Mr. Lyne—But the sulphur might be objectionable. 

Mr. Witson—lIts aroma is not sufficiently strong. 

Mr. BusH—That is why the tarred discs are so effective. They 
throw off quite a considerable odor when fresh and thus affect the fly. 

Mr. Wirson—Discs cannot be used with satisfaction for radishes 
or carrots. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 9 


Mr. CUNNINGHAM—How is the Carbolic Emulsion made? 


Mr. Witson—One pound of soft or hard soap in a gallon of 
water to which is added one pint of crude carbolic acid. This is boiled 
together for a few minutes and held as stock solution. When required 
for use this mixture is diluted at the rate of one part to twenty and 
poured around the plants. Weekly applications increase the percentage 
of good results. 

Mr. CUNNINGHAM—Does the liquid not harm the plants? 

Mr. Witson—The liquid does no harm to the plants and for that 
matter can be poured over the plants themselves. I have seen plants 
dipped right into the mixture before planting. 


REPORT FROM VICTORIA DISTRICT. 


Nineteen hundred and twelve from a collector’s standpoint was 
without doubt the most disappointing season for many years past. This 
was due to frequent cold and wet weather which prevailed throughout 
the spring and summer months, therefore making systematic collecting an 
impossibility; furthermore, in the field it was most discouraging, for at 
times nothing could be seen, save an occasional rapae, antiopa, grapta, or 
some other common insect unworthy of note; however, during the year 
in spite of weather conditions I succeeded in securing a number of good 
captures. 

The Tent Caterpillar, as usual, did considerable damage to the 
apple trees. It is gratifying to state that over 60% of a large number of 
Tent Caterpillars examined, were infested with ova of the small ichneu- 
mon fly; this fact alone will greatly reduce the numbers next season. 

The disappearance of “Neophasia menapia,”’ the Pine White Butter- 
fly, was most noticeable in the outskirts of Victoria, for in places on 
previous years, where thousands occurred, hardly a single specimen could 
be seen. During the months of September and October this insect usually 
occurs in numbers about Metchosin and Goldstream districts amongst the 
valleys of the conifers. 

Therina (Ellopia) somniaria, Hulst., commonly known as the Oak 
Tree Pest, did no great damage as in previonus years, for the only spot 
I noticed any devastation whatsoever was on three or four scrub oaks near 
Cadbora Bay. 

List oF CAPTURES. 


Pontia occidentalis (Reak) May 29th, one male, Goldstream. 

Oenis gigas (Butler) July 7th, Mount Finlayson, near Goldstream. 
While collecting birds and eggs for the Provincial Museum I found this 
fine insect fairly common near the top of the ridge of the western slope. 


10 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


I saw at least thirty of these beauties, and managed to capture two speci- 
mens without the use of a net. 


Lepisesia ulalume (Strk.) May 19th, Saanich, (one female). 
Lepisesia clarkiae (Bdy.) June 22, Victoria. 

Samia rubra, (Behr.) July 6th and 11th, Victoria. 

Telea polyphemus, several taken at light, June and July, Victoria. 


Pseudohazis eglanterina, (Bdv.) (Sheep Moth), Goldstream. 
June 2nd. 


A pantesis ornata (Pack.) var, Achaia (G. & R.), May 28th, 
June 7th. 


A patela perdita (Grote), May 24th. 

Hadena claudens (Walker) May and June. 

FHadena cinefacta (Grote) May 20th. 

Hadena cerviana (Smith) June 4th and 8th. 

Polia epichysis (Grote) May 17th. 

Feralia columbiana (Smith) May 2nd. \ 

Rhynchagrotis costata (Grote) June 19th, 27th, 28th. 

Noctua inopinatus (Smith) Aug. 3rd, 6th. 

Noctua plebia (Smith) August 4th, 7th, 11th, 18th, 19th, Sept. Ist. 

Paragrotis vetusta (Walker) July 29th. 

Xylomiges pulchella (Smith) May 14th, 18th. 

Xylina holocinerea (Smith) May 5th, 8th. 

Eucharveya carbonaria (Harbey) May 23rd. 

Xanthia pulchella (Guenne) May 26th. 

Autographa ampla June and July. 

Catocala aholibah (Strk.) August 7th, two taken at sugar. 

Gluphisia danbyi (Neum.) April 16th, one male. 

Bombycia improvisa (Hy. Edw.) October 6th, on fence. 

Hepialus hyperboreus (M.) Ghost Moth, June 4th, Goldstream. 

Erebus odora (Linn.) one specimen of male, Victoria, October 8th. 
This is the second specimen I have taken in Victoria. It is a straggler, 
belonging to Florida and Central America. 

In addition to the above captures I have gathered considerable 
Coleoptera, Neuroptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, and _ other orders. 
Possibly there are some good species amongst them, and if so, will report 
them at the next meeting. 

Ernest M. ANDERSON, 
Provincial Museum, 
Victoria. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 11 


Mr. BusH—Erebus odora has been taken all along the Canadian 
boundary line. 

Mr. BrackMore—I can concur with Mr. Anderson in the matter 
of the apparent disappearance of Neophasia menapia. I never took one 
during the past summer. 

Mr. Wi_son—And I can remember a few years ago how the dead 
bodies of this moth covered the waters of Esquimalt harbour they were 
so numerous. 


Mr. CHAIRMAN—l1 will now ask Mr. Brittain to read Mr. Ven- 
ables’ report on the Okanagan District. 


REPORT FROM OKANAGAN DISTRICT. 


During the past summer there has been a freedom from any 
important insect pest in the Vernon District. The summer was fairly 
moist and heavy crops were for the most part the rule. 


FT. textor, the Fall Web Worm, was more abundant than for many 
years. It is always present to a greater or lesser extent upon its natural 
food plant, the choke cherry, which is occasionally entirely defoliated 
by the larvae. Burning out the webs with a torch is the most simple 
method of extermination. 


The Cherry Slug was not very numerous during 1912 and the 
second brood appeared very late in the season and larvae were found 
feeding after several sharp frosts had occurred. ‘The larvae of this Saw 
Fly also feeds upon the wild thorn and are to be commonly seen upon 
this tree during the summer. 

The Apple Aphis (4 mali) appeared in some numbers during July 
and spraying had to be done in the young orchards where the new 
growth was in many cases covered with a mass of insects. “The Black 
Leaf 40 Mixture was used with great success in fighting this insect 
as well as other species of plant lice. 

Some of their natural enemies were present in large numbers. A 
species of Chrysopa the Lace Wing Fly, being numerous with their eggs, 
each one of which is laid at the extremity of a fine thread of silk about 
half an inch in length often in clusters of twenty or thirty together, 
resembling somewhat a cluster of delicate moss sporangiaphores. ‘They 
were remarked by several persons engaged in orchard work. 

The Coccinellidae were not so abundant as in other years when 
Aphids were common, Hippodamia 5 signata being most numerous. 
Besides this species Hippodamia convergens and Coccinella transverso- 
gutta were noted as doing good work. I have in my collection 14 species 
of this family of useful insects. 


12 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


Otiorhynchus ovatus is becoming more numerous every season and 
the damage to strawberry plantations is considerable. 


Black Flies (Simulidae) were very troublesome to stock during late 
summer and early autumn. I have not yet determined the species. 


The Horse Bot Fly (Gastrophilus equi) is another stock pest which 
was unusually abundant in 1912. 


It would be interesting to hear from some member of the Society 
who has taken adult specimens of the Flat Headed Apple Tree Borer 
(Chrysobothris femorata) in B. C. So far I have not done so, although 
the damage ascribed to this species is common enough. In Henshaw’s list 
of North American Coleoptera, seven varieties are given. Which of 
these, then, is our enemy ? 


A subject about which there is much to be learnt, is the manner in 
which various species of insects pass the winter. Many new 
facts are no doubt observed by collectors at various times, but probably 
they are not recorded because it is thought that the observation would 
not be new. In a back number of the Entomological News, I noticed 
an account of the finding of adult specimens of a species of Lachnosterna 
hibernating at the depth of four feet in sandy soil. “The specimens were 
in fresh condition and must have emerged in the autumn from the pupa 
and were awaiting till spring to appear above ground. This was the 
first week in March and the ground was frozen for the depth of some 
inches. I have taken the larvae of this genus in early spring in grass 
land. The beetles mentioned above must, from their appearance, have 
emerged late in the autumn from the pupae. 


Another species that I have always found somewhat rare in its usual 
surroundings during the summer is the beetle Agabus clavatus. This 
insect is taken by dredging ponds and streams during spring and summer, 
but I always considered it uncommon until last November when dredging 
for Hydrophylidae and other aquatic forms. But in this instance finding 
but few specimens after a short time I went ashore to try for other 
things under stones, logs, etc. I had broken open a rotten log on the 
edge of the swamp and there was clavatus in large numbers among the 
ruins. 


A careful search brought many more to light in similar situations. 
They had evidently left the water and retired to pass the winter beneath 
the dead bark and in the crevices of the dead wood lying near the water. 
Besides Agabus clavatus 1 found Agabus semipunctatus in some numbers. 
Other members of this family are to be taken by dredging at all seasons, 
even in winter. Another insect that I have detected in partial hiberna- 
tion is the butterfly Vanessa Milberti. This butterfly is the earliest to 


Je): 


WORK OF THE BUD MOTH (TMETOCERA OCELLANA) 


By courtesy of the Ont. Ent. Soc. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 13 


appear in the spring and is often to be seen before the snow has all melted 
from the hillsides. Some few years ago in early spring after a warm 
period, during which this insect was observed flying along the warm 
slopes round Long Lake, which locality is the usual one for most of the 
early species to first appear and this often long before the snow further 
inland has begun to melt. After a few bright days during which Mil- 
berti was often seen, there came a lowering of the temperature with 
two or three inches of snow which lasted several days. I was anxious to 
observe Milberti under these conditions. After a good deal of searching 
among the piles of loose rock lying on the lake shore, I found two 
individuals beneath a projecting flat stone in the shelter of which they 
had taken refuge. They were hanging with their wings folded together 
and were quite dormant, but on bringing them to the warmth they 
began in a short time to move about. 


Gryllus pennsylvanicus I have found under a log in February. 
Some ten or a dozen individuals were closely packed together in a 
small excavation in the soil. These crickets were quite coated with 
frost, but soon showed signs of life when placed near the fire. The 
common Wasp, Polistes bellicosus, is commonly found, frequently as 
many as 50 or 60 individuals together underneath the bark of decaying 
pine trees in the depth of winter. On one occasion I discovered a large 
gathering of these insects under the bark of a pine and among them a 
large number of adult Lace Wing Flies (Chrysopa sp). Evidently these 
flies had taken refuge among the wasps in the autumn and had been 
allowed to settle down unmolested by Polistes in their winter quarters. 
The flies and wasps were mixed up in some confusion. 


Some of these notes may be common knowledge to some of us but 
they may, on the other hand, be of interest to others who have not 
paid attention to this phase of insect life. 


I regret not being present at the meeting as I have no doubt there 
will be interesting discussion on the part of the members over some of 
the subjects on the programme. 

FE. P. VENABLES, 
Vernon. 


It might interest some of the members to hear of some few of the 
insects noted in the Okanagan during the past season and not men- 
tioned, I believe, by Mr. Venables in his report. 


Budworm (Tmetocera ocellana)—Both broods very common at 
Victoria, rare in the Okanagan. Capable of doing considerable damage 
and apt to become one of our most serious pests. 


14 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


Woolly Apple Aphis (Eriosoma (Schizoneura) lanigcra)—Fairly 
common everywhere throughout this season. Winged forms quite com- 
mon in the fall. No roots forms seen. Not a serious pest in well- 
cared-for orchards. 

Plant Bugs (Capsidae)—Injuries resembling those done by various 
Capsids were very common to the young apples of some varieties. In some 
cases this caused an extensive drop of the young apples and in others the 
fruit remained on the tree, but became badly distorted. Injuries of this 
kind caused quite a little loss in some places and the subject demands 
further study. 

Red Spider (Tetranychus bimaculatus)—Quite common _ every- 
where. Doing appreciable damage to plums in some cases. 

Oyster Shell Scale (Lepidosophes ulmi)—A little of this pest 
almost everywhere but only of importance in uncared for orchards. 

Cutworms (species undetermined—Very abundant and injurious, 
chief damage being the defoliation of young apple trees. Many growers 
report poisoned bran ineffective ; should be further tested. 

Click Beetle (Corymbites inflatus)—Very abundant in nearly all 
parts of the valley, feeding upon the buds and young leaves of young 
apple trees. Damage done in many instances was considerable and some 
control measures should be worked out. 

Click Beetle (Corymbites hieroglyphicus)—Similar to the pre- 
ceeding. 

Bud Weevil (Cercopeus artemiseae)—Not widespread, but doing 
considerable damage to young apple trees in isolated cases, by boring into 
buds and tender foliage. Deserves further attention. 

Bud Weevil (Mimetus setulosus)—Similar to preceding. 

Ants (species undetermined)—Boring into nectaries of peach 
blossoms, destroying pistil. More a matter of interest than anything else. 

Flat Headed Cherry Tree Borer (Dicerca divaritica)—Only one 
adult female found, Long Lake, Vernon. 

Pear Leaf Blister Mite (Eriophyes pyri) —Quite common, injuring 
pears only. Liable to increase in destructiveness. 

Apple Leaf Hopper (Empoasca mali)—Very common everywhere; 
does some damage and is rather difficult to control. 

Apple Tree Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma sp)—Quite common 
during the month of May. Subject to periodic epidemics, but is easy 
to control. 

The Pear Slug (Eriocampoides limacina)—-Very common and 
did considerable damage. No need for this, however, as control is 
simple. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 15 


Lesser Apple Worm (Enarmonia prunivora)—A little present in 
most districts, but not in alarming numbers. 

Fall Webworm (Hyphantria cunea)—Abundant on apples and 
wild shrubs. Easy to control. 

Common or Gray Hair Streak (Uranotes melinus)—Larva boring 
into a small apple at Salmon Arm. As far as I know this is the first 
record of the insect feeding on the apple. 

The Gray Bug (Glyptoscelis pubescens)—Said to be doing con- 
siderable damage by feeding upon the unfolding leaves of young apple 
trees. Did not see it actually at this work, but found upon trees the 
leaves of which had been badly chewed. Should be watched. 


Banded Purple (Basilarchia (orginii)—Larvae quite common, feed- 
ing upon foliage of apple. Little importance. 

Red Humped Apple Tree Caterpillar (Schizura concinna)— 
Fairly numerous in July. Little importance. 

Yellow Necked Apple Tree Caterpillar (Datana ministra)—Some 
specimens of half grown larvae sent in by Mr. Middleton from Nelson. 


Apple Saw Fly—A green larvae, about 3 cm. long, making burrows 
in the mature or nearly mature apples on the tree. Did considerable 
damage in ‘a few cases. It burrows in the apple apparently for the 
purpose of hibernation, as the larva remains quiescent after making its 
burrow. Regular food is probably some wild plant and injury to apple 
only incidental. More information required. 

Peach Tree Borer (Sanninoidea sp)—Quite common where 
peaches are grown and a number of trees were killed. 

Peach Twig Borer (A narsia lineatella)—-Common, the chief dam- 
age being done to the fruit. 


OrHER Insect Pests. 
White Marked Tussock Moth (Hemerocampa leucostigma)—Not 
common this season, but often a serious pest of shade trees. 
Mealy Bug (Pseudococcus, probably n. sp.)—Injuring spruce ; 
easily destroyed by lime-sulphur. 
Spruce Gall Louse (Chermes similis)—A common and _ serious 
enemy of the spruce. 


Pine Leaf Scale (Chionaspis pinifolia) Common everywhere on 
the pines. 


Forest Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria)—Fairly numerous. 


Rose Leaf Hopper (Typhlocyba rosae)—Common and fairly in- 
jurious. 


16 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


Cabbage Aphis (4 phis brassicae )—Common. 

Cabbage Worm (Pontia rapae)—Common. 

False Wire Worm (Fleodes obscura var sulcipennis and E. puniel- 
eodcs)—Adults of these two species were very numerous. Damage 
was done to potatoes in several districts by Eleodes larvae, probably 
belonging to these two species. 

Rose Weevil (Rhynchites bicolor) —Common. 


Cottony Grass Scale (Eriopeltis festucae)—Reported. 


The following records were made during the past summer: 


AMONG THE Buprestidae— 
Chalcophora angulicollis, Lec, Larkin, Be 
Buprestis confluenta, Say, Swan Lake, B. C. 
Cypriacis brevis, Casey, Swan Lake, B. C. 
Dicerca prolongata, Lec, Vernon, B. C. 
Dicerca divaricita, Say, Vernon, B. C. 
Melanophila drummondi, Kirby, Larkin, B. C. 
Anthaxia aeneogaster, L. & G., Fintry, B. C. 
Chrysobothris dentipes, Germ, Larkin, B. C. 
Chrysobothris trinervia, Kirby, Larkin, B. C. 


AMONG THE Etateridae— 


Alaus melanops, Lec, Vernon, B. C. 


AMONG THE Meloidae— 


Epicauta maculata, Fab, Vernon, B. C. 


THE FoLLowInG I[pidae ARE RECORDED— 


Pithyogener carinulatus. 


Ips perturbans and other species undescribed. 


A number of insect enemies of the Douglas fir and the bull pine 
were taken during the summer belonging chiefly to the families Bupres- 
tidae and Cerambycidae. A few [pidae were also captured and among 
them I am informed by Mr. Swaine, Dominion Forest Entomologist, 


were some new to science. 
W. H. Brittain, 
Vernon, B. C. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 17 


REPORT FROM THE KOOTENAY. 


Mr. Chairman and Members of the British Columbia Entomological 
Society :—The honor has fallen to my lot to report on the insects of the 
Kootenay districts in the place of my friend, Mr. J. W. Cockle, of 
Kaslo. I am very sorry Mr. Cockle found it impossible to attend the 
meeting as I am sure he would have had a much more interesting report 
to present to you than any which I could give. My work, however, 
as District Horticulturist brings me in very direct contact with the 
injurious insects or those found in the orchards. With the compara- 
tively short time I have had to prepare anything, my report must of 
necessity deal particularly with those economic insects which have come 
under my notice during the past year. I might state in the beginning 
that our list of injurious insects is very small indeed, so that my task 
will be comparatively small also. We cannot, however, expect to be able 
to report this state of affairs for all time for, wherever we have a 
district adapted to the culture of fruits we are always liable to have 
it visited sooner or later by most of the serious insect pests with which 
fruitgrowers in other districts and other countries are troubled. Fortu- 
nately we have at the head of our Provincial Inspection branch at 
Vancouver our old and esteemed friend, Mr. Cunningham, who is 
always upon the look out for insects entering the Province through the 
agency of imported nursery stock, fresh fruits, etc. This with your 
energetic Secretary, Mr. Treherne, for the Dominion, and Mr. W. H. 
Brittain of the Provincial Staff, along with your President, the Dominion 
Inspector of Orchards for. the Province, and all these gentlemen aug- 
mented to a certain extent by the local horticulturists stationed through- 
out the Province, should in a very thorough way protect our orchards 
against the ravages of our present pests and the entrance of any new ones. 

Possibly our worst insect pest is the Common Green Aphis (4 mali). 
They came in numbers very early in the spring, but did not spread or 
multiply so rapidly as in previous years, consequently for this reason 
were less troublesome than in former years. We have the Apple, Plum 
and Cherry Aphis. The Woolly Aphis (Eriosoma (Schizoneura) 
lanigera) fortunately has not made its appearance in the Kootenays to 
my knowledge. 

In our spraying experiment for the Green Aphis we came to the 
conclusion that the lime and sulphur mixture had very little effect in 
destroying the eggs on the branches. Last year the Aphis were hatching 
out and spreading over the branches, which were yellow with the lime 
and sulphur. Applications of Black Leaf 1-70 gave excellent results where 
thoroughly applied. The newer mixture, Black Leaf 40, gave very 
varying and more or less unsatisfactory results with us. I believe this is a 


18 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


contrary finding to experience with the two mixtures in other districts, so 
perhaps, while stating our experience, it would be well to try further 
experiments. 

The Green Fruit Worm was quite noticeable in some of the orchards, 
particularly those located near timber. “These came on and did their 
damage before the thinning of the fruit was completed so that by a little 
care in thinning all the punctured or bored apples were removed. No 
spraying was deemed necessary for these insects. 

The Leaf Miner (Tischeria) was quite noticeable in the orchards 
near the timber line. These usually do so little damage that no means of 
control are practiced. 

The Cicada, or called locally the Salmon Fly, did quite a lot of 
damage to the young trees along the Columbia River by laying its eggs 
in slits made in the young shoots, many of these shoots snapping off 
later in the wind. 

The Climbing Cutworms were exceptionally troublesome this last 
year. I have taken as many as 60 around one small tree. This was brought 
about by an intercrop of clover having been plowed under in the spring 
and the worms gathered around the small trees. In many instances 
every single bud was eaten off the trees. Poisoned bait was tried of 
the usual strength, viz.: 100 lbs. Bran, 1 lb. Paris Green, and 2 lbs. of 
sugar. No results were obtained. We next applied a stronger and 
sweeter mixture with good results, viz.: 50 lbs. Bran, 1 lb. of Paris 
Green and 3 lbs. of sugar. This seemed to be more palatable and the 
worms preferred it to the buds of the trees, for on the following morning 
after application dozens of dead worms were to be found around each 
tree. The mixture should be applied fairly dry and crumbly and should 
be sweetened. according to the plants upon which the larvae are feeding. 


While on the subject of Paris Green baits for Cutworms it might be 
well to sound a brief warning on the likely effect this bait will have on 
young and tender plant growth. ‘This last season has shown us that the 
bait applied too close to the trunk, in fact, touching the trunk, is liable to 
cause a girdling effect on the plant tissues. In a number of cases this 
last summer our young trees were completely girdled from no other 
cause than Paris Green injury. The larger trees do not suffer in the same 
way, but it is reasonable to suppose that some evil results when 
applied too close to matured wood. 

The California Tortoiseshell (Vanessa californica) was found work- 
ing in great numbers on the Ceanothus. They were particularly abun- 
dant along the Columbia, Slocan and Kettle River sections. Many fruit 
growers became alarmed at the outbreak, at the numbers and at their 
ravages. However, as they kept to their own plant food and did not 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 19 


affect any cultivated tree, there was no harm done. I believe this insect 
must have been very heavily parasitised, for I was led to believe that a 
second brood or a second emergence of caterpillars would appear in the 
latter part of the summer. Very few appeared, however. 


As I said previously we in the Kootenays are particularly blessed 
with but few insect pests, in fact no serious pests, at present, consequently 
I hope these rambling notes will be acceptable to the members of the 
Society for their records on the district which I have the honor to 
represent. 


M. S. MippLeton, 
Nelson, B. C. 


Mr. CHarrmAN—Having received these very interesting and 
valuable reports from the districts, we will proceed with the next item 
on the programme. I will now call on the Secretary for his correspond- 
ence for the year and his Financial Statement. 


Mr. SecrETARY—Re Financial Assistance ; 
Care Inspector of Fruit Pests, Court House, 
7 - T m7 
Wmhcullouorable Vancouver, November 6th, 1912. 


The Minister of Agriculture, 
Victoria, B. C. 
Sr— 

On behalf of the members of the British Columbia Entomological Society, of 
which I have the honour to represent as Secretary for the present year, I beg 
respectfully to address this letter to you for your consideration. 

The Society now known as the British Columbia Entomological Society was 
formed in the year 1901, with a membership of about ten individuals. During 
the course of its active career as a Society following the year 1901, I am given 
to understand that a quarterly grant of $25.00 or $100.00 annually was allowed 
at the hands of the Provincial Department of Agriculture through the kindness 
of the Minister of Agriculture. During the past few years interest in the Society 
gradually waned owing to the fact that the Secretary, Mr. R. V. Harvey, left 
Vancouver, the Society’s headquarters, and also owing to the severe illness and 
ultimate death of the President, Rev. G. W. Taylor, of the Biological Station 
at Departure Bay. I, on my part, have endeavored to reorganize the Society, 
with the result that a very successful meeting was held on December 9th, 1911, 
in Vancouver, with a paid-up membership of twenty-four individuals. I am 
glad to say that the membership during the past year has increased to nearly 
forty; consequently I feel safe in saying that the Society bids fair to remain as 
a Society in the Province and hopes to become, as years go on, an economic 
factor in the practical economic control of insect pests in the Province. 

The objects and the endeavors of the Society are somewhat as follows: 

To co-ordinate the work of those engaged in Entomological pursuits in the 
Province of British Columbia. 

To assist and promote the study of Entomology in the Province of British 
Columbia. 


20 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


To render assistance and information to fruit-growers and farmers on the 
subject of Entomology, relative to the subjection of insect pests of farm crops, 
of stock, and of all other and pertaining branches of agriculture. 

With such an object before us, I respectfully request you to grant the sum 
of $200 annually to be placed towards the maintenance of the Society. I should 
feel honored of you would reply to me as Secretary of the Society, so that I 
could place the proposition before the members as their annual meeting, which 
will be held in Victoria about the first week in January, 1913. 

With such a grant in our hands we will guarantee— 

1. To publish an annual report on the proceedings of the Society, copies 
of which report will be placed at the disposal of the Provincial Department of 
Agriculture for distribution to any that may require copies. 

2. To hold an annual meeting at some point favorable to the members. 

3. To forward an account of the expenditures to the Honorable the Min- 
ister of Agriculture annually, and to publish the same in the printed report of 
the proceedings of the Society. 

I have the honor to be, 

Your obedient servant, 
R. C. TREHERNE, 
Secretary B. C. Entomological Society. 


Treasury Department, 
Victoria, 11th November, i912. 
R. C. TREHERNE, Esa., 
Secretary B. C. Entomological Society, 
Vancouver, B. C.: 
Dear Sir,— 

I am in receipt of your communication of the 6th inst., re the above Society, 
and in reply beg to inform you that I will have your request in mind when 
the Estimates are brought down, to see what can be done. 

Wishing you every success with your organization in the interests of fruit- 
growing, believe me, 

Yours faithfully, 
PRICE ELLISON, 
Minister of Finance and Agriculture. 


RE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 
Entomological Society of Ontario, 
R. C. TreHerne, Eso., Guelph, Ontario, Canada, Oct. 9, 1912. 
Vancouver, B. C.: 
DEAR SIR,— 

Enclosed please find copies of resolutions re alteration of the Constitution of 
the Entomological Society of Ontario and change of subscription price of the 
“Canadian Entomologist.” Before these can become law they must be sanctioned 
according to the Constitution by two-thirds of the members present at the meet- 
ing of your Branch where they are considered. Would you please call a meet- 
ing of your Branch at your earliest convenience and place these resolutions 
before them. Please let me know the decision of the Branch in regard to them 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 21 


as soon as possible, as it is necessary that I have the decisions of the various 
Branches in time to present them at the Annual General Meeting of the Society 
on November the 19th and 20th, at Ottawa. 

The purpose of these resolutions, as you will see by comparing them with 
the original Constitution, is to do away with the Associate Members. Persons 
not resident in the Dominion of Canada will obtain the magazine by paying 
the new subscription price of two dollars per annum, but they will not be mem- 
bers of the Society. Persons resident in Canada may become members of the 
Society on payment of the annual fee of one dollar, and will receive the maga- 
zine and other publications free of charge. Owing to the enhanced cost of 
printing and postage, it is estimated that each copy of the “Canadian Entomolo- 
gist” costs per annum one dollar and sixty cents. It does not seem reasonable 
that the Society should supply persons resident in other countries with the maga- 
zine at a joss of sixty cents per annum. If it were not for the grant from the 
Ontario Legislature, it would be impossible to continue the publication. In the 
case of subscribers in the United States, there is a further loss of twelve cents 
per annum for postage. 


Yours truly, A. W. BAKER. 


RESOLUTION RE CHANGE OF SUBSCRIPTION PRICE OF 
THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 


Moved by Dr. C. J. S. Bethune, seconded by A. W. Baker, that 
the annual subscription price of The Canadian Entomologist shall be two 
dollars ($2.00), postage included, payable in advance. Members of the 
Society shall receive the magazine free of charge as stated in Section III., 
Part I. of the Constitution of the Society. This resolution shall be 
placed in the Constitution of the Entomological Society of Ontario as 
Section VIII. (Subscription Price of the Magazine). 


RESOLUTION RE ALTERATION OF CONSTITUTION. 


Moved by Dr. C. J. S. Bethune, seconded by A. W. Baker, that 
the Constitution of the Entomological Society of Ontario as published in 
Volume 3 of the Canadian Entomologist be amended as follows: 

Section 1, Part 2 to Read:— 

The Society shall consist of three classes, viz:—Members, Lite 
Members and Honorary Members. 

Part 3 ia read :— 


Members shall be persons whose pursuits, or studies, are connected 
with Entomology, or who are in any way interested in Natural History 
and who are resident within the Dominion of Canada. 


Part 5 :— 


To be dropped completely, Parts 6, 7 and 8 becoming then Parts 5, 
6 and 7, respectively. 


22 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


Section II, Part 1 to read:— 


All candidates for Life Membership must be proposed by a member 
at the regular meeting of the Society and be balloted for; the affirmative 
vote of three-fourths of the members present shall be necessary for 
the election of a candidate. 


Section III, Part 1 to read :— 


The annual contribution of members shall be one dollar; all con- 
tributions to be due in advance on the first day of January in each year, 
the payment of which shall entitle the member to a copy of all the 
publications of the Society during the year. All new members except 
those elected at and after the Annual General Meeting and before the 
following first of January, shall be required to pay the subscription for 
the year in which they are elected. 


Section VI., Part 4 to read :— 


All the members of the Branches shall be members of the Society 
and entitled to all the privileges of members. 


Part 5 to read: 


No Honorary Members shall be appointed by the Branches, but 
such members may be proposed at General Meetings of the Society by 
any Branch, as well as by individual members. 


Guelph, Ontario, Canada, Oct. 26, 1912. 
R. C. TREHERNE, Esa., 
Vancouver, B. C.: 


My Dear TREHERNE;x— 


When writing to you the other day, I omitted to refer to the proposed 
changes in the Constitution of the Society of which you have no doubt received 
a draft from our Secretary, Mr. Baker. In order to effect the changes in the 
Constitution, it is necessary that each Branch should concur in the proposed 
alterations. We are anxious to have these changes ratified at the Annual Meet- 
ing next month, and in order to do so would like to have the concurrence of 
the B. C. Branch as well as of those in Toronto and Montreal. Your regular 
meeting is not to be held until December, but probably you could gather to- 
gether the residents in and about Vancouver and submit the matter to them. 
This would fulfill the requirements of the Constitution. We think that the 
increase in the price of the magazine to persons who do not reside in the 
Dominion of Canada is very necessary. It actually costs us one dollar and 
sixty cents at least to publish each copy per annum, and it seems absurd to 
offer the magazine to outsiders so much below cost. It is not likely that we 
should lose many subscribers, while it will place the publication on a more 
nearly paying basis. As far as Canadians are concerned, it will make no 
difference whatever. With kind regards, 


Yours faithfully, 
CHARLES J. BETHUNE. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 23 


1625 Nelson Street, 
Dr. C. J. S. BETHUNE, Vancouver, B. C., November 9th, 1912. 
Guelph, Ont.: 
Dear Dr. BETHUNE,— 

Referring to your request that I should call a meeting of the B. C. Branch 
of the Ontario Entomological Society, previous to our annual meeting and in 
time to refer our opinions re the change in the Constitution to the annual meet- 
ing of the Ontario Society taking place in Ottawa on November 19th of this 
month, I regret to say that this is not possible, for the reason that the members 
are scattered too much over the province. We have so few members in Van- 
couver and in the immediate vicinity that no representative resolution could be 
passed. With the few members that I have seen and referred the question ver- 
bally there seems little doubt that they are in favor of the proposed changes. 
The B. C. Branch has lain dormant for several years. It has now been reor- 
ganized, but it is still in a formative condition, consequently I feel personally 
and as Secretary for the Branch that I should be voicing the feelings of the 
members that they would prefer to defer a resolution on this point and agree to 
accept the ruling of the majority of the members of the other Branches. 

I remain, 

Yours truly, 
R. C. TREHERNE, 
Secretary B. C. Entomological Society. 


Mr. CuNNINGHAM—I move that the action of our Secretary be 
upheld in his reply to the Ontario Society. 


Seconded and Passed. 


Mr. TREHERNE—I think that we should discuss the question of our 
future policy in regard to the affiliation of this Society to that of Ontario. 

So far as I have been able to find out, this Society, in the years gone 
by, originated as a separate society with a small membership consisting 
of men interested in Entomology. The question then came up as to 
whether they should still remain as a separate society or become affliated 
to the Ontario Entomological Society as a branch of that Society. 
Apparently the decision was reached that they should unite their efforts 
with Ontario, for we find the Ontario Society extending courtesy to the 
members of the B. C. Society by forwarding the monthly numbers of 
“The Canadian Entomologist” and the Annual Reports of the Ontario 
Entomological Society. Such a condition continues till the present 
day. But now we have developed a little bit beyond the standing of 
the Society as it was at its inception. Our numbers have increased, 
fresh blood has been infused into our midst and we have a large number 
of men engaged in or interested in Entomological pursuits. It is a 
pity that the work of these men should be lost to the people of the 
Province and it is unreasonable to expect the Ontario Government to 
print the work of these men detailing conditions peculiar to British 


24 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


Columbia and the West. Consequently we must make our own 
arrangements for this Province. And the question is merely this. It is 
most desirable to still retain our present arrangements with Ontario 
not only to receive the latest word in economic and systematic prac- 
tice of the older country, but also to unite and co-ordinate the entomo- 
logical work of the Dominion, and there will be no difficulty in doing 
this if we are financially assisted by the Provincial Government here. 


If, however, we are forced to depend on our own financial resources 
the question of affiliation with Ontario immediately becomes vital. 


I have already interviewed the Honorable the Minister of Agricul- 
ture and have addressed the letter, I have just read, to him. I have 
received the reply, also mentioned before, to my letter. I have further- 
more respectfully asked him to be so kind as to make an effort to meet 
us here this afternoon and I am in hopes he will be able to come. You 
will then be able to judge the situation yourselves. Yesterday I was 
present at the convention of B. C. Fruitgrowers and I will quote you 
a resolution that was passed unanimously by the members present: 


10. RESOLUTION RE B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Moved by R. M. WINsLow: 


“Whereas there is a very large field for investigation into the scientific 
and economic sides of the study of insects in this Province; 


“And whereas a Provincial organization, properly encouraged, would be 
in a position to greatly stimulate the development of our knowledge of insects, 
and particularly of insect pests; 


“Be it resolved that we, the members of the British Columbia Fruit Grow- 
ers’ Association, in annual convention, do hereby petition the Hon. the Minister 
of Agriculture to make an annual grant in the sum of Two hundred and fifty 
dollars ($250.00) to the British Columbia Entomological Society, and to make 
provision for the publication of their Annual Report.” 


I may say that this matter was a surprise to me as it is no doubt to 
the members of this Society. We were not consulted as to our require- 
ments, yet I think we ought to feel we are indebted to the Fruitgrowers 
for their forethought and interest in our endeavors. You will notice 
that the sum of $250.00 is petitioned for and also ‘“‘to make provision 
for the publication of their Annual Report.” 

Yesterday I was asked to speak to the resolution at the Fruitgrowers’ 
convention and I took the opportunity, on behalf of the Entomological 
Society to thank them for their consideration and forethought. 


That is how the matter stands today. I am in favor of remain- 
ing a branch of the Ontario Society, which, as I understand it, is the 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 25 


Canadian Society financed by an annual grant from the Ontario Legis- 
lature, and that we should still remit our 50 cents per member to 
Ontario to receive the monthly numbers of the “Canadian Entomolo- 
gist” and to exchange Annual Reports with the Ontario Entomological 
Society. 

I am pleased to say that we have with us today a gentleman who is 
one of the old original Entomologists from Ontario, Mr. Baynes Reed. 
I am sure that a few words from him on the formation of the Ontario 
Society would be much appreciated. 


Mr. Baynes Reed then gave the members present a short account 
of the early foundation days of the Ontario Entomological Society in 
London, Ontario. He explained how the members grew from a mere 
handful to that of an important number and how the Society enlarged 
and became of use and direct benefit to the Province. He showed 
how the appropriation was applied by the Provincial Government of 
Ontario and how this had grown with years. Engravings for illustrating 
the publications of the Society was another example of its growth. He 
believed there were 3,000 cuts available now for use. “This in itself 
is an argument that should be used and considered by you as a branch 
of the Ontario Society for I have no doubt you will have complete access 
to any that you may require for use in this Province.” 

He said he was very glad to see the steps that had been taken to 
ask the Provincial Government for financial assistance and he wished us 
all luck in the endeavor and in the Society for the future. 

Mr. BusH—I personally am strongly in favor of retaining our 
Ontario connection. There are difficulties in the matter of finances, as 
have been pointed out, consequently I would move 

“That in the event of any change being necessary in the policy of 
this Society, other than that which now prevails, we endeavour to 
affiliate with the University of British Columbia.” 

Seconded by Mr. Lyne. 

Mr. CHAIRMAN—Any discussion ? 

Mr. Day—lIt seems that this proposal is somewhat premature. The 
University is not yet built and we do not know whether we would be 
allowed to become affiliated with the University. 

Mr. TREHERNE—You understand that the motion reads ‘“‘we en- 
deavour to afhliate in the event of any change.” 

Mr. Watiace—I also think this motion is unnecessary. As it 
appears the question resolves on the financial outlook, we have a letter 
from the Honorable Price Ellison regarding the grant to the Society. 


26 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


We had better wait until we find out whether we get the grant or not. 
I therefore move an amendment “that the question be laid over for 
another year.” 


Seconded by Mr. Day. 


Mr. TREHERNE—I believe I stated that I had invited the Honorable 
the Minister of Agriculture to be present at this meeting. I have just 
received this communication from him: 


R. C. TREHERNE, Esa., January 9th, 1913. 
Secretary B. C. Entomological Society: 
DEAR SirR,— 

Replying to your favor of the 19th ult., which arrived during my absence 
from the city, I note that you are to hold a meeting of your Society in the Par- 
liament Buildings on the 9th inst., on which occasion I am invited to be present. 
This will afford me great pleasure if it is at all possible. I am gratified indeed 
with your progress, and I am sure your efforts will prove to be, without doubt, 
of the greatest benefit. 

Thanking you for the invitation, believe me, 

Yours faithfully, 
(Sgd.) | PRICE ELLISON, 
Minister of Finance and Agriculture. 


Mr. CUNNINGHAM—I am very pleased indeed to hear this com- 
munication from the Honorable Minister. I am certain that the Hon- 
orable Mr. Ellison has our interests at heart, as indeed he has the 
interests of all phases of agriculture and horticulture. I feel sure that 
he will make all possible endeavour to be present this afternoon or 
evening so that I beg to move an amendment to the former two 
motions “that the matter be laid on the table until the afternoon or 
evening session.” 


Seconded by Mr. Collins. Carried. 


Central Experimental Farm, 
R. C. TREHERNE, Esa., Ottawa, October 9, 1912. 
Vancouver, B. C.: 
DEAR SiR,— 

Dr. C. G. Hewitt, Dominion Entomologist, has just placed me in charge 
of the collection of Bumble-bees (Bombi and Psithyri) in this Division. I am 
anxious to make it representative of the whole of Canada, and should be most 
grateful for any specimens of these useful insects from your district, especially 
of the rarer species, if you could kindly spare them. If desired, I would return 
any specimens after naming them as far as it is possible to determine them. 
I have made a special study of the Bumble-bees in Britain and Europe, and am 
hoping that a continuation of their study in this country, where they appear 
to be of greater importance, will be productive of good results. 

I have the honor to be, sir, 

Your obedient servant, 
F. W. L. SLADEN, 
Assistant Entomologist for Apiculture. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 27 


Central Experimental Farm, 
Ottawa, 23rd October, 1912. 
Mr. R. TREHERNE, 
1625 Nelson Street, 
Vancouver, B. C.: 
DEAR SIR,— 

I thank you for your letter received yesterday, and fcr your kind promise 
to send a copy of your Proceedings containing the list of members of your Ento- 
mological Society, so that I may write to them direct for Bumble-bees. I am 
also working up the other Aculeate hymenoptera, and shall be pleased to receive 
specimens of Wasps, of Sarnd-wasps and solitary Bees. 

I remain, 

Your obedient servant, 
F. W. L. SLADEN, 
Assistant for Apiculture. 


Mr. W. H. Brittain, Provincial Entomologist, also requested the 
members present, as well as those who were unable to be at the meeting, 
to send him specimens of British Columbia Coccidz (Scale insects) for 
identification and study. 

Note—Financial Statement follows the list of members on last 


page. 


RE IMPERIAL BUREAU. 


The Secretary then read a letter which he had received from Dr. 
C. Gordon Hewitt, Dominion Entomologist, in regard to the formation 
of an Imperial Bureau which is being formed in London and will be 
maintained by the various Governments within the British Empire. 

“Tt would probably interest the members of the Suciety, when they 
meet in January, if you informed them of the formation of this Bureau. 
The first move which was made towards its formation was the calling 
of a Conference in 1911 by the Right Honourable the Secretary of State 
for the Colonies of the Ministers of Agriculture of the various Dominions 
and Colonies who were in London at that time. At this Conference it was 
decided that such a Bureau was desirable for the purpose of assisting the 
various countries in the British Empire in the matter of preventing the 
spread of and furthering the investigations on injurious insects. The 
Colonial Office then drew up a scheme for the formation of a Bureau of 
this nature and this was submitted to the various Dominions and Colonies 
for their consideration. While the scheme submitted did not benefit 
Canada to the extent that it benefitted other parts of the Empire, chiefly 
because our entomological service is well organized, but more especially 
because the scheme proposed to confine itself, so far as the collecting of 
information regarding insect pests was concerned, to the countries within 
the British Empire, we wished to further its aims and co-operate, if 


28 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


possible. As we obtain most of our natural products and with them 
our new insect pests from non-British countries, it was necessary, if the 
scheme were to be of use to us, and in our opinion of real use to the 
other Colonies, that its survey should not be confined to the British 
Empire, but should be world-wide. Such a more extended scheme was 
considered to be desirable by us. I conferred with the Colonial Office 
authorities in London in January and in August, after the International 
Entomological Congress, the Rt. Hon. the Secretary of State for the 
Colonies called another conference of the Government entomologists of 
the Dominions and Colonies and of the Entomological Research Com- 
mittee of the Colonial Office to work out a scheme for inspection co- 
operation. 


At this conference the more extended scheme which we proposed was 
unanimously adopted and an Imperial Entomological Bureau will be 
formed and will be maintained by financial contributions from the 
self-governing Dominions and Colonies and also from the Colonial Office. 
It will supply information on the subject of insect pests and will also 
identify insects sent in by those entomologists who have not access to large 
collections or who are unable to get their material identified. One of 
its most useful functions will be the publication of a journal containing 
abstracts of current literature relating to insect pests and their control. 

The co-operation which will result from the formation of this 
Bureau will be of undoubted benefit to the Colonies concerned and will 
materially assist all parts of the British Empire in their efforts to 
control insect pests.” 


AFTERNOON SESSION. 
“CARBON BISULPHIDE FUMIGATION.” 


During the last ten to twenty years many methods aiming at the 
destruction of insect pests infecting trees, shrubs, plants and grain, etc., 
have been put into practice. 


The problem has always been: What is the most deadly to the 
insects, the least harmful to the stock they infect, and also within the 
bounds of economic practice? 

The methods in use may be quoted as, Spraying, Dipping and 
Fumigating. All three of these have their special merits, according to 
the conditions under which they are applied. 

Fumigation has been very extensively adopted by the Government 
Departments in many parts of the world, for the purpose of preventing 
the spread of insect pests from one country to another. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 29 


For this work Hydrocyanic Acid Gas, for nursery stock, trees and 
shrubs, and Carbon Bisulphide for grain, roots and bulbs, etc., are 
almost universally used. The action of these two gases accounts for 
their separate uses. 


The Hydrocyanic Acid Gas is lighter than air and works upwards. 
It is generated by placing Cyanide Potassium into an earthen jar con- 
taining Sulphuric Acid and water. It is one of the deadliest gases 
known, and poisons the lungs instantly. Owing to its rapid action, the 
nursery stock is quickly treated and does not have to remain exposed 
to the fumes long enough to do it injury. 


There are certain insects, such as Spiders, Root Borers, some Moth 
Larve, Aphis, etc., that are immune to the short exposure and are cap- 
able of withstanding the gas longer than might be good for some of 
the nursery stock. 

Carbon Bisulphide Gas is heavier than air and works downwards. 
It is a colorless liquid, resembling water, and is formed by the union 
of two elementary particles of sulphur with one of carbon. (The 
chemical symbol is CS.) The commercial Carbon Bisulphide is now 
made on a large scale by a new electric process. 


The fumes of burning sulphur are passed over red-hot charcoal 
and the resulting vapors are condensed to a liquid by cooling. This 
liquid gas is one-fourth heavier than water. Its specific gravity is 1.29 
at the freezing temperature of water. The gas is generated by coming 
in contact with the atmosphere, and is 2.63 times heavier than air. 
For this reason, it is peculiarly adapted for the fumigation of solid 
masses of grain, roots or soil. 


There are hundreds of tons of imported rice and grain treated 
at the Vancouver and Victoria Fumigating Stations each year, and the 
process is as follows: 


The sacks containing the rice or grain are stacked two or four 
deep on the floor of the fumigation chamber. Soup plates are placed 
at equal distances on top of the sacks, all windows and doors are sealed, 
and the amount of liquid Carbon Bisulphide necessary to the cubic 
space measurement of the chamber is distributed in equal quantities in 
each soup plate. The chamber is then closed and sealed for thirty-six 
hours. 


During the process of distributing the liquid in the plates, one 
naturally becomes acquainted with some of the peculiar effects of the 
gas, which commences to generate directly it is poured out. 


The operator does not experience any disagreeable sensation, and 
has no desire to leave the chamber, but after a few minutes he may 


30 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


begin to feel a cool, tingling sensation penetrating his clothes, and a 
little later may experience a slight congestion at the back of his head. 
This should be a sign for him to get out into the fresh air, otherwise, 
if no one were watching, he might sit down and go to sleep, which 
would be fatal if he were not rescued in time to resuscitate. A few 
minutes in the fresh air will usually dispel all effects of the symptoms 
just referred to, though some men may be slightly intoxicated. 


I recollect on one occasion, the man who was helping to distribute 
the liquid, went home directly we were through, and upon his arrival 
there, his wife accused him of being drunk, and the poor fellow was 
a total abstainer. 


Another precaution should be taken, to see that no one smoking 
pipe or cigar comes anywhere near the chamber in which Carbon 
Bisulphide is being distributed. The gas is explosive and_ highly 
inflammable, and a warning should be posted on any building where 
it is confined. 


Cubic space measurement for deciding the quantity to be used does 
not always work successfully. If the charge by space measurement 
does not equal one pound of Carbon Bisulphide for every ton of grain 
confined in the space, sufficient chemical should be added to equal that 
quantity. 

I do not know of any insect confined in grain, roots or fruit, 
which was properly charged with Carbon Bisulphide for thirty-six 
hours, that has ever survived. Some insects require heavier charges 
and longer exposures than others. 


When Japanese Brown Rice commenced to arrive in Vancouver, 
the question arose as to whether the Carbon Bisulphide fumes would 
affect the flavour of the rice. To test this, a small quantity of rice 
that had been fumigated and a like proportion that had not been 
fymigated were cooked in separate vessels, and given to the Japanese 
importers and others to taste. All declared they cculd not detect any 
difference in the odor or flavour of the rice. 


The same results were obtained in making tests of fruit, such as 
pineapples, oranges, apples and pears. The flavour or condition of the 
fruit was not affected in the least. 


When treated with proper care, the germinating power of grain, 
seeds and bulbs is not injured, if they are perfectly dry. 


The CS2. has been used very extensively in fighting “Phylloxera’ 
in grape vineyards in France and California. For this work consider- 
able allowance has to be made for the nature and moisture of the soil; 
otherwise the treatment may result in great injury to the vines. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 31 


The same care should be taken when treating the root system of 
other trees, vines, shrubs, plants or bulbs, any of which may require a 
different method of application, according to their susceptibility to 
injury. 

Willis G. Johnson, State Entomologist and former professor at 
Maryland Agricultural College, is editor of a very useful book dealing 
with the different methods of fumigation of all kinds of stock. (This 
book is published by the Orange Judd Co., New York.) 

Several years ago the orchardists in California commenced using 
CS2. very extensively, in order to rid their deciduous fruit-trees of the 
peach-tree root borer, “Sanninoidea opalescens,’ but, as the result of 
careless application, many trees were killed outright and others injured. 

The favorite practice was to make a trench about six inches deep 
around each tree, pour in one or two ounces of the CS2. liquid and 
cover up the trench with soil. This treatment was very effective in 
killing the borers within twenty-four hours, when the soil around the 
tree would be removed and the space aired before replacing it. But 
injury resulted from applying the liquid to the bark of the tree, instead 
of keeping it two or three inches away, or in some cases the soil was 
too wet for the operation. “Too much moisture in the soil, or sudden 
rain within a short time of the distribution of the liquid, would always 
result in injury. 

I shall never forget the sight of a whole ten-acre block of fine 
seven-year-old prune trees on almond root totally destroyed as the result 
of careless application of CS2. 

Carbon Bisulphide is a valuable servant, when properly handled, 
but capable of doing untold injury when used by inexperienced people. 

The insecticidal properties of CS2. were discovered in 1856, but 
it was not until twenty years later that it was brought into prominence 
in France, for use in fighting “Phylloxera.’ This commercial grade 
is now known as “Fuma.” 

W. H. Lyne, 
Assistant Inspector of Fruit Pests. 


Mr. CUNNINGHAM—I want to endorse what Mr. Lyne has said 
in his paper. Carbon Bisulphide is a most satisfactory fumigant after 
we are used to it. 

Mr. ANDERSON—What effect would it have on the Codling Moth? 

Mr. CUNNINGHAM—Very good effect. 


Mr. Lyne—Directly we undertake to fumigate and pass infected 
fruit on consignment the moral effect on the shippers is reduced. 


32 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


Mr. Brirrarin—Importers would be only too glad to import 
infected stock to be cleaned here. Has anyone had any experience in 
fumigation by dry heat? 

Mr. TREHERNE—Certain experiments in the States, where mill 
and grain insects have been subjected to 122 degrees of dry heat have 
shown that all eggs, larvae, and adults have been killed. 

Mr. WiLKiInson—My experience with the use of CS2. in Victoria 
has been that it is very satisfactory. I remember fumigating a carload 
of beef scraps from Chicago which was alive with predaceous beetles of 
all kinds. The gas was highly satisfactory. 

Mr. Lyne—The United States will not allow raw hides coming 
from Australia through Vancouver into their country unless accompanied 
by a certificate of ours certifying that the hides have been duly fumi- 
gated by CS2. 

Mr. Davipson—How long do you expose to fumes? 


Mr. Lyne—Thirty-six hours is full exposure. Less will not 
guarantee to kill all eggs of all species and the Mediterranean Flour 
Moth is also not affected by a lesser time. 

Mr. Taytor—What effect in comparison would Hydrocyanic 
Acid gas have? 

Mr. Lyne—The two gases have opposite properties in many 
respects and the differences account for their respective uses. Hermetically 
sealed cocoons of the Brown Tail Moth are not penetrated by Hydro- 
cyanic Acid gas and many borers in root or stem or larva confined in 
their coccoons are immune the same way. 


Mr. CHaiRMAN—I now take great pleasure in calling upon Mr. 
Brittain for his paper and at the same time introducing him and wel- 
coming him to this Province. He has recently been appointed Provincial 
Entomologist and Plant Pathologist for this Province and we hope as 
years go on he will be able to further our knowledge on British 
Columbia insects. 


BENEFICIAL INSECTS. 
by 
W. H. Brittain, 
Provincial Entomologist and Plant Pathologist. 
If we look into the history of our insect enemies we find that as 


far back as our records go they have been a source of annoyance and 
financial loss to those who make their living from the soil. As to 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 33 


whether the San Jose scale and the codling moth were present in the 
Garden of Eden, history is silent, though some cynic has suggested that 
Eve presented the historic apple to Adam because she found a worm 
in it. However that may be, away back 1500 years before the Christian 
era, we hear of the ancient land of Egypt undergoing a succession of 
plagues, not the least trying among them, being those due to insects. 
Several centuries later the prophet Joel makes this pensive complaint: 
“That which the palmer worm hath left hath the locust eaten, and 
that which the locust hath left hath the canker worm eaten, and that 
which the canker worm hath left hath the caterpillar eaten.” 


Insect pests at the present time levy a heavy tax upon the farmer 
and horticulturist. Aside from the injuries they do our crops, they are 
harmful in numerous other ways. Scarcely a single product of man’s 
activity—from lead pipes to tobacco—is immune from their ravages. 
In summer they transform the quiet woodland places into veritable 
torture chambers, and as carriers of disease they have justly acquired 
an evil reputation. Even in these days man’s own person is liable to be 
invaded by several disgusting pests. 


It is therefore a relief to turn from this gloomy picture and consider 
insects in another relation—that of man’s friend and ally. 

Of all the beneficial insects, the parasitic and predaceous forms are 
probably the most important. Those of you who have had experience in 
rearing insects realize to what an extent natural parasitism occurs, and 
those with practical orchard training are well aware of the important 
part played by Lady Bird beetles in keeping down plant lice. It has 
been said, and we have no reason to doubt it, that if it were not for 
the insectivorous birds the world in three years’ time would be con- 
verted into a howling wilderness. However true this may be, it is 
certainly a fact that if it were not for the work of insect allies, all 
vegetation would soon be destroyed by the countless hordes of injurious 
forms, kept in check at present, by these silent but effective friends of 
mankind. The terrible depredations of the Gypsy and Brown Tail 
Moths in the Eastern States is evidence of how an insect, of compara- 
tively little importance in its native home, may become a serious scourge 
when removed from the attentions of its own peculiar parasites. 

The Hemiptera, Neuroptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, 
Hymenoptera and a few other orders contain parasitic or predaceous 
forms. Among the Hemiptera the Masked Bedbug Hunter (Opsicaetus 
personatus) is of service in destroying bedbugs and other injurious 
insects. In the Neuroptera the members of the order Chrysopidae 
(aphis lions) are probably best known. ‘The order Lepidoptera con- 
tains only a few—Feneseca tarquinius, the larva of which feeds upon 


34 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


the woolly alder aphis, is a well known species. In the Coleoptera the 
chief predaceous families are the Coccinellidae, the Carabidae, and the 
Cicindelidae. In the Diptera many species of Tachina flies are useful 
parasites, while numerous species of Syrphidae are predaceous on aphides. 
The order Hymenoptera probably contains more parasitic forms than 
all others, members of the orders Ichneumonidae, Braconidae, Chalcidae, 
Proctotrupidae and others taking part in this useful work. 


Any stage in the life of the host insect may be attacked. Among 
the parasites of most service to man, those which attack the egg are not 
the least important. Hubbard, in 1880, found that a minute parasite, 
Trichogramma pretiosa, alone and unaided, almost annihilated the fifth 
brood of the cotton worm in Florida, 90% of the eggs being attacked. 
A tiny Proctotrupid, Telenomus orgyae, has been reared from the eggs 
of the White-marked Tussock Moth and Telenomi are known to attack 
the eggs of fourteen species of Lepidoptera in America. The elm leaf 
beetle which for several years had proved a serious pest to the elms in 
the vicinity of Paris, was in one season almost wiped out by an egg 
parasite, T’etrastichus xanthomelaenae. Numerous egg parasites of the 
Gypsy and Brown Jail have been imported into the Eastern States and 
have there become established. 


The larval stage is particularly susceptible to attack from parasites. 
A Braconid Apanteles glomeratus has done good work against the 
imported cabbage worm, it having been imported from England for that 
purpose. Another important parasite of the same pest is a chalcis fly, 
Pteromalus puparum. ‘The larve of nearly all the leaf eating cater- 
pillars are attacked by numerous hymenopterous or dipterous parasites. 
Even when apparently well protected larve are frequently discovered 
and attacked by their parasites. The larva of the May Beetle 
(Lachnosterna fusca) feeding under ground upon the roots of grasses 
is often parasitized by a tiny Scoliid (Tiphia inornata.) 

Though not so numerous as larval parasites, pupal parasites are, 
nevertheless, frequently found. The Ichneumon, Pimpla conquisitor, is 
parasitic on several species of Lepidoptera, and is an important pupal 
parasite of the Tussock Moth. 

The imagoes of injurious insects are subject to attack from numer- 
ous predaceous forms. 

Take the history of any insect pest over a number of years and 
it will be found to be one of epidemics alternating with periods of 
comparative immunity. This is due chiefly to the work of its parasites. 
As the host insect increases in numbers the parasites also multiply with 
the greater supply of food, and ultimately succeed in reducing the 
numbers of their host, sometimes almost to the verge of extermination. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 35 


The parasites have thus destroyed their food supply, and as they them- 
selves are often subject to parasitism, their own numbers will be greatly 
reduced. ‘The pest insect will then breed up ahead of its parasites and 
we eventually have another epidemic. The fact that secondary parasites 
are not uncommon and that tertiary and even quaternary parasitism 
may sometimes occur greatly complicates this whole process. On the 
average, however, a balance will be struck between host and parasite, 
the former never reaching such numbers as to destroy its food supply, 
and the latter never increasing so rapidly as to exterminate its host. 


The utilization of parasites in insect control is a new and promising 
field in economic entomology. ‘The signal success attending the intro- 
duction of the Australian Lady Bird Beetle into California, where it 
succeeded in checking the ravages of the dreaded fluted scale (Icerya 
purchasi), and a like happy result from the introduction of the same 
parasite into several other countries, gave a great impetus to this work. 
A determined attempt has been made by the United States Department 
of Agriculture and the different State legislatures concerned, to intro- 
duce and establish European parasites of the Gypsy and Brown Tail 
Moths. ‘Though many parasites of these pests have been successfully 
introduced and much valuable work accomplished, the same degree of 
success has not been attained as was the case in the instance already 
cited. It was, of course, scarcely to be hoped that one specific parasite 
could be found that would be as efficient for these highly specialized 
insects as was the novius against the fluted scale. The reasons for 
this, as pointed out by Dr. L. O. Howard in his bulletin on the subject, 
are plain. The movius is an active insect, crawling actively as a larva 
and capable of flying from place to place as an adult. It is a very 
rapid breeder, having at least two generations to every one of the host. 
It feeds upon the eggs of its hosts, and, strange to say, it seems to have 
no parasites of its own. Its host, on the other hand, except when newly 
hatched, is entirely motionless and has no means of escaping or of 
defending itself against its enemy. These are things which do not hold 
good in very many cases and consequently it was hardly to be expected 
that such immediate results could be obtained. ‘Those engaged in the 
work are convinced that the desired result will be attained when they 
have secured a sequence of parasites, of egg, larva, and pupa; and of 
forms differing among themselves in life history and method of attack, 
all working harmoniously together towards the same end. 


The whole subject of insect parasitism, however, is so large that 
to discuss it any further in a paper of this general character would be 
out of place and would take up altogether too much time. I will there- 
fore proceed to the next topic. 


36 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


In any discussion of beneficial insects those that act as pollenizers 
deserve a large place. Bees, wasps, moths, butterflies, a number of 
bugs, some flies, and a few beetles take part in this work, so essential to 
most plants of economic importance. The red clover for instance can- 
not set its seed without the aid of the bumble bee, while the apple, pear, 
and many other Rosaceous plants depend very largely upon the honey 
bee for pollenation. The benefit that insects do in this way is incalculable 
and does much to counterbalance the ravages of injurious forms. Darwin 
was the first to prove experimentally that as a rule cross-fertilization 
is indispensable to the vigour of plants, and in his great work, Cross 
and Self Fertilization in Plants, cites many marvellous instances of 
plant adaptation to insure cross-fertilization by insects. A study of 
these adaptations, and of the part that insects have indirectly played, in 
the evolution of the plant kingdom is one of great fascination. It is, 
however, outside the scope of my present subject. 


As scavengers insects are also of considerable service to man. They 
destroy vast quantities of dead and decaying animal and vegetable matter 
which, if left to accumulate, would soon render the globe uninhabitable. 
By breaking down organic matter in this way, as well as in many other 
respects, insects play important parts as makers of soil. “They open it 
up to the action of the air by burrowing through it in all directions, 
bring up subsoil to the surface, carry vegetable matter below ground, 
and on dying yield their own bodies to further influence the changes 
that go on in the soil. 

The work of insects in destroying noxious weeds is also worthy of 
mention. An interesting case of this came under my notice last fall. 
In attempting to collect a supply of seeds of the common Canada thistle 
I found every head the habitat of a small maggot, and had difficulty 
in getting a sound seed in the whole district. 

Examples of this class are: The milkweed butterfly (Anosia 
plexippus) ; the thistle butterfly (Pyrameis cardui) and the purslane 
Sphinx moth (Deiliphila lineata.) 

Commercially, insects and insect products have a varied and exten- 
sive use. Furnishing us with an article of dress and forming the basis 
of an important industry, we have the silkworm (Bombyx mori). The 
dessicated bodies of a scale insect, Coccus cacti, yields us cochineal, and 
another scale insect, Tacchaldia lacca, supplies us with the lac of 
commerce. 


This subject would be incomplete without some mention of 
insects and their products as food. The first insect that naturally 
suggests itself in this connection is the honey bee, which is one of our 
oldest domesticated animals. Locusts from time immemorial have been 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 37 


used by semi-civilized people as food. The great New ‘Testament prophet 
John the Baptist is reputed to have subsisted on an exclusively insecti- 
vorous diet—locusts and wild honey. The eggs of a water bug, 
Corixa, in Mexico, are said to be much relished by the natives of that 
country. The manna upon which the Children of Israel fed on their 
long journey through the wilderness on the way to the Land of Promise 
is said to have been the secretion of a scale insect, and it seems safe to 
say, that in the insect world are to be found many undeveloped culinary 
possibilities, only awaiting exploitation. 


The subject of insects as food for fishes is a separate study in itself. 
In this capacity insects are of considerable indirect benefit to man. 


Still another way must be mentioned in which insects are useful 
to man. Even the injurious forms are not an unmixed evil. They 
may stimulate the farmer to more careful methods of culture. They 
may force him into a systematic crop rotation, which otherwise, to the 
detriment of his soil, he would not follow. A prominent fruit grower 
once told me that the advent of the San Jose scale to his district was 
the best thing that ever happened it, for it drove the lazy and careless 
men out of the business and enabled the careful growers to make some 
profit for their pains. “There is undoubtedly something in this attitude. 
Though it is no argument in favour of letting foreign pests gain a 
foothold in our orchards, still it is encouraging to note that even the 
worst of them have been brought under control by the methods of 
modern applied entomology. 


I am well aware that the facts that I have here brought to your 
attention are already well known to all of you. Nevertheless, the subject 
of pests looms so large in our daily horizon, that at least it will do 
no harm to review in this way the other side of the question. So that 
while we strive by every means in our power to rid the country of its 
injurious forms, we do not forget that many of our humble insect 
friends are doing their best in a quiet way to make the world a better 
place for man to live. 


Mr. TREHERNE—The principles of entomology relating to insect 
parasitism ranks in the forefront of entomological practice today. | 
fully expect to see the day when our systems of spraying will be reduced 
and our principles of breeding and distributing insect parasites will be 
increased. The greatest movement in the past few years has taken 
place with imported parasites of imported insects, but I believe we will 
see the day when more use will be made of such native parasites as we 
have. Spraying at the best is an unnatural process, but we dare not at 
the present day advocate otherwise. 


38 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


Mr. ANDERSON—I have been interested in what has been said and 
cannot add much. ‘Today the Oak Tree Caterpillars are hard to find 
and I have no doubt their natural enemies are checking them. Fungus 
diseases play an important part in the natural control of insects. 

Mr. Wiitson—In 1900 we had a severe infestation of the Cut- 
worm, Peridromia saucia. Following this outbreak 90% were parasitized. 

Mr. ANDERSON—Yes. ‘That was a severe outbreak. Daylight 
habits were adopted by the larve although a noctuid. 


Mr. BusH—They could be heard feeding. 


Dr. Hapwen—lI hope to have some slides to show tonight of the 
mite parasitism of Horn Flies. 


NOTES ON XANTHIA PULCHELLA, SMITH. 


This species appears to be increasing in numbers in the Quamichan 
district of Vancouver Island. Five years ago odd specimens only were 
taken, whereas in 1910, 11, and 12, it was not unusual to see five or 
six in an evening at “sugar.” A female thus taken on October 9th, 
1911, laid eggs about October 15th. The ova were deposited in batches 
and clusters in a chip box. Color at first greenish yellow, changing 
after a few days to a light grayish brown. Eggs round, with base 
slightly broader and top somewhat flattened. Surface shining, well 
sculptured by lines running from base to top where they finish in a 
well pronounced micropyle. Hatched February 25th to March 5th, 
1912. Young larve with jet black shining head; body with series of 
spines. Head the broadest; body tapering posteriorly fairly evenly. 
General colour a dirty white with faint indications of lemon colour. 
For half the length from the head there is a distinct lavender shade 
which fades away gradually towards the tail. Eggshell not eaten. The 
young larva rests on the two anal pairs of legs and with head in the 
air. As soon as the young larva begins to eat the lavender shade goes 
and the colour becomes a uniform glaucous green. From a number 
of plants presented to the larvae, rose was chosen, but chickweed and 
another kind of weed were nibbled at. The appearance of the larva 
changes considerably after the first moult. The black shining head 
gives place to a green one, and three whitish stripes appear, running 
the entire length of the body—one in the middle of the back—the 
others a short distance away on each side—the three enclosing the dorsal 
area. ‘Lhe spines not so conspicuous as in the first instance. They 
are emitted from small warts—two above the legs, two between first 
white line and the median line, and the same of course on the other 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 39 


side (taking each segment across). General colour a lighter green. 
The larva continues to be of a light green until nearly three-quarters 
of an inch long. At this stage the larva ig semi-transparent, of a 
yellowish green colour, with five white lines running the whole length 
of the body. The middle line in the centre of the back is quite narrow 
but distinct. The side white lines are more conspicuous and contain 
the spiracles. They are margined on the upper side (immediately above 
the spiracles) by a green line somewhat darker than the ground colour. 
There is a fainter white line between those just noted. This is edged 
on both sides by darker green. ‘The central white line also has a green 
edging. In the next instance the larva presents a complete change. It 
then becomes a dark velvety brownish green with very conspicuous 
markings. These markings consist of dark (almost black) V-shapes 
on each segment—each V being cut through the angle by the middle 
white line. The middle white line shows very distinctly; the spiracle 
white line also survives, but the intermediate lines have entirely dis- 
appeared. Head light brown. The segment next the head is dark with 
two white lines, between which are two white dots. There are also 
white dots on each segment transversely, arranged differently on the 
2nd, 3rd and 4th segments. After these there appear to be four dots 
on each segment. ‘There are also single short hairs on each side of the 
centre line on each segment. ‘The latter description was taken May Ist, 


L912) 


As the larva grows larger the greenish tinge goes and the prevailing 
colour is various shades of brown. At this stage my larve were very 
voracious and the sprigs of wild rose supplied were soon stripped. All 
the larve had gone into earth by May 12th. The pupe were kept 
indoors, so the dates of emergence of the perfect insects (August 17th 
to September 5th) are earlier than usually occurs in the natural state. 
In this district the wild moths appear from about the middle of Sep- 
tember to the middle of October. 


As the species seems to be local and not generally known, perhaps 
a description of the perfect insect may be acceptable. 


Expanse 32mm. Primaries narrowish with outer margin slightly 
hollowed below apex; general colour a rich red brown with purplish 
tinge; basal area purplish brown (broadest in middle) edged outwardly 
by a light line followed by a darker transverse anterior line; then follows 
a lighter area commencing at the costa where it is as wide as the basal 
patch, broadens out to take in the orbicular and extends to the lower 
part of the reniform, from which point it contracts until it reaches the 
inner margin; the lower half of this area is ochreous and more shaded 
than the upper; it is bordered outwardly by the transverse posterior 


40 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


shade of darker brown which surrounds the reniform and throws it up 
in strong relief, especially at the lower part where it is conspicuously 
white; between the t. p. shade and the subterminal line the band is 
slightly lighter and more purplish; in this band, where it touches the 
costal margin, are three minute wedge-shaped ochreous marks; the outer 
edge of the s. t. line is fairly parallel with the outer margin, only some- 
what wavy and notched; the s. t. line is thin about the centre but thickens 
out slightly to the anal angle and more so towards the costa where it 
forms a darkish, somewhat triangular, apical patch; next comes the 
outer band; this being of fairly uniform width and lighter than the 
general ground colour (and more ochreous) forms a rather striking 
feature in the markings; fringes plain and of ochreous olive. 

In some specimens a whitish dash sprinkled with rosy scales runs 
along the costa from the thorax to the orbicular stigma which it includes; 
the orbicular is small (occasionally almost obsolete) and, when present, 
outlined in white; the reniform, long in shape, is outlined in white, the 
lower part markedly so as already mentioned, the upper part being filled 
in with ochreous. Secondaries plain, of a rosy brown, lighter than the 
primaries; there is an indication of a discal mark; this is more distinct 
on the under side. Thorax purplish brown, slightly crested along central 
line; collar and head more ochreous. Body purplish brown, shading 
off lighter towards thorax. Palpi clothed with hairs; eyes smooth. 
Under side a rosy ochreous with costa and outer band of primaries 
strongly ochreous. Antenne simple in both sexes. 


A variable species within certain limits. General appearance of 
sexes similar, except that the females are perhaps in the majority of 
cases more strongly marked than the males. 


G. O. Day, 
Duncans, B. C. 


NOTES ON SCHIZURA UNICORNIS, SMITH & ABBOT. 


Perhaps some of those present may have noticed on their fruit trees 
a curious looking caterpillar, remarkable for two strongly contrasting 
colors, besides other peculiarities of shape. The segments between the 
head and a kind of double pointed hump on the third segment are a 
light green color, almost transparent, the rest of the body being differ- 
ent shades of brown and pink. ‘There is also a conspicuous white V- 
shaped mark in front of the anal hump. A brownish-purple narrow 
band connects the head with the first hump. This marking shows 
strongly against the green of the first two segments already alluded to. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 41 


The prevailing color of the body behind these segments is purplish- 
brown. Commencing with the first hump is a series of triangular pink- 
ish markings on four segments plainly seen. Posteriorly the last two 
extend more towards the legs and stretch each side of the white V- 
shaped mark already mentioned—being separated therefrom by a darker 
band, which also forms a V (with the apex towards the head). There 
are also two small cream colored markings (like the “gamma” mark on 
some of the moths of the Plusia family) on each side just above the 
fourth pair of legs—on the same segment as the broad part of the white 
V, and just below it. The larvae are found on apple, plum, apricot and 
other plants. They are not plentiful nor likely to become so numerous 
as to be a pest. “They, however, appear to have a fine appetite and eat 
a good many leaves without showing much trace of their ravages. The 
larvae often rest with their anal legs raised, and when in this position 
may easily be mistaken for part of a curled leaf with brown edges. 
The larvae are found in September; spin up in cocoons and produce 
moths the following June. The expanse of the male moth is 36mm. 
Both the larvae and perfect insects possess the well known characteristics 
of the Notodontidae, of which family this species is a branch. In the 
moth state the male is often attracted to light. The female, which is 
slightly different from the male in markings and shape of antennae, and 


somewhat larger, is less frequently seen. 
Gero. O. Day. 
Duncans, B. C. 


LIFE HISTORY OF OTIORHYNCHUS OVATUS, THE 
STRAWBERRY ROOT WEEVIL, UNDER LOWER 
FRASER CONDITIONS. 


By R. C. TREHERNE, Dominion Field Officer. 


The insect with which I wish to deal this afternoon is one which is 
becoming a large economic factor in the culture of the strawberry in the 
Lower Fraser Valley. There is no question at all that the depredations 
of this insect are causing considerable loss to the growers of this fruit 
not only in the Lower Fraser Valley alone, but also in those sections on 
the Pacific Coast where strawberries are being grown commercially and 
in large quantity. 

I had an exceptional opportunity this summer for studying this 
insect, and I believe I have definitely determined some good points in its 


42 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


life history. “There are a number of points which require more corrobo- 
ration by further experiments, consequently I wish this paper to be con- 
sidered more or less in the light of a preliminary report founded on a few 
months’ observations taken during the past summer (1912). 

The weevil has been assigned a variety of names. We will find it 
referred to as the ‘“Pitchy legged Otiorhynchus,” “‘the Strawberry Crown 
Girdler’” and the “Sleepy Weevil.” I prefer to give it the name which 
heads this paper—the Strawberry Root Weevil—because it seemed to 
me that none of the names assigned to it are really applicable to its 
nature or appearance. It does not appear to affect the crown in any 
instance that I have observed, and it only feeds, I believe, on the roots 
of the plant which permeate the ground in all directions and which 
arise in a mass from the crown. Larvae can be found feeding on the 
fine roots 6 to 8 inches deep in the ground, and at depths varying from 
this to the roots on the immediate surface of the ground. Its numbers so 
far exceed those of its near relative, O sulcatus, that I feel justified in 
claiming this insect, under B. C. conditions, as the prime injurious spe- 
cies of the two and therefore more worthy of bearing the general name 
of the Strawberry Root Weevil or “Root Girdler.”’ 


DISTRIBUTION. 


This insect occurs in B. C. at Hammond, Haney, Mission, Hatzic, 
Agassiz, Burnaby, on the shore of North Vancouver, in the Victoria 
district and in the interior at Vernon. Its distribution probably is 
general in the province, but at present it is only on the immediate coastal 
districts of B. C. that it has become an economic pest of first magnitude. 


THE InpivinuaL Ecco. 


Is very minute, almost spherical, breadth .25mm. When freshly 
laid it is milky white in color, changing after a day to a pale shade of 
brown; the bounding membrane is hard and firm, and there does not 
appear to be any mucilaginous material on the exterior to retain it se- 
curely in the position it may be deposited in the soil or on the crown of 
the plant. The period of incubation lasts in the neighborhood of 21 
days. 

THE INpivipuAL LARVAE 


Is characteristic of weevil larvae in shape and color; body lightly 
covered with minute hairs, white, sometimes colored pink or grey from 
the nature of the contents of the intestines, and slightly curved. The 
head is white at hatching, and after each moult, smooth, gradually assum- 
ing a light shade of brown as age increases; mouth parts a darker shade 
of brown to the color of the head. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 43 


The duration of the larval stage is, at least, seven months, the win- 
ter period being experienced in the middle of the stage, during which 
time the larva forms a rough earthern cell in the soil at varying depths 
and apparently becomes entirely dormant. 


THe INpivipuAL Pupa 


Is milky white in color, very soft and delicate. It lies in its little 
earthern cell in the soil, free and not enclosed by an special silken or 
shell-like device. The size approximately corresponds to that of the 
adult. The various parts of its anatomy are distinctly apparent, its legs, 
antennae, and elytra carefully folded on the ventral surface. The 
appendages are covered by a pupal membrane, which sloughs off as the 
adult stage is approached. 


The pupal stage lasts from 21 to 24 days. 


"TRANSFORMATION. 


Several days elapse from the time the pupa first changes to the 
adult in the soil and the time that the adult leaves the soil finally to 
assume its normal adult life and color. During this period the imma- 
ture adult, which resembles the mature adult in all respects but color, 
gradually hardens its exoskeleton sufficient to withstand pressure through 
the soil and gradually changes its color from that of a white to that 
of a yellow. I would judge that at times fully five days elapse from 
the termination of the pupal stage to the assumption by the adult of a 
pale yellow color. 


Furthermore, some additional days elapse from the time the adult 
has appeared on the surface of the ground to the time it assumes its 
fully developed normal color. I should judge that in some cases, at 
any rate, seven days elapse—making 12 from the pupa—to complete the 
full transformation. I cannot tell as yet what physical influences in- 
crease or decrease these transformation stages, under strictly natural 
conditions, as the records above were made under laboratory conditions. 


THE INDIVIDUAL ADULT 


Is dark brown, almost black, when fully developed, egg-shaped in 
general outline, about '%4-inch long by %-inch broad; thorax deeply 
pitted; elytra striated, convex and deeply punctured in the striae, fused 
together in a median line over the abdominal segments, consequently 
useless for flight and only serving for protection, very hard and horny, 
overlying the abdominal segments laterally and at the extremity pos- 
teriorly. 


44 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


The duration of life of the adult without food, moisture or exer- 
cise, bred through from the nearly mature pupa, was determined by 
experiments thus far carried on, to be on the average of 42 days. Adults, 
fed but confined as used in the “‘egg deposition” tests, lived 67 days in 
some cases. There seems no doubt, however, that some adults are 
empowered by a greater degree of longevity under natural conditions 
than the instances mentioned above, for we find adults carrying over 
the winter on the surface of the ground, under shelter of rocks, boards 
and in crevices. There can be no doubt about this, for the last pupa 
was found in the ground in the early part of *July, so that if we only 
allowed three months longevity per individual we would expect to find 
no adults on the surface of the ground during winter. But we do; 
consequently 67 days duration of life becomes more of a minimum 
standard than a maximum. ‘The adult insect has a peculiar habit of 
“playing possum” when disturbed, and it remains in this peculiar atti- 
tude for some time after interference. It does its feeding at night and 
is only active then. It remains dormant during the daytime, hidden in 
crevices of the soil, under leaves and debris. I am inclined to think 
that egg-laying is an entirely nocturnal affair. Chickens have been 
shown on several occasions to be fond of the larvae, and, I have no 
doubt, of the adults as well. 


Foop Hasits oF Larva. 


This insect is a general feeder. During the past summer larvae 
were taken in a clover and timothy grass sod, and larvae were bred 
to the adult on the roots of timothy grass alone in the laboratory. 
Larvae were also taken in the roots of the wild strawberry at sea level 
and at the elevation of about 500 feet. There is evidence to show that 
the larvae will feed, furthermore, and thrive on roots of the cultivated 
peach tree in cleanly cultivated orchards. “There is no direct evidence 
as yet that potato plants in fields infested by this insect are attacked 
by the larvae, although larvae have been taken in volunteer potato 
plants in fields two years free from strawberry plants. The same has 
occurred with rhubarb, and there is a current opinion prevailing in the 
Lower Fraser plantations that crops following infected strawberries 
suffer to some extent and may take several years to recover. Popular 
opinion, on the other hand, claim that red or crimson clover is not 


*This refers to the cultivated strawberry plantation. As a matter of fact, pupae were 
found in the ground in bush land and in uncultivated places two weeks later than this. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 45 


affected to any appreciable extent, and it is therefore recommended to 
be planted following a crop of infected strawberry plants.* 

Rumex acetosella, a common weed in strawberry plantations, is 
also fed upon by the larvae of this weevil. It was curious to note that 
roots of this weed intermingling in the row with the roots of the straw- 
berry plant, were chosen by the larvae for food in preference. This indi- 
cates the impartiality and general feeding characteristics of the larvae. 
Besides these few notes, literature on this weevil shows that the fol- 
lowing plants have been recorded as attacked by the larvae: Roots of 
cultivated strawberry, blue grass, Potentilla glandulosa, Balsamorhiza 
sagatata, timothy grass, Poa cerotine, Poa pratensis, and white clover. 


Foop Hasits oF ADULT. 


During this past summer, adults were seen feeding directly upon 
the fruit of the strawberry, on the fruit of the raspberry, on the vine, 
on a fallen peach on /the ground, and also on a fallen apple. The 
foliage of the strawberry plant is devoured, but not, in my opinion, to 
any appreciable extent. 

In literature further records are as follows: Foliage of raspberry 
and of the potato, both under natural conditions. Miss Patch, of 
Maine, has given a long list of plants fed to adults in confiement, which 
clearly shows that under laboratory conditions any kind of vegetation 
will offer itself as food to this insect. 


SUSCEPTIBILITY OF VARIETY. 


From the foregoing account of the feeding habits, larval and adult, 
I feel safe in claiming that no susceptibility of any one variety of straw- 
berry over any other exists, and vice versa, no immunity from attack 
can be claimed by any variety of strawberry. This point is further 
borne out by observation in the field. Certain varieties of strawberries 
may resist an attack better than others, but this degree of resistance 
is not resultant upon any standard of immunity possessed by the variety 
so much as by the productivity and vegetative capabilities of that variety, 
viz., deep rooted and vigorous varieties, capable of producing a num- 
ber of runners, which throw the heaviest yield the first spring from 
planting. The varieties recommended in this regard from Lower 
Fraser conditions are the Dunlap, Wilson, Warfield, Williams, and 
William Belt. The varieties not so suited are the Magoon, Clarke’s 
Seedling, Jessie, and the Marshall. 


*The inference is not intended that red or crimson clover is immune from attack, but 
rather that it is able to withstand an attack without apparent injury to itself. 


46 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


Nature OF INJURY.’ 


Small irregular feeding areas on the edge of the leaves of the 
strawberry plant indicate the feeding habits of the adult weevil. The 
larvae attack the roots at all depths in the soil to which roots penetrate. 
Portions of the epidermis of the root forming longitudinal slits are 
devoured. ‘This is evidently an initial stage leading either to a com- 
plete ‘‘girdling’”’ of the root or to a longitudinal feeding area on the 
root, resulting sometimes in a spiral effect. Some larvae apparently 
pass from the egg to the pupa in the immediate surface zones of the 
soil, but the majority, at the approach of winter, burrow to the depth 
of four to six inches, some reaching the depth of eight inches. “There 
is no doubt that the larvae are capable of moving freely in the soil 
(sandy loam), and there also appears to be a general tendency of the 
larvae in the first place to burrow downwards to the finer roots of 
the plants and then gradually work their way towards the surface as 
the period of pupation approaches. The roots therefore are attacked 
at all depths, the most serious damage being done in early spring, when 
the larvae are nearly full grown and thereby better able to attack the 
main roots of the plant. I have never seen any larvae feeding directly 
upon the crown of the plant, but I have evidence in plenty where roots 
have been “nipped off” two inches or so from the crown. Plants there- 
fore thus attacked, with their root system considerably diminished, nat- 
urally suffer from the drying effects of the sun and wind, and this 
taking place conjointly with the period of blossoming and continuing 
as the fruit begins to set, greatly interferes with the yield and the profit. 

We can, however, accept this maxim from the study of the life 
history of this weevil: that if no injury to the plantation has become 
apparent by the end of June of one year, no further injury will become 
apparent that year, or, in other words, the plants attacked in the spring 
of one year, having reached their highest degree of injury by the end 
of June, for the remainder of the year tend to improve and re-establish 
themselves in the soil. This point should be made use of in the matter 
of applying commercial fertilizers. 


DeposiTION OF Ecc. 


The customary places where eggs were found to be laid during 
the past summer were as follows: In the crevice made in the soil by 
the crown of the plant, on particles of soil filling the crown below 
surface, below debris directly on the surface of the soil and laid pro- 
miscuously in the soil to the depth of one-half inch. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 47 


Invariably the eggs noted in situ, as above, were laid singly and 
individually, apparently devoid of any adhesive covering, consequently 
easily detached from the place where laid. 

Adult female weevils are capable of laying 50 eggs each, as shown 
by records of individual weevils in confinement and also hypothetically 
shown by the multiplication of the average number of eggs laid in one 
night by 59 female weevils, viz., 10.6, and the average individual period 
of egg deposition, viz., 4.72 days. “The maximum individual period of 
oviposition is shown by notes in hand thus far to be 15 days. 


PERIOD OF OVIPOSITION. 


Egg deposition for the generation as a whole began about the date 
of June 22nd of this year (1912), and it continued until August 22nd, 
a period of two months. During this period of oviposition a summer 
migration evidently occurs. ‘This year it took place for two weeks 
around July 8th, midway in the oviposition period. ‘The object of the 
migration, whether it be for the purpose of distributing eggs on new 
lands or for the purpose of rest, still remains dark. I have undoubted 
proof that certain of the migratory individuals lay eggs; furthermore, 
there seems no doubt that the weevil has a strong tendency to remain 
localized in one area, provided that area offers sufficient food and pro- 
tection. 


MIGRATION. 


In addition to the above-mentioned, there occurs a second migratory 
period in the fall. This apparently is purely for the purpose of winter 
protection and hibernation, but what proportion of the brood, in this 
case again, travels at this time of year, still remains a question for 
hibernating adults can be found the year round on the surface of the 
ground in a strawberry plantation. 


IN J URIOUSNESS. 


Crops of strawberries grown on the matted row system are not as 
a rule seriously affected the first year from planting unless the ground 
was previously infected. The injury is noticeable the third summer, 
often reducing the crop fully 50 crates to the acre from what with 
reason might be expected. When a plantation is kept down for more 
than three years, the crop may be totally destroyed. 

When these points are understood, the object of rotation on a 
small scale is interfered with and in many cases means no rotation at 
all, for although the piece of ground down to strawberries changes one 


48 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


year with another, the weevil is fairly localized within the area and 
free to infest the crop which is being grown. Rotation, however, on a 
large scale is much more effective, because the weevil not only has to 
travel a greater distance to find the new plantation, but its egg-laying 
period is per individual comparatively short and the larvae are capable 
of feeding on the roots of most vegetation on the way. 


Two things are certain that the presence of this weevil is very 
largely detracting from the profits of the strawberry industry as a 
whole, and that the injurious nature of this weevil is more particularly 
noticed on farms of small area, in fact, there need be little hesitation 
in saying that unless radical steps are taken to prevent the introduc- 
tion of this weevil into strawberry plantations, or fight it when it is in, 
on farms of five acres or less, the continuous growing of strawberries 
will prove wholly unprofitable. 


SUGGESTED REMEDIAL MEASURES. 


(1.) Varieties of strawberries should be grown which, by reason 
of their vigorous nature, are more apt to throw the best returns in 
yield the first spring from planting. Such varieties are recommended 
previously in the text of this paper for Lower Fraser conditions. (See 
“Susceptibility of Variety.”’) 


(2.) Chickens devour the larvae in the soil with readiness. Use 


should be made of them in a rotation with strawberries. (See “Indi- 
vidual Adult.’’) 


(3.) Adult weevils take shelter during the daytime under boards, 
etc., and thereby can be easily trapped. This method, however, is only 
practicable by growers on a small scale. (See “Individual Adult.”) 


(4.) A plan may yet be evolved which takes advantage of the 
weevil’s inability to fly. It can only crawl, consequently any evil- 
smelling mixture placed around a field or some sticky mixture placed 
around a field, may in time be originated. Thus far no method can 
be advised for immediate adoption. (See “Individual Adult.”) 


(5.) Arsenate of lead applied in the form of a spray immediately 
after the first crop is taken off, may be tried in certain cases when the 
adult weevils are so numerous as to warrant attention. Under ordinary 
conditions this method can only be recommended as a minor remedy. 


(See “Food Habits of Adult.’’) 


(6.) Cyanide of potassium and carbon bisulphide gas are effec- 
tive fumigants. The cost of the operation militates against their use. 
It may be stated here that it is extremely doubtful that any remedy, 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 49 


which will eradicate or kill the weevil, egg, larvae or adult, can be 
devised, which will not at the same time destroy the plant. 


(7.) Burning the crop is recommended, by application of a straw 
mulch on a day when a light wind is blowing.* The whole efficiency 
of this measure depends upon the time it is done. It should be done 
conjointly with the termination of the first crop. Every day’s delay 
from this time reduces its efficiency, as the egg-laying period begins 
about June 22nd and continues till about August 22nd. The last crate 
of berries came off about June 29th this year (1912), and the adult 
weevils began emerging from the soil in the second week of June, 
reaching their maximum emergence about July 6th. The point, there- 
fore, can be readily seen. (See “Period of Oviposition.’’) 


(8.) Observing the dates given above (7), and noting the large 
proportion of weevils on the surface of the ground as compared to 
the number of larvae in the soil, which latter are reducing as the adults 
are increasing, it is recommended that the field be not ploughed up 
until at least the end of July or the beginning of August, thereby 
allowing the plantation to act as a trap crop for the emerging adults 
to deposit eggs in and preventing in a large measure the new plantation 
from attack. This course should be followed up by fall ploughing 
and as frequent cultivation as possible previous to or during winter. 
(See “Period of Oviposition.’’) 


(9.) Fall planting is recommended for the Lower Fraser and 
can be followed with satisfaction. Possibly the same yield from the 
same area is not obtained as compared with the usual spring planting 
plan, but from the standpoint of the weevil, we must make some con- 
cession, and by planting after August 22nd, the benefit is apparent if 
the land is previously uninfected. (See ‘Period of Oviposition.’’) 


(10.) A system of plant renewal is advocated during the middle 
of the second summer. This is accomplished either by burning or by 
the removal of the old leaves from the plants in July. An application 
of some commercial fertilizer—ammonium sulphate, nitrate of soda, 
or a complete fertilizer—would be found of most benefit to the planta- 
tion at this time of year. (See “Nature of Injury.’’) 


(11.) The “one crop plan” of strawberry culture is recommended 
from the standpoint of the weevil and its nature, but from the stand- 
point of the local economics of strawberry culture in the Lower Fraser 
Valley it is not recommended. Those who. cannot raise strawberries 


*Care should be taken to see that the straw is not matted, but loosely laid so that there be 
no fear of concentrating heat at any one point. 


50 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


on the “two year plan,” owing to the depredations of the weevil, and 
who now prefer the “one crop plan,” would in all probability obtain 
better financial results by substituting the “‘fall planting plan” for the 
“one crop plan.” The “two year system” of strawberry culture is to 
be preferred when possible as being the most desirable plan of the three. 
The question of hill planting and the “four or five year plan’ has many 
points in its favor, but it is not fully considered here. 


(12.) Rotation of crops, while being strictly in accordance with 
the best agricultural practice, is strongly advocated against this weevil. 
From popular opinion, red clover is suited to follow strawberries, fol- 
lowed successively by potatoes and rhubarb. Growers with large acre- 
age, under judicious management, can combat the effects of this weevil 
satisfactorily with proper rotation alone, assisted by general cultural 
methods, but the smaller growers of ten acres or less, more or less con- 
gregated into communities, as they usually are, will not find rotation 
the same comparative benefit as the large grower, although of course 
a benefit will be noticed. It may be tentatively stated that not more 
than one acre in ten should be down to strawberries in an infested 
locality so as to provide for a system of proper rotation. 


THe Honoras_e Mr. ELtison, Minister of Agriculture, offered 
a few encouraging remarks to the meeting on their re-formation and 
evident progress. He said that he personally had been much interested 
in the discussions which he had been listening to, and he only wondered 
that more people were not active Entomologists to study these ques- 
tions on insect pests which yearly cost the province so much. He 
assured the Society of his regard and promised to do all in his power 
to obtain for them the necessary financial assistance. 


Mr. Witson, Chairman, briefly thanked the Honorable Minister 
for his kindness at being present and for his assurance of some financial 
assistance to the Society. 


ADDRESS. 
Tuomas CUNNINGHAM, Inspector of Fruit Pests. 


Ever since the creation of man, and in all ages of man on earth, 
we have evidence from remotest antiquity that the agriculturist and 
horticulturist have suffered enormous loss by the depredation of destruc- 
tive insects and plant diseases. No country in the world, as far as is 
known, is free from this scourge. Animals, including man, and plants 
suffer from infection. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 51 


Probably there is no part of the world that has suffered more than 
North America, particularly the United States. The annual loss due to 
insect pests in the United States, as published by the authority of the 
United States Department of Agriculture, now reaches the enormous 
sum of $1,272,000,000. This is more than the entire expenditure of 
the National Government, including pension roll and the maintenance 
of the Army and Navy. I quote from the authority of Professor C. L. 
Marlatt in the Journal of Economic Entomology, 1909, and the same 
author in the Year Book of the Department of Agriculture of 1904. 


The question will naturally arise why the United States suffer 
more than other countries. “The reason is easy of explanation. It is 
owing largely to the enterprise of the agriculturists and horticulturists 
in searching the world for new varieties of fruits, cereals, plants and 
vegetables. Hundreds of species not common to this continent, have 
been brought in from other parts of the world, including the Orient, 
the Mediterranean, Africa and as far north as Siberia. Australasia 
also has contributed largely to the list of economic plants of great 
value which have been brought into the States with the view of 
increasing the value of the products of the soil. 

Many of these plants were infected with Scale and Boring insects 
which are kept under control by predaceous insects in their native 
country. Nearly all the predaceous insects fly, while the Scales adhered 
closely to the plant and the Borers were safely concealed in the body 
of the plants and trees, so that of course they were protected from the 
attack of their natural enemies. This accounts for the importation of 
pests, and not the parasites which hold them in check. 

Most of these importations occurred before the discovery of such 
protective measures as fumigation with Hydrocyanic Acid Gas and 
Carbon Sisulphide. In point of fact, there were no quarantine regu- 
lations governing the importation of new varieties of plants until long 
after many of them had been introduced into the United States. It 
was not until after the discovery of the San Jose Scale that any 
steps were taken to quarantine or inspect importations from the Far 
East, which is now known to be the home of some of the most destructive 
pests that afflict this country. 

Not until the San Jose Scale had been widely distributed in Cali- 
fornia and several other States were any steps taken to bring this very 
destructive pest under control and prevent the introduction of other 
very serious pests. 

It is acknowledged by the highest entomological authorities that 
over fifty per cent. of the noxious insects that prey upon plants and 
animals in the United States have been imported from foreign countries. 


52 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


I will name a few: Codling Moth, imported from Europe; San Jose 
Scale, from China and Japan; Oyster Shell Scale, from Europe; 
European Fruit Scale; Gypsy and Brown Tail Moths; Mediterranean 
Fruit Fly. All these and many others have been imported direct from 
the countries producing the plants. ‘The Hessian Fly, one of the most 
destructive pests that infect wheat cereal, was imported from Europe, 
so that taking the whole list of destructive insects, as stated above, over 
fifty per cent. were imported. 

Had a judicious system of quarantine been adopted in the early 
history of North America, these destructive pests would have been kept 
out, and much of this terrible annual loss of $1,272,000,000, would have 


been prevented. 


While Canada may not suffer as much in proportion as the United 
States, still we have to pay our annual toll in the destruction of vege- 
tables, grain and fruits. I am not sure that I can give a correct estimate 
of the annual loss of Canada, but I think it is safe to assume that it 
would bear about the same proportion as our neighbors to the south. 

Fortunately for us, British Columbia suffers less than any other 
section of North America. ‘This is largely owing to the early pre- 
ventative measures that were instituted nearly a quarter of a century 
ago. California led the way to the adoption of quarantine inspection. 
Shortly after British Columbia fell into line, and the pioneer fruit- 
growers suggested to the Government the creation of a Board of Horti- 
culture with power to formulate regulations for the inspection of 
nursery stock and fruit. It is greatly to the credit, I believe, of the 
horticultural pioneers that these preventative measures were introduced, 
and many of the most destructive pests have been kept out. If this 
Province is probably the cleanest country in the world today, I think it 
is largely owing to the foresight of the pioneer fruit-growers. 

We have the reputation today of being the only Province in North 
America that is free from the Codling Moth, San Jose Scale, Gypsy 
and Brown Tail Moths and the several Fruit Flies. Shall this reputa- 
tion be preserved, and how, is a matter that should receive the immediate 
consideration of the B. C. Fruit Growers’ Association, the Central 
Farmers’ Institute and the B. C. Entomological Society. 


It devolves upon me to suggest the means that may be safely 
adopted for our protection. In doing this I am following the lead of 
California again, and also the Federal Government of the United 
States. 

On December 24th, 1911, the Governor of California called a 
special session of the State Legislature to consider the passage of a 
Quarantine Law, which would enable the horticultural authorities to 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 53 


frame regulations for the better protection of the State from the intro- 
duction of insect pests and diseases. 

The time allotted to me is too short to give you more than a few 
quotations from this valuable law, the title of which is: 


“An Act provided for the protection of Horticulture and to prevent 
the introduction into this State of insects or diseases or animals injurious 
to fruit or fruit trees, vines, bushes, or vegetables, providing for a quaran- 
tine for the enforcement of this Act, making a violation of the terms of 
the Act a misdemeanor, and providing a penalty therefor; providing 
that said Act shall be an urgency measure and go into effect immediately, 
and repealing that certain Act, entitled “An Act for the protection of 
Horticulture, and to prevent the introduction into this State of insects or 
diseases or animals injurious to fruit or fruit trees, vines, bushes or 
vegetables, and to provide for a quarantine for the enforcement of this 
Act,” approved March 11, 1899.” 


Section I provides: 


“Any person, persons, firm or corporation who shall receive, bring 
or cause to be brought into the State of California, any nursery stock, 
trees, shrubs, plants, vines, cuttings, grafts, scions, buds or fruit pits, or 
fruit or vegetables, or seed, shall immediately after the arrival thereof 
notify the state commissioner of horticulture, or deputy quarantine 
officer, or quarantine guardian of the district or county in which such 
nursery stock, or fruit or vegetables, or seed are received, of their arrival, 
and hold the same without unnecessarily moving the same, or placing 
such articles where they may be harmful, for the immediate inspection 
of such state commissioner of horticulture, or deputy quarantine officer 
or guardian. Provided, however, that all articles of nursery stock, 
trees, shrubs, plants, vines, cuttings, grafts, scions, buds, fruit pits, fruits, 
vegetables, or seed which are infested or infected with such’ species of 
injurious insects or their eggs, larvae or purpae or other animal or plant 
disease which may be or be liable to be injurious to the orchards, vine- 
yards, gardens or farms within said State, shall be destroyed or reshipped 
out of the state as hereinafter provided. The said officer so making an 
inspection shall not permit any of the described articles so coming in 
contact with said infested or infected articles or any articles which 
might convey infection or infestation to be removed or taken from any 
such car, warehouse, depot, ship, dock, wharf or any other place until 
such infection or infestation shall have been destroyed.” 

Section 2: “Each carload, case, box, package, crate, bale or bundle 
of trees, shrubs, plants, vines, cuttings, grafts, scions, buds or fruit 
pits, or fruit or vegetables, or seed imported or brought into this 
state, shall have plainly and legibly marked thereon in a conspicuous 


54 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


manner and place the name and address of the shipper, owner, or 
owners or person forwarding or shipping the same, and also the name 
of the person, firm or corporation to whom the same is forwarded or 
shipped, or his or its responsible agents, also the name of the country, 
state or territory where the contents were grown and a statement of the 
contents therein.” 


Section 4: ‘‘When any shipment of nursery stock, trees, vines, 
plants, shrubs, cuttings, grafts, scions, fruit, fruit pits, vegetables or 
seed, or any other horticultural or agricultural product passing through 
any portion of the State of California in transit, is infested or infected 
with any species of injurious insects, their eggs, larvae or pupae or 
animal or plant disease, which would cause damage, or be liable to 
cause damage to the orchards, vineyards, gardens or farms of the 
State of California, or which would be or be liable to be, detri- 
mental thereto, or to any portion of said state, or to any of 
the orchards, vineyards, gardens or farms within said States, and 
there exists danger of dissemination of such insects or disease while such 
shipment is in transit in the State of California, then such shipment shall 
be placed within sealed containers, composed of metallic or other 
material, so that the same can not be broken or opened, or be liable to 
be broken or opened, so as to permit any of the said shipment, insects, 
their eggs, larvae, or pupae or animal or plant disease to escape from 
such sealed containers and the said containers shall not be opened while 
within the State of California.” 


Section 5: “No person, persons, firm or corporation shall bring or 
cause to be brought into the State of California any fruit or vegetable or 
host plant which is now known to be, or hereafter may become a host 
plant or host fruit of any species of the fruit fly family “Trypetidae” 
from any county, state or district where such species of “Trypetidae’’ is 
known to exist and such fruit, vegetables, or host plant, together with 
the container and packing, shall be refused entry and shall be imme- 
diately destroyed at the expense of the owner, owners or agents.” 


Section 6: “No person, persons, firm or corporation shall bring or 
cause to be brought into the State of California any peach, nectarine, 
or apricot tree or cuttings, grafts, scions, buds or pits of such trees, 
or any trees budded or grafted upon peach, stock or roots that have been 
in a district where the disease known as “peach yellows” or the con- 
tagious disease known as “‘contagious peach rosette”? are known to exist, 
and any such attempting to land or enter shall be refused entry and shall 
be destroyed or returned to the point of shipment at the option of the 
owner, owners, or agent, and at his or her expense.” 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 55 


Section 7: “No person, persons, firm or corporation shall bring 
or cause to be brought into the State of California any injurious animals 
known as English or Australian wild rabbit, flying fox, mongoose or any 
other animal or animals detrimental to horticultural or agricultural 
interests.” 


Section 8: “Any person, persons, firm or corporation violating 
any of the provisions of this Act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and 
shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not 
exceeding six months, or by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars, 
or by both such fine and imprisonment.” 


Acting under authority of this Law, the State of California has 
quarantined the States of Florida, North and South Carolina, Georgia, 
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, or any other section known 
to harbor either of the “Aleyrodes citri’ or “Aleyrodes nubifera.”’ 


“QUARANTINE ORDER No. 15.—Aucust 30, 1912.” 


WHEREAS, a quarantine order, No. 1, issued March 6, 1906, was 
declared against the Citrus White Fly (Aleyrodes citri) from the 
States of Florida and Louisiana, and only from these states, and, 

WHEREAS, we have information from the entomologists of the 
United States Agricultural Experiment stations of the South Atlantic 
and Gulf States that this same White Fly (Aleyrodes citri) is widely 
distributed in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, 
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas; and, 

WHEREAS, it has been received into California on nursery stock 
from North Carolina and Mississippi, and, 

WHEREAS, another species of the White Fly (Aleyrodes nubifera) is 
present in Florida, and, 

WHuereas, both of these White Flies are serious pests, being 
regarded in Florida as second to none in their injurious work on citrus 
and other trees, and, 

WHEREAS, there is great danger of introducing “Aleyrodes citri” 
into the citrus groves of California on plants or nursery stock from 
each of the states aforesaid at the present time; and, 

WHEREAS, there is danger of said ““Aleyrodes nubifera” being intro- 
duced into California from Florida, and into the South Atlantic and 
Gulf States from Florida, and from thence into California, therefore it is 


DecrareD: That a horticultural quarantine be and is hereby 
established against fruits and vegetables (excepting tomatoes), nursery 
stocks, scions, grafts, buds, cuttings, fruit pits, orange seeds, trees, vines, 


56 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


plants and shrubs of all kinds imported from the States of North Caro- 
lina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana 
and Texas, or any other section known to harbor either “Aleyrodes citri’ 
or “Aleyrodes nubifera,” or both, into the State of California; all quar- 
antine guardians and deputies of the State Horticultural Commissioner 
are hereby instructed and required to hold any and all such fruits and 
vegetables (excepting tomatoes), nursery stock, scions, grafts, buds, fruit 
pits, orange seeds and plants of all kinds, subject to the order of the 
shippers or owners thereof, for exportation out of the State, or to be 
destroyed.” 


“QUARANTINE OrperR No. 14.—Avucust 13, 1912.” 


Wuereas, the alfalfa fields of the following counties of Utah: 
Salt Lake, Tooele, Juap, Utah, Wasatch, Summitt, Davis, Morgan, 
Weber, Boxelder, Cache and Rich; of the two counties of Idaho: 
Oneida and Bear Lake; and of Uintah County in the State of Wyoming, 
are infested with the Alfalfa Weevil (Phytonomus posticus) ; and, 

WueErEAS, the devastation of this insect is very sertous, often 
ruining the entire crop, and, 


Wuereas, our alfalfa product is very important, the estimated 
cash value the present year being a little short of $50,000,000; and, 

WHuenrEAS, there is danger of our receiving this pest through the 
importation of alfalfa hay from the counties aforesaid, as determined 
by the chief deputy of this Commission, who has visited and thoroughly 
studied the conditions in the devastated area; 


WHEREFORE, it is declared that a quarantine be, and the same is 
hereby established against all alfalfa hay from the several counties 
hereinbefore mentioned of Utah, Idaho and Wyoming. All horticul- 
tural commissioners, local inspectors and deputies of the State Horticul- 
tural Commission are hereby instructed and required to refuse shipment 
into the State of California of all alfalfa hay from the said quarantined 
counties. If such hay is shipped into the State by any oversight, it must 
at once be destroyed or returned to the shipper. 


All transportation companies are ordered to refuse for shipment into 
California any alfalfa hay from the said infected counties.” 


A. J. Coox, 


State Commissioner of Horticulture. 
Sacramento, Cal. 


“QUARANTINE Orper No. 10.—January 29, 1912.” 


Wuenreas, There exists in the nurseries of Santa Clara, Alameda, 
Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties a serious insect pest known as the 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 57 


California or Western Peach Tree Borer, “Sanninoidea pacifica’ Riley, 
and, 


3 WueErEAS, Several affected trees have been shipped from said nur- 
series into other counties of California within the past few days; and, 


WHEREAS, Said insect is a serious enemy of all stone-fruit-trees, as 
the borers girdle or seriously wound the crown of infested peach, plum, 
apricot, prune, nectarine, cherry or almond-trees; and, 


Wuereas, This caterpillar or borer is not known to be a pest in 
other counties and its introduction would be a serious injury, and must be 
resisted ; and, 


Wuereas, The borer, when young or small will elude the keenest 
inspection ; therefore, it is hereby 


OrpDERED, DiRECTED AND DecLaRED: ‘That a quarantine be and 
the same is hereby established in accordance with Section 2319b of the 
Political Code of the State of California, against the shipment of 
peach, plum, apricot, prune, nectarine, cherry and almond trees from any 
of the aforesaid counties.” 


A. J. Coox, 


State Commissioner of Horticulture. 
Sacramento, Cal. 


These are fair samples of the Quarantine Regulations that have 
been enforced by the horticultural authorities of California. But they 
were not satisfied with their own state law. A movement was set on 
foot early in 1912 to bring pressure to bear upon the Federal Govern- 
ment to pass a general quarantine Act covering the importation of 
plants and plant products throughout the United States. This Act 
was approved by the President of the United States, August 20th, 1912. 


The time allotted to me will not permit of reciting the provisions of 
the entire Act. I will, therefore, content myself with giving you 
quotations from the most important sections: 


Section 4: “That no person shall ship, or deliver for shipment 
from one state or territory or district of the United States into any 
other state or territory or district any such imported nursery stock, the 
case, box, package, crate, bale, or bundle whereof is not plainly marked 
so as to show the general nature and quantity of the contents, the name 
and address of the consignee, the country and locality where such 
stock was grown, unless and until such imported stock has been inspected 
by the proper official of a state, territory, or district of the United 
States.” 


58 B, C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


Section 5: ‘That whenever the Secretary of Agriculture shall 
determine that the unrestricted importation of any plants, fruits, vege- 
tables, roots, bulbs, seeds or other plant products not included by the 
term “nursery stock” as defined in section six of this act may result 
in the entry into the United States or any of its territories or districts of 
injurious plant diseases or insect pests he shall promulgate his deter- 
mination, specifying the class of plants and plant products the importa- 
tion of which shall be restricted and the country and locality where they 
are grown, and thereafter, and until such promulgation is withdrawn, 
such plants and plant products imported or offered for import into the 
United States or any of its territories or districts shall be subject to all 
the provisions of the foregoing sections of this Act; provided that before 
the Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate his determination that 
the unrestricted importation of any plants, fruits, vegetables, roots, 
bulbs, seeds, or other plant products not included by the term “nursery 
stock” shall include all field-grown florists’ stock, trees, shrubs, vines, 
the United States or any of its territories or districts of injurious plant 
diseases or insect pests, he shall, after due notice, give a public hearing, 
under such rules and regulations as he shall prescribe, at which hearing 
any interested party may appear and be heard, either in person or by 
attorney.” 


Section 6. “That for the purpose of this Act the term “nursery 
stock” shall include all field-grown florists’ stock, trees, shrubs, vines, 
cuttings, grafts, scions, buds, fruit pits and other seeds of fruit and 
ornamental trees or shrubs, and other plants and plant products for 
propagation, except field vegetables and flower seeds, bedding plants, 
and other herbaceous plants, bulbs and roots.”’ 


Section 7: “That whenever, in order to prevent the introduction 
into the United States of any tree, plant or fruit disease or of any 
injurious insect, new to or not theretofore widely prevalent or distributed 
within and throughout the United States, the Secretary of Agriculture 
shall determine that it is necessary to forbid the importation into the 
United States of any class of nursery stock, or of any other class of 
plants, fruits, vegetables, roots, bulbs, seeds, or other plant products from 
a country or locality where such disease or insect infestation exists, he 
shall promulgate such determination, specifying the country and locality, 
and the class of nursery stock or other class of plants, fruits, vegetables, 
roots, bulbs, seeds, or other plant products which in his opinion should 
be excluded. Following the promulgation of such determination by 
the Secretary of Agriculture, and until the withdrawal of the said 
promulgation by him, the importation of the class of nursery stock or 
of other class of plants, fruits, vegetables, roots, bulbs, seeds, or 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 59 


other plant products specified in the said promulgation from the country 
and locality therein named, regardless of the use for whici the same is 
intended, is hereby prohibited; and until the withdrawal of the said 
promulgation by the Secretary of Agriculture, and nothwithstanding 
that such class of nursery stock, or other class of plants, fruits, vege- 
tables, roots, bulbs, seeds, or other plant products be accompanied by 
a certificate of inspection from the country of importation, no person shall 
import or offer for entry into the United States from any country or 
locality specified in such promulgation, any of the class of nursery 
stock or of other class of plants, fruits, vegetables, roots, bulbs, seeds 
or other plant products named therein, regardless of the use for which 
the same is intended; provided, that before the Secretary of Agriculture 
shall promulgate his determination that it is necessary to forbid the 
importation into the United States of the articles named in this section 
he shall, after due notice to the interested parties, give a public hearing, 
under such rules and regulations as he shall prescribe, at which hearing 
any interested party may appear and be heard, either in person or by 
attorney; provided further, that the quarantine provisions of this section, 
as applying to the white-pine blister rust, potato wart and the Mediter 
ranean Fruit Fly, shall become effective upon the passage of this Act.” 


Section 8: “That the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized and 
directed to quarantine any state, territory, or district of the United 
States, or any portion thereof, when he shal] determine the fact that a 
dangerous plant disease or insect infestation. new to or not theretofore 
widely prevalent or distributed within and throughout the United 
States, exists in such state or territory or district; and the Secretary of 
Agriculture is directed to give notice of the establishment of such quar- 
antine to common carriers doing business in or through such quaran- 
tined area, and shall publish in such newspapers in the quarantined 
area as he shall select notice of the establishment of quarantine. 
That no person shall ship or offer for shipment to any common carrier, 
nor shall any common carrier receive for transportation or transpoit, 
nor shall any person carry or transport from) any quarantined state 
or territory or district of the United States, or from any quarantined 
portion thereof, into or through any other state or territory or district, 
any class of nursery stock or any other class of plants, fruit, vegetables, 
roots, bulbs, seeds, or other plant products specified in the notice of 
quarantine except as hereinafter provided. ‘That it shall be unlawful 
to move, or allow to be moved, any class of nursery stock, or any other 
class of plants, fruits, vegetables, roots, bulbs, seeds, or other plant 
products specified in the notice of quarantine hereinbefore provided, and 


60 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


regardless of the use for which the same is intended, from any quaran- 
tined state or territory, or district of the United States, or quarantined 
portion thereof, into or through any other state or territory or district, 
in manner or method or under conditions other than those prescribed 
by the Secretary of Agriculture.” 


Under authority of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture for the 
United States has quarantined large sections of the States of Maine, 
New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode 
Island. This quarantine embraces coniferous trees, such as spruce, fir, 
hemlock, pine, juniper, cedar, arbor vite, and decorative plants, such 
as holly and laurel; forest plant products, such as logs, tan-bark, posts, 
poles, railroad ties, cordwood and lumber, and all field-grown florists’ 
stock, trees, shrubs, vines, cuttings and other plant products for planting 
or propagation, and these shall not be moved or allowed to be moved, 
inter-state, or to any point outside the quarantined area, until such 
plants and plant products have been inspected by the United States 
Department of Agriculture, and pronounced free from the Gypsy 
Moth. Every crate, box, bale or other bundle of plant products, of 
which inspection is required by these regulations, shall be plainly marked 
with the name and address of the consignor, and shal] bear a certificate 
showing that the contents have been inspected by the United States 
Department of Agriculture. 


Carload or other bulk shipments of plants and plant products, for 
which inspection is required, shall not be transported or offered for 
transportation inter-state, by cars, boats or other vehicles, unless each 
shipment is accompanied by a certificate showing that the plants and 
plant products have been inspected by the United States Department 
of Agriculture, and pronounced to be free from moth infestation. Cer- 
tificates of inspection will be issued only for plants and plant products 
which have been actually inspected by the United States Department 
of Agriculture. 

On November 25th, 1912, until further notice, by virtue of said 
Section 8 of the Act of Congress, approved August 20th, 1912, it shall 
be unlawful to move in inter-state commerce, any of the above described 
plants or plant products from the areas herein quarantined, except in 
accordance with these regulations and amendments thereto. 


On September 20th, 1912, the Secretary of Agriculture issued a 
quarantine against the plant disease known as “Potato Wart,” “Potato 
Canker,” “Black Scab” and so forth, prohibiting the importation into 
the United States of potatoes from Newfoundland, the Islands of St. 
Pierre and Miquelon, Great Britain, including England, Scotland, 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 61 


Wales and Ireland; Germany and Austria-Hungary. The quarantine 
reads as follows: 


“Now, therefore, I, Willett Hays, Acting Secretary of Agriculture, 
under authority conferred by Section 7 of the Act approved August 20th, 
1912, known as the ‘Plant Quarantine Act,’ do hereby declare that it 
is necessary, in order to prevent the introduction into the United States, 
of the disease known as ‘Potato Wart,’ ‘Potato Canker,’ ‘Black Scab’ 
and so forth, to forbid the importation into the United States from the 
hereinbefore named countries, of the following species, namely, the 
common Irish Potato, ‘Solanum tuberosum.” 


Quarantine No. 2, against the Mediterranean Fruit Fly. The 
United States have quarantined their own favorite colony, the Territory 
of Hawaii. The quarantine reads as follows: 


“Now, therefore, I, Willett M. Hays, Acting Secretary of Agri- 
culture, under the authority conferred by Section 8 of the Act approved 
August 20th, 1912, known as ‘The Plant Quarantine Act,’ do hereby 
quarantine said Territory of Hawaii, and do prohibit, by this notice 
of quarantine No. 2, under the authority and discretion conferred on 
the Secretary of Agriculture by said Section 8 of the Act of Congress 
approved August 20th, 1912, the movement from the Territory of 
Hawaii into or through any other State, Territory, or District of the 
United States of the following fruits, seeds, vegetables and other plant 
products: 


Alligator pears Grape fruit Natal, or Kafir plum 
Carambolas Green peppers Oranges 

Chinese ink berry Guavas Papaya 

Chinese orange Kamani seeds Peaches 

Chinese plums Kumquats Persimmons 

Coffee berries Limes Prickly pears 
Damson plums Loquats Rose apple 

Eugenias Mangos Star apple 

Figs Mock Orange String beans 

Grapes Mountain apple Tomatoes 


“Hereafter, and until further notice, by virtue of said Section 8 
of the Act of Congress, approved August 30th, 1912, it shall be unlawful 
to move any of the fruits, seeds, vegetables, or other plant products 
herein named from the Territory of Hawaii into or through any other 


62 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


State, Territory, or District of the United States, regardless of the use 
for which the same is intended.” 


Done at Washington this 18th day of September, 1912. 
Witness my hand and seal of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, 


Wiiietr M. Hays, 
Acting Secretary of Agriculture. 


QUARANTINE Orper No. 5—“THE Cotton Bott WEEVIL.” 


In order to prevent the introduction of the cotton boll weevil, 
“Anthonomus grandis,” into the State of. Arizona, it is hereby ordered: 


(a) That the introduction of cotton seed into the State of Arizona 
from any other state or territory, or from any foreign country in which 
the cotton boll weevil is known to exist, is hereafter prohibited. 


(b) That this quarantine order shall be immediately effective upon 
proper notification of persons concerned, against the following states 
and countries: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ala- 
bama, Florida, Republic of Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Cuba. 


(c) That this quarantine order shall be extended to any state, terri- 
tory or country in which the cotton boll weevil may hereafter be dis- 
covered, upon public announcement by the Arizona State Entomogolist. 


(d) That all persons, firms or corporations in the State of Arizona 
are prohibited from having possession of, transporting, selling or giving. 
away any cotton seed introduced into the State in violation of this order. 


(Adopted November 1, 1912.) 


QUARANTINE OrpeEr No. 6—“CALirorNiIA RED AND YELLOW SCALES.” 


In order to prevent the introduction of either the California red 
(Chrysomphalus aurantii), or the yellow scale (Chrysomphalus aurantti 
var. citrinus), into the State of Arizona, it is hereby ordered: 


(a) That the introduction of citrus nursery stock, either budded or 
seedling, into the State of Arizona, from any county in the State of 
California, with the exception of Tulare and Fresno, is prohibited. 


(b) That this order shall not be construed to interfere with the 
introduction into the State of citrus bud wood under the provisions of 
the Arizona crop pest law providing for the inspection of shipments of 
such material at destination. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 63 


(c) That all persons, firms, or corporations in the State of Arizona 
are prohibited from having possession of, transporting, selling or giving 
away any citrus stock introduced into the State in violation of this order. 


(Adopted November 1, 1912.) 


(Extract from Monthly Bulletin No. 10, State Commission of Horti- 
culture, Sacramento, California.) 


“ARIZONA AND INSPECTION OF MEXICAN FRUITS.” 


It will be interesting to all California to know that Arizona has 
recently passed a law revising and giving added power to those in charge 
of the horticultural work there. With regard to the new work in 
Arizona, Dr. A. W. Morrill, State Entomologist, writes the following: 

“The commission of Agriculture and Horticulture under our new 
law has informally adopted a quarantine restriction prohibiting the 
importation of mangoes, guavas, and oranges from Mexico. This quar- 
antine order will be formally adopted as soon as the members have 
qualified for their new appointments under the amended law, which I 
expect will be in the course of a few days. During the next few weeks 
I shall be busy organizing our inspection service, and I expect that before 
the end of September I will have completed arrangements for the pro- 
tection at Nogales similar to that which you have in California at your 
Pacific ports. As soon as the quarantine order of the Commission has 
been formally agreed upon I will send you a copy. ‘These orders will 
include a quarantine order against white flies affecting citrus, the alfalfa 
weevil, and the Mexican orange maggot.” 

It will be thus seen that the United States are determined to 
prevent the introduction and spread of either destructive insects and 
plant diseases. “This leads up to the question of the protection of our 
own favored Province. 

Hitherto we have been using such preventative measures as the 
Regulations of the Board of Horticulture provide. All imported nursery 
stock is carefully dealt with, and our present system is found to be 
fairly adequate, but the time may come when it will be necessary to 
exclude the importation of nursery stock from countries known to be 
infected with dangerous pests and diseases not common to British 
Columbia. 

We have also carefully inspected, as far as possible, imported fruit, 
grain and vegetables, but the time has come when, owing to the large 
importation of fruit, it is utterly impossible to adequately protect this 
Province. 


64 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


During the year 1912 there were imported into Vancouver alone: 


200,795 Boxes Apples 
312 Half-boxes Apples 
34 Bbls. Apples 
708 Boxes Crabs 
685 Half-boxes Crabs 
37,045° Boxes Pears 
590 Half-boxes Pears 
27,755 Boxes Plums 
88,100 Boxes Peaches 
21,353 Boxes Apricots 
139 Boxes Nectarines 
2,755 Boxes Prunes 
180 Boxes Quince 


380,451 Total No. Packages 


which I think would fairly represent half the importations into this 
Province of deciduous fruit from countries known to be infected with 
the Codling Moth, San Jose Scale and other destructive pests. As 
practically all this fruit was wrapped, and a thorough inspection would 
involve the unwrapping and inspection of each individual fruit, you 
will see how utterly impossible it is, no matter how careful we may be, 
to prevent the introduction of these destructive pests. It is a physical 
impossibility to unwrap, inspect, re-wrap and pack all this fruit, and 
restore it to the condition in which it is found when the packages are 
opened. It would involve the labor of over one hundred experts to 
handle the fruit properly in Vancouver alone, and then there is the 
added danger of infection being brought in in infected cars. 


Many times during the year 1912 we have found cars badly infected 
with larve of the Codling Moth. ‘These cars containing the larve 
are shipped throughout the Province, and if transformation from the 
cocoon stage to the moth occurs while the cars are passing through the 
Province, certain infestation is sure to follow. 


In a word, under our present system it is utterly impossible to 
guarantee the protection of the country from the introduction of the 


Codling Moth and the Peach Worm. 


I think the time has arrived when we should seek greater protection 
from the Dominion Government. In doing so, we are following the 
lead of California and the United States Federal Government. Surely 
we can make no mistake in adopting protective measures which are 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 65 


now being rigidly enforced by our neighbors, with whom we are in 
constant communication. 


I have, therefore, drafted the following resolution, which I will 
submit for the consideration of this Convention: 


Wuenreas, the policy of the Dominion Government of Canada and 
the Provincial Government of British Columbia, respectively, has been 
for many years directed towards the encouragement of immigration into 
this Province; and, 


Wuereas, the aforesaid Governments have jointly and severally, 
by exhibitions, lectures, circular letters, bulletins and other means, pointed 
out to the intending settlers the splendid advantages that British Colum- 
bia offers, by reason of her climate, soil, geographical position and exten- 
sive markets; and, 


Wuereas, both the aforesaid Governments have from time to 
time, by numerous methods, held out to the intending settlers unmistak- 
able assurance that the fruit industry would be fostered and protected 
by such legislation as may be found necessary in the development of the 
horticultural industry; and, 


Wuereas, the effect of such assurance has resulted in large and 
ever increasing areas of agricultural land being planted in orchards— 
many millions of dollars have been invested and numerous settlers of a 
very superior character have embarked in the fruit industry, greatly to 
the advantage of the Dominion and the Province; and, 


WHEREAS, the importation of trees and plants during the three 
years ending December 31, 1911, reached the enormous total of 
8,975,663, which, when added to the output of our local nurseries, will 
swell the total to considerably over 10,000,000 trees and plants, (this 
is the best evidence of the great expansion of the fruit industry) ; and, 


Wuereas, there is undoubted evidence before this Board that this 
valuable industry is now, and has been for some time, threatened with 
very serious danger by the importation of insect pests and diseases in 
fruit and fruit packages infected with such pests as Codling Moth, Cydia 
(Carpocapsa) pomonella, which attacks apples, pears, crab-apples and 
quinces, also several destructive scale insects, such as “Aspidiotus 
perniciosus,’ “Aspidiotus rapax,”’ “Saissetia oleae,” “Lepidosaphes ulmi,” 
and several other scales of economic importance ; also the very destructive 
Peach Worm, technically known as “Anarsia lineatella,’ which is 
reported by the horticultural authorities of California as being respon- 
sible for the annual destruction of from twenty-five to thirty per cent. 
of the entire peach crop of California; and, 


66 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


WHEREAS, the imminence of the danger of the introduction of these 
destructive pests is abundantly proved by the returns of fruit condemned 
for infection at the Port of Vancouver, during the four years ending 
December 31, 1912, which are as follows: 


G09 ek ee een ee eee ete te pee 12,351 Packages 
NGM) ik ee hades CO AE ER eR he ee 20 8,394 2 
LSI ty then ce EN ee ee See Pe ee 7,199 zi 
OID iat See cae en, RN Den ee tech ee, a eae 16,949 & 
Total No. Packages Deciduous Fruit.............. 44,893 


besides some 27 cars intended for this market, but were diverted by 
reason of their infection, the shippers not caring to run the risk of con- 
demnation. In addition to the number of boxes condemned at Van- 
couver, as above, there were 8,000 boxes condemned at the Port of 
Victoria during 1912. This, when added to the above, makes the sum 
total of packages condemned during the year at the two Coast cities, 
24,949. This record abundantly proves the terrible danger which this 
Province is exposed to under the present system of importing such large 
quantities of fruit from countries known to be seriously infected with 
pests from which this Province is happily free; and, 


Wuereas, the United. States Federal Government, in Congress 
assembled in the month of August, 1912, did enact a General Quaran- 
tine whereby nursery stock, plants, fruits, vegetables, bulbs, seeds or 
other plant products may be excluded from entering the United States 
and its territories when such nursery stock, plants, fruits, vegetables, 
bulbs, seeds or other plant products are shipped from any country known 
to be infected with diseases and insect pests not commonly found in 
the United States and its territories; and, 


Wuereas, the States of California and Arizona have already put 
into force the provisions of the Federal Quarantine Act, against the 
States of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, 
Louisiana, Texas, Utah and Hawaii, or other territory infested with 
certain insect pests; also the following countries foreign to the United 
States, namely, Newfoundland, the Islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon, 
Great Britain, including England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland; Ger- 
many and Austria-Hungary ; therefore, 


Be Ir Resotvep: That this Association, respectfully, but very 
earnestly, urge the Dominion Government to enact such legislation as 
will exclude deciduous fruit, such as apples, pears, crab-apples, quinces, 
peaches, apricots and plums from being imported into this Province 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 67 


from countries, states and provinces known to be infected with the before- 
mentioned insect pests or other insect pests and diseases, not widely 
prevalent or distributed within or throughout the Province of British 
Columbia. 

I may say that I have already submitted this resolution to several 
Boards of Trade throughout the Province, and purpose submitting it 
to every Board of Trade throughout British Columbia, requesting their 
co-operation and assistance. 

It has been kindly received wherever it has been presented. At 
every meeting, except one, the resolution has been adopted unanimously, 
by a standing vote. I have found only two dissenting voices in the 
sections of the Province visited. 


I plead most earnestly for the protection of the reputation of our 
beloved Province. It is not a question involving any difference of opin- 
ion or affecting trade in the slightest degree. 


The question resolves itself into this: Shall we maintain our 
splendid reputation? Shall we protect the fruit-grower from the 
expense of fighting pests and diseases from which we are now immune? 


This can only be done by quarantining countries that are known 
to be infected. 


Fruit inspection has served a good purpose this far, but it is no 
longer a safe and practical protection. 


I take pleasure in moving the foregoing resolution. 


Mr. Britrain—I take leave to second this motion and in so doing 
I wish to say that when I first heard about this measure and the course 
it proposed to adopt, the whole consideration appeared to me to be of 
too drastic a nature. However, we have received evidence that the 
same considerations are taking place across the line, and I must say 
that I have been somewhat astonished at the breadth of the movement. 
The evidence is now before us, skilfully compiled by Mr. Cunningham, 
and I feel now that we are fully justified in adopting measures such as 
have been proposed, and I believe that we as a Society of Entomologists 
should lend our thorough support. 


Mr. TREHERNE—I also believe this measure to be sound from our 
standpoint as entomologists, as it seems to be in accordance with up to 
date present day economic entomology. I believe, however, it should 
be carefully considered before we pass judgment upon it. When we 
cannot inspect for an insect pest with safety to ourselves then we are 
justified in placing quarantine measures against it, and there seems little 
doubt that cases arise in Codling Moth inspection which cannot be 


68 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


covered by an inspection certificate. Our only resource then is whole- 
sale condemnation or quarantine. If we as entomologists pass this 
resolution I have no doubt our opinions will carry weight with those, 
through whose hands the measure will go, for we are judging the situa- 
tion from a scientific and unbiassed standpoint. We have nothing to 
lose or to gain by it beyond that of the protection of the Province from 
dangerous insect pests, consequently we can only judge this issue on its 
merits, and it is only on its merits as an entomological problem that it 


should be judged. 


Mr. Taytor—An exactly similar state of affairs occurred in Cape 
Colony, South Africa. Certain districts infested with Codling Moth 
were isolated and kept isolated. 


Mr. TREHERNE—When was that? 
Mr. Tay_or—Some four or five years ago. 


Mr. Wirson—Will whole states or only infested territories or 
localities be barred in this resolution? 


Mr. CUNNINGHAM— That is a matter for the Government to deal 
with. 


Mr. Lyne—To show any exemption in this regard would be 
dangerous. 


Mr. Britrain—Has the Province power to isolate districts in the 
Province? 


Mr. CUNNINGHAM—That has not been fully dealt with. Per- 
haps by way of further explanation, it might interest the members to 
know that during the season of 1912 a slight infection of “Cydia 
(Carpocapsa) pomonella’ was discovered near Armstrong. After 
samples had been submitted to me, I immediately got four of my staff 
on the ground. We made a close inspection from tree to tree, and 
succeeded in locating the infection in about a dozen trees, close up to 
the wire fence which separated another orchard. ‘The infection had, I 
believe, come from the adjoining orchard. At any rate, we found it on 
both sides of the fence. 


I negotiated with the owners for the purchase of the fruit, as it 
was of the utmost importance to stamp out the infection lest it should 
be carried by air currents down the Okanagan Valley. We examined 
every tree in the two orchards, and to make “assurance doubly sure,” 
we extended the inspection to the next adjoining orchard. The quantity 
of the fruit was estimated and a lump sum was agreed upon, to be paid 
for all the fruit in the three orchards. After this had been done, I 
engaged a number of men to pick the fruit. I bought several hundred 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 69 


sacks and had every fruit in the three orchards, including apples, pears, 
crab-apples and quince, picked and carted to the sawmill, where I had 
provided a large tank holding half a carload of apples. Into this tank 
two jets of steam from the boiler were introduced. I placed 2x4 inch 
scantlings on the bottom of the tank and put rows of sacks on top of 
these scantlings. ‘This was to permit the steam to circulate all around 
the sacks, so as to ensure the cooking of the fruit. ‘Tier after tier was 
then placed until the tank was full. We then turned on the steam, but 
unfortunately the pressure was too great, and not only cooked the 
apples, but blew the pulp and seeds through the sacks, covering the 
sides of the tank and cover with about an inch of apple pulp. However, 
needless to say, all the larvae were destroyed. 


In the second grist that we put through we reduced the pressure 
to about 120. This cooked the apples completely in the course of a 
few hours, all the fruit being reduced to pulp. 


I regard this as a very valuable discovery, as it will enable us, 
when we shall have completed the new Fumigating Station, to prov’ le 
a chamber whereby we can steam to pulp all condemned fruit rather 
than have it cremated at a very large expense. This pulp, after having 
been steamed thoroughly, will constitute food for animals. 


Dealing with these three infected orchards involved a very con- 
siderable expense. We paid for the apples and cooked them, but I con- 
sider that no expense is too great if we are to succeed in stamping out 
incipient infection. This, I believe, has been done most effectively, 
because I have been able to prove by several experiments that the only 
way this Codling Moth can be stamped out is to destroy the food on 
which the larve feed. 


I am informed that as the result of my success at Kamloops, which 
is well known to most of the entomologists present, Australia has prac- 
tically adopted a similar method. I am informed by Mr. Hutchison, 
who has recently returned from Australia and is now resident on the 
Delta,that this destruction of the fruit is the favorite method of dealing 
with Codling Moth infection in the Australian States. Mr. Simms, 
who has been for many years in the Government Service in New Zealand, 


reports that the Government adopted that method in dealing with the 
Fruit Fly. 

That we have succeeded in stamping out the infection at Arm- 
strong, I have the best reasons for believing. The question now is how 
was this infection introduced? It is my opinion that cases which con- 
tained nursery stock which had been shipped from Oregon had been 
previously stored in fruit-houses badly infected with Codling Moth, and 


70 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


became infected, thus conveying the infection to the orchard where we 
discovered the larve. I made diligent enquiry on this point and found 
that a case of trees had been delivered in the adjoining orchard early 
last spring. The nursery stock was taken out and planted, but the case 
was allowed to remain for some months. I believe that probably the 
larvae transformed early in the month of May and found the conditions 
just right, with food already prepared. 


It will be asked how can we guard against a repetition of such 
infection? My plan is to have a chamber constructed in the new 
Fumigating Station which is about to be built, in which cases containing 
nursery stock and the packing used shall be run into this chamber and 
steamed. This will eliminate all possible danger of carrying infection 
over in the case or packing. 


I may add that the orchards in question will be carefully sprayed 
with Arsenate of Lead, not once nor twice, but three times during the 
coming season, at the rate of three pounds of Arsenate of Lead to the 
barrel of water. The spraying will be done by my own staff, as we do 
not intend to take any chances in dealing with this insidious pest. It 
goes without saying that it will be impossible for the Government to 
continue this system of purchasing fruit. “The expense would be too 
great; besides there might be cases of the introduction of the pest all 
along the Boundary Line where thorough inspection would not always 
be available. The only rational and business method of protecting our- 
selves is to rigidly exclude the importation of fruit from countries 
known to be hopelessly infected with the Codling Moth. 


We had another slight outbreak this season at a place named Rut- 
land, adjacent to Kelowna. This was different in kind from Armstrong. 
The infection was not introduced in fruit nor yet in nursery stock cases, 
but was traced to baggage and household effects that had been stored 
in a fruit cellar in a section of Ontario, pending the removal of the 
owner to British Columbia. The cocoons were undoubtedly conveyed 
in this household stuff. The owner innocently conveyed the infection 
from his farm house to the orchard, which he had recently purchased at 
Rutland. 


This involves another problem which will be difficult to deal with. 
The question arises what shall be done to prevent infected baggage and 
household effects from coming into this Province? It is a difficult 
matter to deal with, but a remedy must be discovered, for we cannot 
afford to take the risks of the introduction of the Codling Moth into 
this fair Province. We shall have to devise some means whereby baggage 
may be closely inspected on the frontier. This may be an inconvenience 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 71 


to the immigrant coming from infected countries, but every precaution 
must be taken, and the means found whereby we can successfully deal 
with it. 

Another problem that awaits solution is how) best to deal with 
cars infected with cocoons of the Codling Moth. We have found 
during the year 1912 in the Okanagan Valley cars that had been sent 
in to load with potatoes and other farm produce were badly infected 
with cocoons of the Codling Moth. ‘These were mostly cars from 
the American side that had come to Vancouver and other points with 
American fruit. Needless to say, this constitutes a very serious danger, 
for if transformation takes place while the cars are in British Columbia, 
the moth will surely seek its natural food and thus obtain a footing in 
the nearest orchard. Of course, if the quarantine be established, it will 
reduce the number of infected cars that cross the Boundary. The diffi- 
culty in dealing with this problem arises out of the fact that all such 
cars do not come to Vancouver. They may come in at Mission Junction 
or other points. 

The question arises, what steps shall be taken to deal with these 
infected cars? Fumigation with Carbon Bisulphide would be a success- 
ful remedy, but we could not reach all the cars that come in, nor keep 
track of them. ‘This is another problem which needs solution, but I 
trust that a way will be found to deal with it successfully. 


We have been fairly successful this far in solving some very serious 
problems and I trust that a way will be found whereby we can handle 
this. At any rate, the quarantine protection, which we are seeking, and 
which I think we have the right to demand, will go a long way to elimi- 
nate the dangers to which this Province is exposed at the present time. 


Mr. CHAIRMAN—Any further discussion? If not, you have heard 
the resolution placed by Mr. Cunningham before you, that a system of 
quarantine be requested to prevent the introduction of fruit infected with 
dangerous insects from entering the Province. 


(Resolution adopted by unanimous standing vote.) 


Mr. CUNNINGHAM—I feel very much pleased at your endorsement 
of my resolution and thank you accordingly. I know that your voice 
on this question will carry a great deal of weight in the matter of its 
enforcement, for, as has been said, you are judging the issue on its 
merits as an entomological problem, not with any idea of pecuniary 
profit. Before closing this subject I would like to ask your consideration 
on just one more point. I want a representative appointed from this 
society to assist in the future developments of my resolution. I will 


72 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


propose the name of our Secretary, Mr. Treherne, to act as representative 
for the society. 

(Seconded and passed.) 

Mr. TREHERNE—I feel very much honored at this appointment. 
I will say that provided it does not interfere with my official work I 
shall be only too pleased to assist in any way for the benefit of the 
Province. 


NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS ON THE SEASON. 


W. E. Scorr, Esa., January 8th, 1913. 
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, 
Victoria, B. C.: 
DEAR Mr. Scott,— 


I shall be glad if you can bring before the attention of the Entomologists 
about to assemble in Victoria, two pests which in my own garden give a good 
deal of interest. One is a large white grub, which bores into the roots of the 
oak trees for a distance of one or two feet. While it is found in decayed woods, 
it is quite possible that the decay has been caused by the operation of the grub. 

In the summer time the leaves of our elm trees are covered with an insect 
of the nature of thrip, which consumes all the green matter on the leaves and 
spoils the beauty of the trees. We have tried to get rid of this by spraying with 
water, but this has not been effectual. 

I shall very much appreciate any suggestions which will enable the above 
pests to be exterminated. 

Yours truly, 
(Sgd.) J. J. SHALCROSS. 

P. O. Drawer 730, Victoria, B. C. 


Mr. ANpDERSON said that the Borer was probably Prionus 
californicus. He did not think that it did any serious injury as it does 
not bore in the green wood. 


Mr. BritTain said that the “Thrips” referred to were probably 
the Elm Leaf Hoppers, popularly called thrips. 


R. C. TREHERNE, July 3rd, 1912. 
Hatzic, B. C. 
Dear SirR,— 
are You will be interested to know that the caterpillars of what 
I have always called the American Tortoiseshell, have been most active at Cas- 
cade this year. We had a number of butterflies carry over the winter in the school 
house, and the children watched them carefully. 

The eggs were laid on the leaves of an evergreen shrub with an aromatic 
odor, popularly known as “buck brush.” Apparently the entire life is spent 
on these bushes, as everywhere they were completely stripped of leaves, and 
when I left the caterpillars were hanging themselves along the bare stems and 
changing into chrysalids. We had a number of the caterpillars at the school 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 73 


where they ate heartily, changed their skins and did not hesitate to hang them- 
selves from the covers of boxes, and in one case from the roof of the building, 
and proceed to go into retreat. What seemed remarkable to me was the fact 
that if a spot at the end of the little sarcophagus is touched the whole thing 
becomes instantly violently agitated. I am told that the same thing happens 
if when passing a bush covered with the chrysalids, a person emits a thrilling 
sound. 

I think nowhere have I seen such a variety of insect life as at Cascade. 
I have got several large Moths, which I have taken for Western Cecropia, many 
Sphinx, quantities of Deltoids and Owlets, not to speak of innumerable bugs, 
beetles and ants. 

I am, 

Yours truly, 
ANNE H. ROSS. 
Cascade, B. C. 


Adelphi P. O., Grand Prairie, B. C., July 24th, 1912. 
R. C. TREHERNE, 
atzic, Bb.) C:: 
Dear Sir,— 

We have quite a few pests up here, chiefly Aphis, spoiling cabbage and 
turnips, curling up apple and currant leaves, etc.; also flea beetles in the 
spring. But not nearly as many as in the older provinces. 

I wish I knew how to prevent a bug laying eggs in the gooseberry and 
currants when in flower. As the berries increase in size the worm inside does, 
too, finally the fruit appears to ripen partially and drops off. The worm comes 
out then and remains in the ground until it emerges from the chrysalis in spring, 
I suppose, and so begins again. I always get some currants, but never any 
gooseberries; they all fall off when small. I intend to dig them up unless you 
can tell me what to do to keep the fly off in early spring. In my raspberries 
I have a rust and cane borers, but not so far to any great extent. 

I remain, 

Yours sincerely, 
(MRS.) R. E. WOODS. 


The nature of the above insect resembles the Currant Maggot, 
Epochra canadensis. The only remedies that are advised are: 

1. The collection of the fallen fruit or diseased fruit on the bush. 

2. The sprinkling of the ground at the time of egg deposition with 
airslaked lime and carbolic acid. 

3. The hand-spading of the earth, and allowing hens to scratch for 
the pupz. 


Adelphi P. O., August 19th, 1912. 
R. C. TREHERNE, 
Hatzic, B. C.: 
Your description of the appearance and habits of Epochra canadensis ex- 
actly fits the pest which spoils the fruit. I once tried sprinkling the trees with 
a solution of crude carbolic, but only succeeded in burning the foliage and buds, 


74 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


so now I let it alone, as in spite of its depredations I always have enough cur- 
rants, although I have given up expecting gooseberries and intend rooting up 
the rest of the bushes. 

I have often found the chrysalis, a small oblong yellow one, under the 
bushes in the fall, slightly beneath the surface. My young chickens have access 
to the garden and appear to find plenty to eat among the bushes. If I can be 
of any service to you, it will be a pleasure to me to be of assistance. 

I remain, 

Yours sincerely, 
(MRS.) R. E. WOODS. 


Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Ont., Dec. 13th, 1912. 
J. R. ANDERSON, Esa., 
Union Club, 
Victoria, B. C.: 
Dear Mr. ANDERSON,— 

Recently Mr. Gussow handed to me some leaves of arbutus which he had 
received from you, which were infested by one of the White Flies. 

I sent a leaf containing some specimens to Prof. Quaintance, who is the 
authority on the Aleyrodidae. I have just received from him a letter in which 
he states that the species appears to be Aleyrodes merlini Bemis. 

With kindest regards, I remain, 

Yours sincerely, 
C. GORDON HEWITT, 
Dominion Entomologist. 


EVENING SESSION. 
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. 


GENTLEMEN—I am sure it is most gratifying to me and to us as 
a Society to see and to feel the enthusiasm that has been in evidence 
throughout this meeting. The quality of the papers presented and 
the general tone of the discussion point most favorably towards the 
assumption that we are working surely but gradually away from the 
experimental element on to that of a practical firm foundation. 


Our membership has increased double what it was last year and 
if the success of this meeting so far presented indicates enthusiasm for 
the future, we may reasonably expect a larger showing in another’s year’s 
time. At any rate we are now fairly introduced to the Province as an 
active Society, and we hope that we may remain one in the future. 

Perhaps before proceeding further I might make reference to the 
date and the time of year upon which this meeting has been called. 
That is today, January 9th, 1913. Our last annual meeting was held 
on December 9th, 1911, in Vancouver. It would have only been right, 
therefore, to make this an annual convention, to have held this meeting 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 75 


a month ago on December, 1912. However, it was thought more advis- 
able to delay it until the first part of the New Year, for not only is this 
time of year considered more of a holiday season, but it is also the recog- 
nized time of year for holding conventions in the Province. We could, 
therefore, by holding our meeting at this time of year, invite our members 
to a week’s entertainment to discuss all phases of agriculture instead of 
review, in one day, the entomological work alone. Furthermore, the 
Ontario Entomological Society hold their annual meeting in November 
of each year and they prepare their proceedings for printing in the early 
part of the New Year. Here in British Columbia it is difficult and not 
convenient for us to hold our meeting so early in the fall as they do in 
Ontario. We must wait until December at any rate and then even 
waiting this late in the year we are too late to forward the proceedings, 
and very often the proposed programme alone, of our meeting, to be 
read at the meeting of the Ontario Society for that year. Our proceed- 
ings can with a little haste be compiled to be included in the Ontario 
Report, but this is liable to lead to inconveniences at times as can be 
readily understood. I consider and would propose January of each 
year as the most favorable time to hold our meetings. I do not wish 
to arbitrate or say that this shall be so, but I wish to leave the point 
with you as a suggestion. By holding our meeting in January we will 
prepare our proceedings for print during the spring and forward the 
same to Ontario to be presented in the fall of the same year to the 
Ontario Society. This allows more leeway and time for action on our 
part, for the work of the Secretary is strenuous enough just previous 
to and following the annual meetings without being rushed to prepare 
reports for presentation to Ontario to be included in their Annual 
Report. By this suggested arrangement, of course, the year 1912 has 
been missed in the incorporated report for Ontario, but it will only 
be for this year, and, if we adopt this plan I suggest, the matter will be 
adjusted next year and in future years. 


During the past season the Provincial Government have appointed 
Mr. W. H. Brittain as Provincial Entomologist and Plant Pathologist 
and I wish to welcome him among us and take this opportunity of 
extending the good wishes of this Society on his endeavors. He has, I 
understand, made his headquarters at Vernon in the Interior, and I am 
sure that he will be glad to receive and extend information relative to 
insects to all who ask. The outbreak of Codling Moth this past summer 
at Armstrong was reported by Mr. Brittain, and I am sure that if he 
had done nothing else than report this outbreak he has fully justified his 


76 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


appointment, and we as entomologists, holding the entomological inter- 
ests of the Province in our minds, feel safe and satisfied that the economic 
phase of our study is well placed in the hands of Mr. Brittain. 

Together with this recent appointment we have another to mention. 
The Dominion Government is establishing a field station for entomo- 
logical research work in British Columbia under the authorization of 
Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt, Dominion Entomologist, Mr. R. C. Treherne, 
Field Officer of the Dominion Division of Entomology, who has recently 
come to us from Ottawa and who has now been with us for rather more 
than a year, will in all probability build a small station at Agassiz on 
the Dominion Experimental Farm in the Lower Fraser Valley. During 
the past summer, pending definite arrangements with the Department, he 
has been engaged in the study of the Strawberry Root Weevil, an insect 
which is causing considerable annoyance to the strawberry growers of 
the valley, and therefore offering itself as an immediate cause for study. 

The work of Mr. Cunningham, Provincial Inspector of Fruit 
Pests, and his staff of inspectors continues of much use and benefit to 
the Province, and we all hope this may long continue. 


But while sounding these notes of satisfaction, I grieve very much 
to have to inform you of the death of one of our most able and influential 
entomologists in the Province. I refer to the late Rev. G. W. Taylor, of 
Departure Bay. He for many years encouraged entomological thought 
in this Province, fathered this Society in its early years, contributed many 
useful articles to eastern periodicals, particularly, I believe, to the 
“Canadian Entomologist,” and, in short, was an entomologist with a 
widely known reputation of a high standard. At the time of his death 
he was Honorary President of this Society and I feel, as we all feel, a 
deep feeling of loss at his untimely death. 


Gentlemen, I hope that this year will be a successful one to you all 
in your private business as well as in your entomological interests. I 
wish to draw your attention to the importance of noting the distribution 
of plants in relation to and affecting insects and their habits. For 
instance Anosia plexipus feeds on the Milkweed and this plant occurs in 
the Interior of the Province in arid or semi-arid regions. Consequently, 
with such universal and common insects, by knowing their food plant 
we obtain the distribution of both. Similarly so with Militaea feeding 
on the Scrofularieae and the White Admiral, Basilarchia, frequenting 
poplars. That very widespread plant, the Thistle, is invariably 
accompanied by its butterfly, Pyrameis cardui. Again, as has been 
reported this past summer, Vanessa californica attacks Ceanothus 
thrsiflorus and C. laevigatus, thus we determine by observation the areas 
common to both. Neophasta menapia attacks conifers, sometimes doing 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 77 


great damage to forests. Thecla johnsoni is in particular a good example 
in this regard, for it frequents the native mistletoe, which is a parasitic 
or epiphytic plant on pine, consequently very local in prevalence. Papilio 
daunus attacks the Rosacae and Rhamnus and another species is 
occasionally seen here which is very destructive to citrus trees in Florida. 

I hope during this year to further such knowledge as I now possess 
in this interesting study, possibly, therefore, I may be enabled to present 
a paper next winter at this meeting or at some future date. 


ELECTION OF OFFICERS. 


The regular officers for 1913 were appointed as follows: 
Honorary President: 
E. Baynes ReEeEp, Meteorological Office, Victoria. 
President: 
G. O. Day, F.£.s., Duncans, B. C. 
Vice-President: 
R. S. SHERMAN, 2024 Ist Ave. East, Vancouver, B. C. 
Secretary-Treasurer: 
R. C. TREHERNE, Agassiz Experimental Farm, B. C. 
Assistant Secretary: 
W. H. Brirrarn, Dept. of Agriculture, Vernon, B. C. 
Advisory Board: 


Messrs. G. O. Day, R. S. SHERMAN, R. C. TREHERNE, W. H. 
Brittain, A. H. BusH, Tom Witson, W. H. Lyne. 


RESOLUTIONS. 


(1.) Moved by Mr. CuNNINGHAM: 


“That a semi-annual meeting of this Society be held in Ver- 
non during the month of June, 1913.” 
Seconded by Mr. Brirrarn. Carried. 


(2.) Moved by Mr. TREHERNE: 

“That we add another officer to the Society in the position 
of Assistant Secretary, and that Mr. Brittain become that 
officer.” 

Seconded by Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Carried. 


78 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


(3.) Moved by Mr. Winstow: 

“That the Advisory Board draw up Provisional Constitution 
and By-Laws for the guidance of the Society, during the 
current year, and that they be instructed to submit a per- 
manent Constitution and By-Laws to the June meeting for 
discussion and amendment, and to the next annual meet- 


ing for discussion, amendment and final adoption.” 
Seconded by Mr. Wattace. Carried. 


(4.) Moved by Mr. TREHERNE: 

“That we retain our connection with the Ontario Society of 
Entomologists as under present arrangements, viz., that we 
send 50 cents per member to the Treasurer of the Ontario 
Society, to receive in return the Annual Report of their 
Society and the monthly issues of the ‘Canadian Entomolo- 
iste 
Seconded by Mr. Witson. Carried. 

(5.) Moved by Mr. Hanuam: 

“That the Advisory Board be allowed to add to their num- 
ber if found necessary.” 

Seconded by Mr. Brackmore. Carried. 


(6.) Moved by J. R. ANDERSON: 

“That this Society, in annual convention, extend their heart- 
felt appreciation to the Ontario Society for the life and 
work of the late Dr. Fletcher, Dominion Entomologist and 
Botanist, and the warmest sympathy with the same Society 
for his untimely death, whereby Entomologists throughout 
the entire Dominion of Canada suffered an irreparable loss. 
Furthermore, that this Society extend to the Ontario Society 
their congratulations on having attained their Jubilee Year.” 


Seconded by Mr. Busu. Carried. 
(7.) Moved by Mr. Day: 


“That this Society, in annual convention, extend to the sur- 
viving members of the family of the late Rev. G. W. Tay- 
lor, Past President of this Society, their heartfelt sympathy 
for the loss they have sustained.” 

Seconded by Mr. HANHAM. Carried. 


(8.) Moved by Mr. TREHERNE: 
“That this Society thank the Provincial Department of 
Agriculture for their kindness in allowing us the use of 
their rooms on this occasion.” 


Seconded. Carried. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 79 
MOUNTAIN FAUNA. 


Mr. PRESIDENT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN ,— 


The title which our Secretary has given, ‘Mountain Fauna,” em- 
braces a very large field, and in the present paper I have neither the 
knowledge nor the space to do more than touch on a few points of this 
deeply interesting subject; but if these few observations cause anyone 
to take a deeper interest in this study, I shall feel amply repaid. 


We notice as we ascend into the higher altitude, that the flora 
and fauna change in their character completely. In some instances 
this change is gradual; in others there is a distinct line of demarkation. 
I notice the latter in a very marked degree in the Vermillion Pass. 


In ascending the mountain side, the Balsam gradually decreased 
in size, and at about 7,000 feet entirely disappeared. Immediately above 
this was a belt of Lyall’s Larch or Tamarack, some of the trees attain- 
ing a diameter of over two feet. Above this belt of some 300 or 400 
feet all timber disappeared. 


Just at timber line I observed several specimens of Oeneis; I think 
it was chryxus, but as none were captured the specied could not, be 
determined. 


At an elevation of 8,000 to 10,000 feet we observed Oecneis norna, 
fairly common. ‘The color of this insect makes it very difficult to see, 
as the under side of the wing has the appearance of a rock covered with 
lichen, and it has the peculiar habit of dropping on its side as soon 
as it lights. 


At about the same elevation we occasionally see that very rare and 
showy tiger-moth, Neoarctia yarrowi, variety remissa. I saw nine or 
ten of these moths last year, two of which I captured. I have never 
seen it below 8,500 feet. 


Some of our common butterflies are found at quite high eleva- 
tions, the swallow-tails, Papillio rutulus, eurymedon and zolicaon, also 
the whites, Pontia, occidentalis, napi and rapae, the orange-tips, the 
painted lady, the tortoise-shells, and the sulphurs, we find as high as 
9,000 feet. ‘ 

In our mountain valleys, at an altitude of 4,000 to 7,000 feet, we 
find a great variety of insect life. “The wood-boring beetles and horn- 
tail flies are very noticeable. In fact the mountains are the happy 
hunting ground for a lover of nature. 

We move up from the temperate zone and in a few hours are 


in the arctic, with all the vegetable, insect and animal life we would 
find in the Arctic Circle. 


80 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


This heritage, I regret to say, is not properly appreciated by the 
people who live amongst these mountains. There is too great a tendency 
to value everything by the standard of dollars and cents. 


When seated on some rocky spur above the timber-line we study 
and survey nature in her primitive grandeur and fail to see the work of 
man anywhere; then for a short time we lose sight of the almighty 
dollar and feel that it is good to be alive. 


Before closing I should like to call the attention of this meeting to 
the advisability of encouraging the study of systematic Entomology which 
appears in this Province to be on the decrease. Even our own Society 
which a few years ago was composed almost entirely of systematic men 
has given place largely to economic men. It is well for us to remember 
that the foundation of Entomology is systematic and without this work 
the economic man is quite unable to cope with our insect pests. Indeed, 
if you ask the latter a question off hand he can seldom answer you 
until he has referred to the work of some man who has taken up this 
study purely for the love of it. 


The systematic Entomologist has been treated more or less in all 
ages as a joke, and even some of our leading economic Entomologists 
in Canada today refer to him as an “amiable old gentleman who runs 
around with a net and a bottle catching butterflies.” Remarks like this 
are very humorous and will always cause a laugh in a mixed audience, 
but this “amiable old gentleman” has been working away catching butter- 
flies, and incidentally many other insects, for many generations, without 
any pecuniary reward, and the result of his labours is Entomology as 
we know it today. 

Any of us who are profiting by his researches would be showing 
very poor taste in trying to belittle his work. If we had men like this 
scattered over our Province at the present time we should have no 
difficulty in determining the distribution of any insect. 


The late Dr. Fletcher thoroughly appreciated this fact, and gave 
all possible encouragement to young entomologists and collectors. It is 
only now, after several years, without his kind counsel and assistance 
that we appreciate the irreparable loss we have sustained by his untimely 
death. 

A. H. Bus. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 81 


PRELIMINARY NOTE ON THE FINDING OF HYPODER- 
MA BOVIS AT AGASSIZ, B. C.. TOGETHER WITH 
NOTES ON THE BIOLOGY OF THE FLY. 


By SrymMour Hapwen, D. V. SCI. 


Experimental Farm, Agassiz, B. C. 


The species of Warble-fly recorded here for the first time in Can- 
ada, and probably for North America, is Hypoderma bovis (DeGeer). 

Up to the present time, Hypoderma lineata has been considered to 
be the Warble-fly of North America. During the past summer (1912) 
six specimens of H. bovis were captured attacking cattle, and seven flies 
were bred from pupae. “The average time taken for the emergence of 
flies from the pupa was 34.7 days. 


EXPERIMENTS ON OVIPOSITION. 


Experiments were made with flies which had their wings clipped, 
but, though eggs were extruded, the usual mode of oviposition was not 
ascertained. On tying cattle up securely, and allowing flies to oviposit 
on them, it was found that the eggs are laid on the legs, and that none 
were discovered above the stifle on the hind legs, or above the elbow 
on the fore limbs. It was proved that the eggs are attached to the 
base of the hairs, and that they are laid singly. The egg comes out 
of the ovipositer with the grooved end first, the groove being fitted on 
to a hair, and adhering to it with a gummy substance. Eggs laid by 
flies in captivity (in vials) were not found to be sticky, so that the 
assumption is that the gummy substance is enclosed within the groove. 
Egg-laying was witnessed a number of times, and the conclusion was 
reached that the terror which inspires cattle to stampede, or “gad,” is 
caused by the persistent attack of the insect. When Tabanidae, for 
instance, annoy a cow, she flicks them off with her tongue or tail, and 
they leave for a moment, but Warble-flies seem indifferent to the kicks 
or stamps of an animal, and when cattle lose their heads and run, the 
fly still follows, inspiring them with terror, and the result is a stam- 
pede. 

That the fear of Warble-flies is contagious among cattle, was 
proved by the fact that stabled animals, seeing others stampeding through 
the windows, endeavored to break away. 


LARVAE. 


Larvae under 5mm. in length were secured from the gullets of 
cattle as early as August 15th. All the full grown larvae collected at 


82 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


Agassiz proved to be those of H. bovis, but two larvae of H. lineata 


were secured at Mount Lehman, B. C. 


Most of the cattle from which the larvae were obtained came 
from Ontario the previous autumn, so that H. bovis should be found 


there also. 


I am indebted to Dr. F. Torrance, Veterinary Director General, 
for permission to publish this note. A full account of the experiments 
conducted at Agassiz is being published by the Department, also an 


article on the “Economic Aspect of Warble-flies in Canada.” 


FINANCIAL STATEMENT. 


January 31st, 1913. 


Weficitetromp! Oli? ses we ee ee ee $ 4.50 
Brin tineaotel QI ae por tae sees eee enn 115.00 
[Bostarg eg] OU yee Re arr eres Reed chloe hay. aneaee he ses eae 5.25 
SfAtIONE RY ceees cere we eee ce Ree re Lee ee .60 
Brin tin psp TOP Tare pees eee ne 9.25 
Rostace rel Qs wes eee Serene eerie tn Se! fe cree tae eee 3.50 
Subscription to “Canadian Entomologist” at 50 cents 

DON ppme in De rages reece ee nec oe aren ee ene 34.50 
Bry eraviin Om eto ta Es nO eee 3.20 
S00M@opresiote lV lape arin te dae ree 2.25 
Print of Photo Group (1913) from ‘‘Colonist’’........ AS) 
Copper Plate of Group for Report................2..22----2------- 7.20 


Private Subscription received toward 1912 Report........ 
Membership Subscription received 1913-1914 at $1.00 


per) member. B en cde oot eee 


$186.00 
HS O06 eee ee re er ee er ere 56.00 


$ 60.00 


70.00 


$130.00 


Bb. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 83 


LIST OF MEMBERS 


Honorary Member, E. Baynes Reed, Meteorological Office, Victoria, B.C. 


Anderson, E. M., Provincial Museum, 
Victoria, B. C. 

Abbott, R. C., Mission City, B. C. 

Abbs, A. W., 2125 13th Avenue West, 
Vancouver, B. C. 

Abriel, Thos., Nakasp, B. C. 

Anderson, J. R., Union Club, Victoria, 
Bai, 

Brealey, Arthur, Hatzic, B. C. 

Bain, T. R., North Vancouver, B. C. 

Barnhill, Earl, Kelowna, B. C. 

Banks, W. W., Salmon Arm, B. C. 

Bird, M. L., Fruit Inspector, Court 
House, Vancouver, B. C. 

Boncquet, August, Fruit Inspector, 
Court House, Vancouver, B. C. 

Blackmore, C. H., P. O. Staff, Victoria, 
BSAC: 

Brand, James, 723 Robson Street, Van- 
couver, B. C. 

Brittain, W. H., Vernon, B. C. 

Bryant, Theo., Ladysmith, B. C. 

Bush, A. H., 1105 Broadway West, 
Vancouver, B. C. 

Brydon, J. M., Royal Oak, Victoria, 
Bac: 

Chapman, Chas., 314 Pender Street, 
Vancouver, B. C. 

Cockle, J. W., Kaslo, B. C. 

Clarke, R. G., 3011 Heatley Avenue, 
Vancouver, B. C. 

Collins, H. W., Grand Forks, B. C. 

Crease, H. H., Kelowna, B. C. 

Cunningham, Thos. Fruit Inspector, 
Court House, Vancouver, B. C. 

Day, G. O., Sahlatston, Duncans, B. C. 

Davidson, John, Botanical Office, Pen- 
der Street, Vancouver, B. C. 

French, Percy, Salmon Arm, B. C. 

Garraway, H. L., Vernon, B. C. 

Gavet, Dan, Fruit Inspector, 
House, Vancouver, B. C. 

Getchell, F. H., Fruit Inspector, Court 
House, Vancouver, B. C. 

Hunt, Earl C., Creston, B. C. 

Hadwen, Dr. Seymour, Experimental 
Farm, Agassiz, B. C. 

Hanham, A. W., Bank B. N. A., Dun- 
cans, B. C. 

Hill, Tom, Vernon, B. C. 

Hill-Tout, W. S., Abbotsford, B. C. 

Hoy, Ben, Vernon, B. C. 

Hunt, Rex, Vernon, B. C. 

James, F. J., Box 761, Victoria, B. C. 


Court 


Kendall, J. N., P. O. Box 901, Vancou- 
ver BC. 

Kennedy, A. B., Fruit Inspector, Court 
House, Vancouver, B. C. 

Lang, W. A., Peachland, B. C. 

Lyne, W. H., Fruit Inspector, Court 
House, Vancouver, B. C. 
Melhuish, J. S., Walhachin, B. C. 
Middleton, Morrice, Dept. of Agricul- 
ture, Nelson, B. C. 
McHardy, C. F., Box 
BoC: 

Nicolle, Wm., Box 294, Nelson, B. C. 

Norman, P., 1024 Vancouver Street, 
Victoria, B. C. 

Patch, A. M. W., 2900 Woodland 
Drive, Vancouver, B. C. 

Palmer, R. M., Kamloops, B. C. 

Peters, R., Flewens Gardens, 517 Ru- 
pert Street, Victoria, B. C. 

Robertson, W. H., Dept. of Agriculture, 
Victoria, B. C. 

Pooley, W. R., Kelowna, B. C. 

Reeves, S. H., care T. H. Stanton, Dun- 
cans, B. C. 

Ross, Anne H., Nelson, B. C. 

Ruhman, Max, Penticton, B. C. 

Russel, M. W., Central Okanagan Land 
Co., Kelowna, B. C. 

Rowland, Alton, City Engineer, City 
Hall, Vancouver. 

Sherman, R. S., 2024 First Avenue East, 
Vancouver, B. C. 

Samson, H., 1801 3rd Avenue West, 
Vancouver, B. C. 

Simms, A. C., Summerland, B. C. 

Stanton, T. H., Duncans, B. C. 

Taylor, Lionel E., Bank Head Orchard, 
Kelowna, B. C. 

Thornber, H., Kamloops, B. C. 

Thomson, Chas., West Summerland, 
BaiG: 

Treherne, R. C., Agassiz Experimental 
Farm, B. C. 

Venables, E. P., Vernon, B. C. 
Wallace, E. A., Flewens Gardens, Vic- 
toria, B. C. 
Winslow, R. M., 
toria, B. C. 

White, E. W., Sardis, B. C. 

Woods, Mrs. R. E., Adelphi P. O., 
Grand Prairie, B. C. 

Wilkerson, G. E., Box 467, Victoria, 
Bac: 

Wilson, Tom, 1105 Broadway West, 
Vancouver, B. C. 


1230, Nelson, 


Horticulturist, Vic- 


&4 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS, 1912. 


NOTICE. 


To become a member of this Society the present annual fee is $1.00, 
payable to the Secretary. Members will receive the monthly issues of the 
“Canadian Entomologist,” the Annual Report of the Ontario Entomolog- 
ical Society and the Reports of the B. C. Entomological Society, as 
well as receive assistance by all and every member, in the identification 
of insects and the methods of control of insect pests. 


The three blank maps of the southern portion of the Province are 
inserted with perforated edges for the use and benefit of the members. 
Their manner of use is as follows: Each map is preferably reserved for 
one insect, the name of that insect being clearly written on the map (in 
the top left hand corner) and the presence of that insect being reported 
by a red ink mark at point of capture. The object of this scheme is 
to obtain the exact distribution of important insects in the Province and 
to illustrate the area involved in unusual yearly outbreaks of insect 
pests. If more than one insect is desired to be shown, the method of 
illustration can be left to the discretion of the members. Duly paid up 
members can, on application to the Secretary, obtain as many more out- 
line maps as he or she may require. The maps when completed, partially 
or entirely, can be retained by the members as they wish or be forwarded 
to the Secretary or Assistant Secretary, to be placed on file for the use 
and benefit of the Society, 

R. C. TREHERNE, 
Experimental Farm, 
Agassiz, B. C. 
W. H. Brittain, 
Vernon, B. C. 


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THE GOVERNMENT OF 
THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUNBIA. 


PRINTED BY 
AUTHORITY OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY. 


VICTORIA, B.C.: 
Printed by Wi~tiAM H. CULLIN, Printer to the King’s Most Excellent Majesty. 
1913, 


PROCHE DINGS 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


Diese COLUMisBlA 
(o] 


J AGE Saas Sales; 
NUMBER 3, N.S. 


SINE 
THE GOVERNMENT OF 
THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUNBIA, 
PRINTED BY 
AUTHORITY OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY. 


VICTORIA, B.C, : 
Printed by WittlIaM H. CuLrttn, Printer to the King’s Most Ixcellent Majesty. 
913 


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Ab co 


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TABEE OF CONTENTS: 


PAGE, 


Entomology from the Standpoint of a Botanist—J. Davidson, F.L.S., F.B.S.E... 5 


Combinations SPLayS—— Eee He WALSOMajscereicveisi cia) c- =) cvevctee tee’ ereretal evel ever cleie oreie/aelelalclercele 9 
Economic Side of Pest-control—R. M. Wimslow ...............-2ccescescceees 17 
insecteecordsvinsthevkueld——Eva ©. Dreherme vs) ojecerayatiatsieiaye cornyeyclaystaiere steverere ieletote tale 21 
Work of the Inspector of Fruit Pests—Thos. Cunningham ................... 24 
Importance of Economic Entomology—M. H. Ruhman ....................-05+ 27 
TESIGEM tis len COL CSS mea reranyavorerk releveietelerraiereiovtstcrclsheieiereicvoictenteeicjeleie arelorerstateloveveloiny sts 29 
Problems oft, Aphis-control—lis Wr, Palmer’ sccmrereieieusie «isicisiere «ie ciesie ce cisieie sie © ve sinvercle 31 
Tmwominsects! attacking” Peach—Wre 0H. Wye) siencceciecte ee scree « sseiciciecie cic neler 34 
Cutworms and their Control—M. S. Middleton ...............-.-+-+2eeee sees 36 
Economie Ornithology—Lionel E. Taylor, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. ..........0. cece eens 37 
Wanadiany lpi dse— Jey Mew WiALMes vaycte eves ciccstersreic re eierel Srorvicse wie /e vs eye seidvsisieve, vis slouetole Wrote 41 
RETO, Cooncoons a6 cats HUD shdDC OF Cade oOOudoDaSa4ccOnDOOnAObcoGOGcoonrOnOOnS 438 


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BRITISH COLUMBIA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


MIDSUMMER MEETING, 1913. 


HE first midsummer, semi-annual meeting of the British Columbia 
} Entomological Society was held in the Court-house, Vernon, B.C., on 
July 18th and 19th, 1915. Between fifty and sixty individuals were 
present at the meetings during the session, and these included repre- 
sentatives from Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland, Salmon Arm, 
Kootenay, and Okanagan Districts. The President, Mr. G. O. Day, 
of Duncan, was in the chair, and the meeting was called to order at 1.45 p.m. on 
July 18th, 19138. . 

The President: I am very pleased indeed to see the splendid number of 
enthusiasts present here to-day at this opening meeting of the first special semi- 
annual gathering of this Society. I will reserve my few words of welcome to a 
later occasion on the programme and, without further delay, will ask Mr. John 
Davidson, Provincial Botanist, to present his paper on ‘“ Entomology from the 
Standpoint of the Botanist.” 


ENTOMOLOGY FROM THE STANDPOINT OF A BOTANIST. 
3y J. Davinson, F.L.S., F.B.S.E., PRovincraL Boranist. 


In the course of one’s botanical experience there are many occasions when some 
knowledge of entomology is absolutely necessary, just as to the entomologist it is 
necessary to know something about plants. In the short time at my disposal I 
propose to summarize the interrelationship of plants and insects, and if I can 
stimulate some of those present to make observations and notes of the inter- 
relationships which are to be seen in our own Province, I shall be glad to render 
them further assistance and obtain their co-operation. 


INSECTS SPREAD PLANT-DISEASES. 


It is well known that insects play a very important part in the distribution of 
disease, and it must be remembered that most of our contagious and most dreaded 
diseases belong to the vegetable kingdom. In addition to bacteria, mould, and other 


a 


fungi carried by contact, we find that insects such as some of the Diptera suck th 
putrid deliquescent mass of spore-tissue of such fungi as belong to the Phallin 
(the Stinkhorn Fungus family) and other groups. This fluid is charged wi 
myriads of minute spores which pass uninjured through the insect, and are dis- 
tributed in its excreta. 

Claviceps purpurea, the ergot fungus which attacks rye and other grasses, is 
similarly distributed, the fungus forming a sweetish fluid, attractive to flies. During 
their visits the flies are liberally smeared with spores, and these on being carried to 
healthy grasses spread the disease. 

We do not find, however, that insects are much interested in the benefit done 
to the fungus in spreading its spores, or in the injury done to the host in spreading 
the disease. The insect is more concerned about the maintenance of the individual 
and the propagation of its species. 

In connection with the egg-laying operations of insects, there is much that is 


interesting regarding the indirect results. For example, some of the Coleoptera are 


6 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL Sociery.: 


held responsible for much of the larch-disease (Dasyscypha wilkommii). Beetles in 
boring or inserting the ovipositor into the fungus-infested tissue of diseased trees 
carry the minute ascospores to healthy trees and set up infection there, just as 
mosquitoes are believed to carry infection from one human being to another. 


INSECTS PRODUCE MALFORMATIONS. 


Again, the Cecidomyia and other gall-forming insects cause the formation of 
wonderful and often beautiful structures on the leaves and branches of many of 
our native plants. This subject is much in need of working-up. What plants do 
you find galls on? What insect is responsible for each? Does one species of insect 
produce galls on more than one species of plant? If so, are the resulting malforma- 
tions similar? It is interesting to examine the structure of these galls and note 
the abnormal growth which has taken place, compared with the natural growth of 
an unaffected part. It is believed that when the egg is deposited a little fermentive 
fluid is exuded which stimulates the cells in the immediate neighbourhood to. absorb 
more-nourishment; this nourishment is absorbed by the young larva, which is capable 
of stimulating a larger number of cells to ultimately form these curious malforma- 
tions known as galls. 


INSECTS DESTROY MUCH VEGETABLE LIFE. 


As to the depredations of the larvee of butterflies and moths, sawflies, etc., the 
systematic botanist is perhaps not so severe as the economic entomologist. These 
insects require food, just as our cattle and horses do. Insects may be responsible 
for the destruction of much vegetable life, but man himself is the greatest of all 
sinners in this respect. Nevertheless, the botanist is interested in the causes which 
lead up to these depredations, which come home to him in other ways besides the 
increased cost of living. 

We find that in nature such depredations leave us with a greater proportion of 
plants more able to resist attack, and if insects prefer cultivated plants rather than 
native plants, it is because the cultivated ones are unnatural, abnormal. Indeed, 
to the systematic botanist, most of our farm and orchard crops are freak specimens, 
which, on account of their long isolation from their natural environment, are less 
able to resist the attacks of their natural enemies, and without the aid of man to 
keep them as they are they would revert to their natural condition, or become 
exterminated altogether. 


BATTLE BETWEEN PLANTS AND INSECTS. 


All through nature we have this constant battle between plants and insects. 
It is not a one-sided battle; sometimes the insects win, and sometimes they lose. 

Insects win.—Most people are familiar with the depredations of caterpillars, and 
many believe that the vegetable kingdom is pretty much at the mercy of the animal 
kingdom, but this is not so. We are all dependent on the vegetable kingdom, and 
se sing that the plant world has supported the population of the animal world for 
many thousands of years, it is only natural that insects should select the best food 
they can get from the enormous menu at their disposal. 

Plants win.—Comparatively few people, however, are familiar with the depreda- 
tions of plants on insects. Take, for example, the common house-fly. One of the 
most deadly diseases of this far too common insect is a fungus known as Hmpusa 
musce. In the north of Scotland, where this is common, I have seen within an 
area of two or three square yards hundreds of dead flies attached to the stems and 
leaves of small plants such as grasses and shepherd’s purse. 

The spores of this fungus are extremely small, and have a viscid coat around 
them. They are shot off from the ends of minute fungus-threads, and float about 
readily in the air. If one should come into contact with a fly, it sends a small 
sucker into its body and gradually begins to grow in the interior of the insect. 
Finally, the fly becomes weakened. and settles down to rest; the fungus then pushes 


Procreepines, 1913. (f 
out a whole mass of fine threads and fastens the fly to its last resting-place. From 
a layer of fungus-threads all over the body of the fly thousands of these minute 
spores are again shot into the atmosphere, until all the food substance in the fly is 
exhausted. 

Some of you may have seen a dead fly on the window-pane with a halo of white 
around it; this halo is composed of the many threads of fungus-hyphie fixing the 
fly to the glass, while it liberates its spores. 

I presume that most of those present have reared larvee of Lepidoptera. Have 
you ever found that some of those larve which pupate in soil did not go through 
their whole metamorphosis, but died in the pupa stage; that on the pupa a white 
coat appeared accompanied by minute outgrowths? This is another plant known 
as Isaria, whose spores are found in some soils. The larva when attacked is usually 
not killed until after it has pupated. 

There are other insect-diseases of equal interest; perhaps the most curious one 
is what has been popularly termed the “ vegetable caterpillar.” This, it is explained, 
is an organism which at one stage of its life is actually a creeping caterpillar, and 
at another stage is a plant, having a root in the ground and a stem bearing fruits 
above the ground. 

This marvellous creation is in reality a caterpillar attacked by a disease known 
as Cordyceps militaris, a fungus closely allied to Claviceps (the ergot-disease of 
grasses). In this case, however, the fungus fills up all the available space inside 
the caterpillar without destroying the vital organs, and the caterpillar grows to 
practically its full size. When it descends into the soil to pupate, the fungus kills 
it, and proceeds to absorb all the remaining food material. This results in the whole 
interior bging filled by a hard woody substance composed of fungus-threads. 

Later on, from one end of what was a caterpillar, a stem-like structure grows 
to a few inches above the surface of the ground, and this bears thousands of spores 
which lie about, or are blown from place to place, infecting other larve. 

This particular species of Cordyceps is common in New Zealand, but is found, 
along with several other species, in North America. 


PARASITISM V. INTRODUCTION OF DISEASE. 


We have heard a good deal about parasitism as a means of combating orchard 
pests, but I am always sceptical as to the ultimate result of introducing new species 
of animals into a country, and more particularly when you introduce one lot to get 
rid of another. 

By introducing other insects, you are introducing the food of other animals 
which prey on these. There is a risk of nature restoring the balance by the increase 
of insectivorous birds, and, as is well known, birds are recognized agents in spread- 
ing disease and insect pests, so that we may ultimately find ourselves worse in the 
end than we were at the beginning. 

As I already mentioned, the majority of our most dreaded contagious diseases 
belong to the vegetable kingdom. It would be interesting to see what could be done 
in introducing parasitic fungi to combat insect pests. The introduction of disease 
amongst rats has been responsible for great havoc in reducing their numbers, and 
we may yet be able to treat our insect pests in a like manner, 


FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN PLANTS AND INSECTS. 


In the midst of the battle between plants and insects, let us not forget that there 
are many friendships. There is some good business transacted between the two 
kingdoms. I need only refer to the arrangement existing between certain insects 
and certain flowers, whereby the insect acts as a pollen-bearer in return for the 
nectar which the flower provides. 

I cannot possibly enter into the various schemes, devices, and dodges adopted by 
flowers to attract certain insects and keep out others; this would take several days. 


8 B.C. Enromo.ocican Socrry. 


But I should like to refer to some very interesting partnerships where not only a 
temporary acquaintance is made with each other, but where both insect and plant 
have found it to their mutual advantage to live friendly. 


ANTS PROTECT PLANTS. 


Perhaps the most outstanding example is to be found in Mexico. The mere 
mention of that country may give a clue to the reason for the partnership. In 
Mexico there is an Acacia (Acacia sphwrocephala) which is subject to the attacks 
of herbivorous quadrupeds. A common means of protection against these has been 
adopted by converting the stipules into spines. This not being sufficient, an arrange- 
ment has been made for a fierce race of stinging-ants to act as a standing army, 
which the Acacia has undertaken to keep, in peace or war. 

The ants pierce the bases of the spines and eat out the interior; this stimulates 
the spines to increase in size, sufficient to accommodate several of these soldiers in 
each cavity. The Acacia has compound pinnate leaves, and at the tips of the leaflets 
small grain-like food-bodies are produced. The ants are continually running over the 
plant attending to these, picking and eating them when matured. 

In addition to free board and lodgings, the ants are provided with free drinks, 
in the form of nectar exuded by minute saucer-shaped nectaries borne on the midrib 
of the leaf. 

Altogether, the ants have some reason to defend this hospitable Acacia, and, in 
return, unwelcome visitors are accorded such a warm reception that it has proved 
a quite successful means of defence. 


PLANTS PROTECT ANTS. ¥ 


In tropical forests ants often find difficulty in keeping their accumulations of 
debris together on account of the liability of being washed away by heavy rains. 
These heaps are usually formed on the branches of trees because the surface of the 
earth is more or less Swampy, but the ants have found that by including seeds and 
small portions of certain plants an abundance of roots ramify throughout the heap, 
and help to keep it together; whilst the m of foliage covering it is sufficient to 
break the force of the rain, or help in diverting it from the ant’s home. We find 
that many plants grow best in such situations, and on this account are included 
amongst the myrmecophilous, or ant-loving, plants. 

One genus of plants, round in Malacca and New Guinea, has been named 
Hydnephytum formicarum on account of its symbiotic relationship with ants. The 
plant is epiphytic (living on the branches of trees), and at an early stage in its 
development it is attacked by black ants, who eat their way into the tuber. 
Ultimately a large irregular-shaped ball-like structure develops, through which a 
whole mass of galleries and passages ramify and anastomose, serving as a home 
with many doors for entrance and exit. One can readily understand that the tuber 
now transformed into an ant’s nest will be well looked after by the inhabitants. 


INGENUITY OF METHODS OF HIGHER PLANTS. 


I can only briefly refer to the insectivorous plants, and if I had time to describe 
the ingenious traps of Dionwa, Nepenthes, Utricularia, Drosera, and others, I think 
you'd agree that truth is certainly stranger than fiction. 

To hear how some plants set miniature rat-traps to instantaneously capture 
insects; how others tempt insects by intoxicating fluid, and that when under its 
influence they are drowned and utilized as food; how other plants lure the unwary 
insect to partake of an imaginary feast only to find that the apparent drops of nectar 
were viscid glands on the ends of sensitive hairs which, like the arms of a gigantic 
octopus, envelop the struggling creature, I am sure you'd agree that their ingenuity 
would be hard to beat. 


Procrepines, 1913. 9 


Many of the methods adopted by plants to prevent undesirable insects are well 
known, but there are many of our native plants which deserve to be more fully 
studied, in order to ascertain the full relationship between the entomologist and the 
botanist. 


OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST. 


We want to know what insects are responsible for the pollination of our native 
plants, and what are the food-plants of their larvie. I feel that in this particular 
subject much good work might be done by the co-operation of entomologist and 
botanist. We may see other parts of the subject from different standpoints, but it 
is good for us to occasionally meet on the same ground, to compare notes, with the 
hope that our observations may be mutually beneficial. 


Mr. T. Wilson: In regard to the relation of the animal to the vegetable kingdom, 
in one of Darwin’s writings we find that he claims that the success of the clover-crop 
depends on the number of cats in the district. He deduces that crops most abundant 
in seed occurred near villages, and that the crops were lightest some distance away. 
He found that the cats killed the mice, the mice destroyed the bumble-bees’ nests, and 
as the bees were necessary to fertilize the clover, consequently the crop depends on 
the number of cats. Mr. Davidson also mentioned the relation of insects to plants. 
I remember some experiments that were carried on in regard to insectivorous plants. 
They took the Venus fly-trap in order to prove its carnivorous habits. Seedlings 
were raised, some under bell glasses, some open, and some were fed beef and scraps. 
The result of the experiment proved that the carnivorous diet was merely an 
acquired Trabit. 

Mr. Brittain: The disease known as fire-blight is well known to be carried by 
insects. Bees are perhaps the greatest factor. I have found centres of blight- 
infestation in very isolated spots well away from other districts already infested 
to a marked degree. Birds will also carry the disease, for we find the blight occur- 
ring at points geographically isolated. The green aphis also spreads the disease 
on trees from fruit-spurs to the twigs. The apple-leaf hopper (EHmpoasca mali) is 
another medium of spread. Many wound-parasites, such as flies, etc., also help to 
spread the disease. 

The Chairman (Mr. Day): Any further remarks? Before closing, I would 
like to say that on Vancouver Island we find many caterpillars affected with fungous 
diseases. The same also with ground-insects. I will now eall on Professor Wilson, 
who has come to us to-day from the Corvallis Agricultural College in Oregon. I 
take great pleasure in welcoming him here to-day and introducing him to the 
members present. 


COMBINATION SPRAYS AND RECENT INSECTICIDE INVESTIGATIONS. 


By H. IF. Witson, ENromoLocist, OREGON AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION, 
CORVALLIS, OREGON. 


Mr. Chairman, Members of the British Columbia Entomological Society, and 
Friends,—It is indeed a pleasure for me to be able to meet with you at this time, 
and I wish to publicly thank Mr. Brittain, your Provincial Entomologist and Plant 
Pathologist, who so kindly extended to me the invitation to attend this meeting. 
Mr. Brittain also kindly suggested my subject for me, and he tells me that it is one 
in which you are intensely interested. 


CoMBINATION SpRAYS AND RECENT INSECTICIDE INVESTIGATIONS. 


I deem it advisable to explain in general and in detail the factors which have 
led to the study of this subject. 
(1.) I consider this to be the most important problem before the farmers and 
fruit-growers of to-day. 
i) 


= 


10 B.C. ENroMOLOGICAL Socrery. 


(2.) For some one or more reasons not clear to us, our knowledge of sprays and 
their effects is very unsatisfactory. 

(3.) While our commercial insecticides are more or less stable, under certain 
ideal conditions the results obtained from their use are too variable for us to make 
definite and well-defined recommendations. 

(4.) The economy of spraying and the numerous new sprays on the market at 
the present time demand an entirely new investigation of the subject. 


OUTLINE OF EXPERIMENTS. 


With these facts in view the following series of experiments have been out- 
lined :-— 

(1.) Knowing that certain sprays are effective when used alone, to determine 
what ones may be successfully combined without lessening insecticide values. 

(2.) Having effected the combination of certain sprays, to determine, if possible, 
the factors that govern successful application with a minimum of injury to fruit and 
foliage and at the same time give a maximum of protection. 


COMBINATION SPRAYS. 


During the last few years the economy of proper plant-protection has become a 
problem of great importance to the farmer and fruit-grower. We have well-known 
insecticides and fungicides which are quite effective in the control of different pests, 
but in order to be effective they must be applied at the proper time. Every pest has 
a distinct life-history method of development and manner of attacking its host or 
hosts. These factors in most cases determine the method of treatment and time of 
application. 

In former years the number of standard sprays for insect pests or fungous dis- 
eases was very limited, and combination or mixed sprays were practically unknown. 
With the development of the fruit-growing industry the number of important pests 
increased, and at the same time more elaborate methods of control became necessary. 

The time of application of a spray for a fungous disease often coincides with the 
time of application for some one or more important insect pests. This has led to 
many experiments in the combining of insecticides and fungicides to determine the 
practicability of applying two or more sprays at the same time, instead of making 
separate applications of each. Considerable success has resulted from these experi- 
ments, and the combining of a fungicide and an insecticide or two insecticides is now 
a common orchard practice of considerable value to the fruit-grower. 

However, many complications have arisen in the work, and while many general 
conclusions have been upheld, combination sprays are very unstable and many details 
are yet to be worked out. The greatest difficulty arises from the fact that arsenic 
is the base of nearly all poison insecticides. Free arsenic will cause great injury to 
foliage, and in order to use it some insoluble compound is necessary. In the form 
of lead-arsenate, when properly prepared, arsenical sprays can be applied with a 
reasonable degree of safety, but in combination with other compounds the nature of 
the original arsenical may be easily changed and free arsenic liberated. A very 
important factor is also found in that lime-sulphur and Bordeaux mixture, the two 
most important fungicides, are liable to cause spray injury when used alone, and 
arsenates or arsenites are very apt to accentuate this danger. Climatic conditions 
are also supposed to enter more or less into the serious injury that sometimes 
happens from the use of these sprays. 

Some experimenters have claimed that in the combining of lime-sulphur and 
arsenates of lead certain chemical reactions take place which impair the efficiency 
of both. As there seemed to be no published data on experiments which might throw 
light on this subject, the Departments of Plant Pathology and Entomology of the 
Oregon Agricultural College undertook in 1912 to make a series of experiments 
which would at least show some indication as to the relative combative effects of 


- 


PrROcEEDINGS, 1913. 11 
combinations of lime-sulphur and acid arsenate of lead, lime-sulphur and neutral 
arsenate of lead, and lime-sulphur and arsenite of zine. These experiments were to 
be continued through three seasons in order to get checks on all data, 

Several factors entered to interfere with the first season’s work, so that the 
results were very unsatisfactory and detailed data is not worth mentioning. In 
going over the notes at the end of the season, however, several interesting facts 
were noted and are here summarized. 

(1.) Lime-sulphur 29.5° Be. (1-80)-+ acid arsenate of lead 2 Ib. to 50 gallons 
did not cause any more spray injury to foliage and fruit than did the lime-sulphur 
and neutral (spray injury was quite bad on Newtowns and Ben Davis). Injured 
fruit was worst on south side of tree and in direct rays of sun. 

(2.) Lime-sulphur 29.5° Be. (1-80) + arsenite of zine 1 Ib. to 50 gallons (two 
different brands) did not cause but very little injury to foliage, and except in the 
case of Ben Davis did not cause any more injury to the fruit than was found on 
unsprayed trees. (Ben Davis suffered badly.) The injured fruit on these trees 
was worse on south side of tree. 

(3.) Injured apples similar to those on the sprayed trees could occasionally 
be found on unsprayed trees in the check plot, but the difference in percentage 
was so great that we must conclude that the injury on the sprayed trees had in 
some way been caused by the spray. 

In 1912, in connection with the above experiments, a series of experiments were 
started upon the decomposition of combined sprays when allowed to stand. The 
materials in each case were kept in corked bottles and examined from time to time 
during the following year. Apparently no further change occurred and each 
combination retained its characteristic odour. An examination on June Ist, 1913, 
gave the same conditions and tests for the insecticidal values and showed them to 
be apparently as efficient as freshly prepared materials. 

Observations for the present season’s work show some startling results, and on 
account of this a number of them were immediately checked. The same results 
were obtained in both cases. 

The arsenates of lead used in these experiments were specially prepared by the 
Station Chemist, and were, according to methods of determination that will be 
published in the near future, theoretically pure. 

, The lime-sulphur was known as the Dependable Brand, made at Salem, Ore., 
and when analysed was found to be satisfactory in every particular. The arsenite 
of zinc used was manufactured by the California Spray Co., at Watsonville, 
California. 

To determine the effect upon apple-foliage of the above chemicals alone and in 
combination, a series of experiments were conducted as follows: A block of twenty 
Newtown apple-trees was taken and each tree was used for one spray. 

In 1913, under press of other work, the Department of Plant Pathology discon- 
tinued their part of the work, and so the investigations this year have not included 
the study of fungicidal values. 

The Experiments were as follows :— 


Haperiments on the Decomposition of Combined Sprays when allowed to stand. 
* Sprays combined as follows on May 29th, 1912. Lime-sulphur used in these 
Lxperiments tested 28.75 Be. 


Mel) elsime-Sulphur j.\.c ecu «06 17.5 ec. | May 29th. Combined the above materials on 
Black Leaf 40, 1-1,000. .482.5 ce. morning of this date. At 3 p.m. residue 
Arsenate of lead, non- settled in bottom, changed from white to a 

acids (CiS=sGo.ic:-ir< 2 2.4 gms. grey. The odour of the Black Leaf 40 and 
C.S. Co. — California Chemical ‘the lime-sulphur are readily distinguished. 
Spray Co., Watsonville, Cal. The solution retained its amber colour and 


resembled lime-sulphur diluted to the same 


* Materials combined at the rate of: Lime-sulphur 1 to 30; arsenicals at 21. to 50 
pallens for neutral and 11D. to 50 gallons for the arsenate of lead acid and the arsenite 
of zine. 


12 
(25) dbime-sulphur: 3...5.. 2.2% 17.5 ee. 
ETL OI 2 seta ares aiapaoyersiatens 482.5 ce. 
Arsenate of lead, non- 
GIL (CHS (CO) aanane Paes raat 
(3.) Lime-sulphur .......... 17.5 ee 
EL Ole tues epeneccuecsvevcied crsusts © 482.5 ec 
Arsenate of lead, acid 
(GiSk Cox) a5 scc.s este 2.4 ems. 
(4.) Lime-sulphur .......... 7p ce! 
Black Leaf 40, 1-1,000. .482.5 ce. 
Arsenate of lead, acid 
CGS Cod) eee mcnoctee 2.4 ems. 
(}:)) Wime-sulphuri 2... 2... .. U-Dice: 
15 HO eb eterna ett siete 482.0 ec 
Arsenate of lead, acid 
(Vreelands) ......... 1.2 gms 
(6.) Lime-sulphur .......... 17.5 ee. 


Black Leaf 40, 1-1,000. .482.5 ee. 
Arsenate of lead, acid 
(Vreelands) 


B.C. ENnroMoLoGicaL Sociery. 


strength, except that it appears. slightly 
muddy or cloudy. The arsenate of lead settles 
faster than the residue from the Black Leaf 
40, and the latter settles on top of the first 
in a floceulent blackish mass. 

June 1st. Liquid colour of dilute lime-sulphur. 
A considerable amount of free sulphur thrown 
down. A strong smell of both Black Leaf 40 
and lime-sulphur still present. 


May 29th. Combined the above materials to 
get data on reaction and to find unsatisfac- 
tory results if any be present. ‘This solution 
appears identical to that of Ex. (1), except 
muddy colour. 

June 1st. Solution colour of dilute lime- 
sulphur. A small amount of free sulphur 
thrown down. 


May 29th. Combined the above materials to 
get data on reactions; also to note any visible 
effect of decomposition of the materials. The 
arsenate of lead a white paste changed to a 
black-grey colour and more residue is appar- 
ent than in the case of the neutral arsenate. 
The liquid or solution remains cloudy and 
muddy after several hours’ standing. <A 
decided difference between the colour of the 
residue in this solution and that of Exs. (1) 
and (2) is apparent. The residue is blacker 
in this solution. 

June Ist. Liquid colour of dilute lime-sulphur 
in addition to a large amount of black pre- 
cipitate. A small amount of free sulphur is 
present. 


May 29th. Combined the materials in this 
experiment to find the resultant reactions 
and to get data on the effect of the different 
materials. Everything is similar to Ex. (3), 
except that the residue from the Black Leaf 
40, which was not placed in Ex. (3), is slowly 
settling on the arsenate of lead, which has 
already settled to the bottom. When Black 
Leaf 40 and lime-sulphur are combined, a fine 
precipitate slowly settles out. The nature of 
this is unknown to us at the present time. 

June Ist. Liquid colour of dilute lime-sulphur. 
A considerable amount of a yellowish-black 
precipitate has been thrown down in addition 
to the dark-grey arsenate of lead residue. 
This mixture seems to be a combination of 
free sulphur and the lime-sulphur- nicotine- 
sulphate residue. 


May 29th. Combined the above materials to 
get data on effects and also to note any appar- 
ent decomposition. After settling for several 
hours the solution differed very little from 
a similar dilute solution of straight lime- 
sulphur and water, except that there was a 
slight cloudiness. The residue was a very 
black-grey with minute particles of sulphur 
scattered through it. 

June 1st. Liquid colour of dilute lime-sulphur. 
A very small amount of free sulphur has been 
thrown down on top of the black residue. 


May 29th. Combined above materials to get 
data on effect of combination and to note any 
decomposition of materials which might take 
place. There is a difference of colour in the 


ProcreEpDINGS, 1915. 


(7.) Lime-sulphur ......... 6) aly ea y(ere 
Alone marred Sieitish syevs . 482.0 ec 
Zine -arsenite (Sherwi 
WWalliames)iiere cectelevncte 0.6 gms. 


(S.) Black Leaf 40, 1-1,000. .500.0 ce. 
Zine -arsenite (Sherwin 
Williams) 


(9.) Lime-sulphur 175 ec: 
Black Leaf 40, 1-1,000. .482.5 ce. 
Zine-arsenite (Sherwin 

Williams ) 


(10!) Lime-sulphur .......... 17.5 ce. 
Black Leaf 40, 1-1,000..482.5 ec. 


0.6 gms. 


0.6 gms. 


13 


solution of this experiment, due to the sus- 
pended particles of residue formed by the 
Black Leaf 40 and lime-sulphur. Some of 
‘this residue has already settled, but appar- 
ently not all. The arsenate of lead, which is 
a dirty black, settled first and the other settled 
on top of it. 

June 1st. Liquid colour of dilute lime-sulphur. 
A considerable amount of free sulphur has 
been liberated, and there is also present a con- 
siderable amount of black flocculent residue 
from the lime-sulphur+ Black Leaf 40 mixture 
which has settled on the black-lead deposit. 
Between ‘these residues there is a thin line of 
some thin crystalline substance which Pro- 
fessor Tartar suggests may be arsenate of 
lime. 


May 29th. Combined above materials to get 
data on results and to note any decomposi- 
tions of materials. Colour of solution quite 
similar to that of lime-sulphur of an equal 
strength with straight water. Slightly cloudy 
or muddy. The residue was a light grey, being 
quite a little lighter than that of the neutral 
arsenate of lead. 

June 1st. Solution colour of dilute lime- 
sulphur. <A very small amount of free 
sulphur shows on top of ‘the residue (only 
a trace). 


May 29th. Combined the above materials to 
get data on results and to note any decom- 
position of materials used. The colour of the 
arsenite of zinc was covered with a _ pink 
colouring substance. After standing several 
hours there seemed to be decomposition of 
either the Black Leaf 40 or the zinc-arsenite. 
The latter lost most of its pink colour and 
appeared dirty white. This zinc-arsenite is 
more finely divided than that of the Cali- 
fornia Spray Co. 


June 1st. Liquid almost white with a slight 
tinge of black. No change. Apparently no 
decomposition. 


May 29th. Combined the above materials to 
get data on combinations and to note any 
decomposition of materials which might take 
place. The solution was black, but appeared 
no different from the solution of lime-sulphur 
and Black Leaf 40. The zinc-arsenite had 
of course settled and, being more or less 
mixed with the residue formed by the’ Black 
Leaf 40, appeared slightly different from the 
zine-arsenite lime-sulphur combination. The 
zinc-arsenite does not seem ‘to be affected by 
either the lime-sulphur or Black Leaf 40 to 
any great extent. 

June Ist. Solution colour of dilute lime- 
sulphur. Arsenite of zine a grey colour, 
showing dark grey at upper surface when 
solution and residue of Black Leaf 40 come 
in contact. Black Leaf residue black and 
flocculent. A small amount of free sulphur 
present. 


May 29th. The above materials were combined 
to get data on the result and to note any 
decomposition which might take place. When 
first combined the liquid ‘turns a very dark 


14 B.C. ENromMoLoGicaL Sociery. 


green, and one can hardly see the reason. A 
close examination will show that there are 
present such finely divided particles of some 
green material as to fill the liquid and give 
the dark appearance. Later these form into 
larger floeculent masses and settle to the 
bottom. The liquid is then a dark green. 
The colour is given by many particles of 
suspended unknown material. 

June Ist. Many very minute erystals of sulphur 
have collected on the side of the bottle. The 
black precipitate from the Black Leaf 40 still 
present and settled. 


(dS) Teime-sunl Shur) ister «te ne 17.5 cc. |May 29th. Combined these materials to get 
Soap-water ‘at the rate data on results and to note any decomposition 

of 1 Ib. soap to 100 that might take place. The resultant solution 

gallons of water ....482.5 ce. was similar to that of dilute lime-sulphur of 


an equal strength. However, the soap imme- 

diately coagulated and formed a _ flocculent 

mass which settled to the bottom of the flask. 

This shows that soap-water and lime-sulphur 

cannot be combined for spraying purposes. 
June Ist. Same as above. 


Applications made June 16th, 1913. 


Ex. No. 
(1.) Arsenate of lead (acid) ......S lb. to 100 gallons water. 
(2.) Arsenate of lead (acid) ...... 4 Ib. to 100 gallons water. 
(3.) Arsenate of lead (acid) ...... 2 lb. to 100 gallons water. 


(4.) Arsenate of lead (non-acid) S lb. to 100 gallons water. 
(5.) Arsenate of lead (non-acid) ..4 Ib. to 100 gallons water. 
(6.) Arsenate of lead (non-acid) ..2 Ib. to 100 gallons water. 


(7.) Arsenite of zinc ............- 8S Ib. to 100 gallons water. 
(8:) Awsenite of zine oc... ecm. 4 lb. to 100 gallons water. 
(OP Arsenite Of (Zine! Goce. vei 2 Ib. to 100 gallons water. 
(10.) Arsenate of lead (acid) ...... S Ib. to 100 gallons lime-sulphur 1-30. 
(11.) Arsenate of lead (acid) ...... 4 lb. to 100 gallons lime-sulphur 1-30. 
(12.) Arsenate of lead (acid) ...... 2 lb. to 100 gallons lime-sulphur 1-30. 


(18.) Arsenate of lead (non-acid) ..S Ib. to 100 gallons lime-sulphur 1-30. 
(14.) Arsenate of lead (non-acid) ..4 1b. to 100 gallons lime-sulphur 1-30. 
(15.) Arsenate of lead (non-acid) 2 Ib. to 100 gallons lime-sulphur 1-30. 
8 


(1G) Arsenite of (zin@™ 1.4.22 sie 8 Ib. to 100 gallons lime-sulphur 1-30. 
(ie) Arsenite vol zine wenn emenaaee 4 lb. to 100 gallons lime-sulphur 1-30. 
(Ss eArsenitesof pinch eee seee eee 2 Ib. to 100 gallons lime-sulphur 1-30. 


(19.) Water without chemicals. 

(20.) .Lime-sulphur 30.5° Be. 1-30. 

These trees had not been previously sprayed, and the leaves were more or less 
aftected with scab. The orchard had only been cultivated once, and therefore was 
in prime shape to give results in an experiment of this kind. 

The two days following the application were more or less cloudy, and the week 
following varied from rain to sunshine, mostly rain. 


Summary of Results. 


Lime-sulphur + arsenite of zine, lime-sulphur + arsenate of lead (acid), and 
lime-sulphur + arsenate of lead (non-acid) in all strengths caused serious burning. 
If anything, the non-acid injury was slightly the worst. 

Lime-sulphur caused considerable injury, but not one-half as much as in the 
combination sprays. 

Arsenite of zinc alone and in all strengths caused some injury. The injury 
was different, however, from that of the combination and lime-sulphur sprayed trees. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1913. 15 


With the combination sprays the entire leaf was destroyed, or else the injury 
covered a distinct portion, all parts of which were discoloured. Scab-spots on the 
leaves appeared black, ordinary leaf-tissue brown. 

With the arsenite of zine only the scab-spots were injured. In a few cases 
entire leaves were blackened or browned. The majority of the injured leaves were 
spotted with injury. Fach one of these spots was determined to be the seat of 
germination of a scab-spore. The leaf-tissue between and surrounding these spots 
did not appear to be injured. 

Arsenate of lead (acid) and arsenate of lead (non-acid) did not cause injury 
in any case. 

The tree sprayed with water did not show injury. The injury did not begin to 
show up badly for about five days, when suddenly, overnight, it appeared at its 
worst. 

As soon as the injury on trees sprayed with arsenate of lead (non-acid) + 
lime-sulphur 1-80 became apparent, checks were made on different trees of the same. 
block. The check sprays were the same as on the trees 10, 12, 18, 15, 16, 18. The 
utmost care was used in these applications, and as the same injury occurred a 
second time, we must conclude that, even with the purest of chemicals, lime-sulphur 
+ arsenate of lead is not a stable spray under North-west conditions. 

The controlling factors are yet to be determined. Two other experiments for 
the control of the codling-moth have not yet been finished. But in one of these lime- 
sulphur + arsenates of lead, acid and non-acid, and arsenite of zinc did not cause 
more than slight injury at the first application. The second application on June 30th 
caused serious injury. Therefore we may say that the above combination sprays are 
safe for the calyx spray, but are unsafe at the time of the second codling-moth 


RECENT INSECTICIDE INVESTIGATIONS. 


(1.) To find the value of lime-sulphur as a stomach-poison. 

(2.) To find the value of arsenate of lead (acid) as a stomach-poison. 

(3.) To find the value of arsenate of lead (non-acid) as a stomach-poison. 

(4.) To find the value of arsenite of zinc as a stomach-poison. 

(5.) To find the value of arsenate of lead (acid)-+ lime-sulphur as a stomach- 

poison. 

(6.) To find the value of arsenate of lead (non-acid)-+ lime-sulphur as a 

stomach-poison. 

(7.) To find the value of arsenate of lead as a stomach-poison. 

The chemicals used were secured from the same source as those used in the 
spray-injury experiments. 

Larve of the tent-caterpillars Walacasomea erosa and Malacasoma pluvialis were 
used in these experiments, and were placed on sprayed twigs in the open part of the 
insectary. Newspapers were placed under the twigs to catch the dead larve and 
every experiment kept separate from the rest. : 


Summary of Results. 


In these experiments arsenite of zinc was a quicker-acting poison than arsenate 
of lead, acid or non-acid, and remained in suspension much better. Acid arsenate 
of lead was a quicker-acting poison than the non-acid and remained in suspension 
better. 

Non-acid arsenate of lead was slow in its action, but was satisfactery in that 
death finally occurs. 

Lime-sulphur in our experiments has not proyen to be much value as a stomach- 
poison. 

Lime-sulphur with arsenicals seems to retard to a more or less extent the action 
of the poison, and it is possible for larvse to feed on foliage sprayed with weak 


* Arsenite of zine is apparently not entirely satisfactory under all conditions, and should 
not be used until after more.experimental work has been done. 


16 B.C. EnromonocicaL Society. 

\ 
strengths of lime-sulphur + arsenate of lead, and to recover if transferred to fresh 
foliage within a few days. 

Very young caterpillars placed on twigs freshly sprayed with lime-sulphur 1-30 
died within two or three days, but, as they did not feed, death must have resulted 
from the gases given off. 

Very young caterpillars placed on twigs that had been sprayed with lime-sulphur 
1-30 and allowed to stand refused to eat, and finally died from starvation. 

Half-grown larve placed on twigs sprayed with lime-sulphur did not feed like 
laryee on unsprayed twigs, but did eat to some extent. After two weeks on lime- 
sulphur sprayed twigs they were transferred to fresh-sprayed leaves, and finally 
matured, pupated, and emerged in the adult stage. 

Lime-sulphur probably acts as a repellent to biting-insects in the same way that 
Bordeaux does against the potato flea-beetles. Lime sprinkled or sprayed on the 
foliage in the same proportions as found in a certain amount of lime-sulphur had 
no effect. 

Mr. BE. W. White: I have been delighted to listen to the address of Mr. Wilson. 
IT am sure we will all feel the benefit of his remarks. With our conditions here in 
British Columbia, contrary to the Oregon conditions, we probably do not under 
ordinary conditions need to apply more than two sprays annually—the first as the 
buds show green with lime-sulphur and Black Leaf 40 for aphis, and the second 
as the blossoms fall for scab and leaf-eating insects. 

Mr. Tom Wilson: Professor Wilson claims that aphis-eggs are not killed by 
the use of winter applications of lime-sulphur. I may say that I believe this to 
be quite true; I have failed to do so myself. By the addition of caustic soda the 
necessary effect will be produced. For the woolly aphis I have seen the use of 
lead paint advocated. 

Mr. Lyne: There is one item that occurs to me, and that is the burning effect 
of sprays. When applying the usual formule, if we find the foliage suffering, I 
find that the addition of lime will control the burning effect of lime-sulphur. 

Mr. Cunningham: By adding 6 Ib. of lime to lime-sulphur 1-15 no damage 
results on fruit or foliage. We can also apply a lime spray to control the burning 
effect of lime-sulphur. 

Professor Wilson: All these points bear out our recommendations. We find 
that lime-sulphur 1-10 can be applied without any injury, but, on the other hand, 
sometimes an application of 1-40 will result in injury. Consequently no recom- 
mendation can be stable. 

Mr. L. L. Palmer: I notice in your paper that you have been carrying on your 

experiments with the use of pure arsenicals. How can we as fruit-growers obtain 
them? What firms sell them? 
r Professor Wilson: All our experiments in the past were based on commercial 
sprays, and we find they vary. We believed that experiments previously carried on 
by other experimental stations were unreliable,»as they never really knew with 
what they were working. In our work, then, we believed it best to have a reliable 
basis to work on, and our chemists at the station did this for us. I may say there 
are two pure arsenates of lead on the market, but T am not at liberty to inform you 
of the names of the satisfactory firms. The great variations that have taken place 
in arsenical experiments in the past probably account for the variations in the 
results. In our work, however, we carried on duplicate experiments with the 
ordinary commercial sprays. There has been, I fancy, a great improvement in the 
arsenates of lead during the past few years. 

Mr. Taylor: Sherwin Williams arsenate of lead had no effect on cherry-slugs 
at the rate of 1-40, but 1-20 killed the insects. 

Professor Wilson: Pyrethrum at the rate of 1-50 is a most satisfactory spray 
for cherry-slugs. 

A member: Which would you advise us to use, the powdered or paste form of 
arsenate of lead? 


PROocEEDINGS, 1913. ile 


Professor Wilson: It is only a question of time that powdered arsenates will 
be used altogether. 

The Chairman: This has been a very excellent discussion. Forasmuch as the 
next paper by Mr. Winslow has a bearing on the present discussion, I take pleasure 
in asking Mr. Winslow, Provincial Horticulturist, to present his paper. 


THE ECONOMIC SIDE OF PEST-CONTROL. 
By R. M. WInstow, PRovINCIAL Horricurrurist, Victoria, B.C. 


I propose to deal with pest-control on fruit-trees and with the economic side 
of that question, largely in its relation to the question of costs of production. ‘The 
cost of controlling insects and diseases on fruit-trees is a part of the larger one of 
total cost. Our present cost of fruit-production, I am safe in saying, is out of 
proportion not only to the market prices being received for the product, but is 
further greater than the production costs of our competitors in those markets. It 
is true that our fruit has a certain percentage from the Customs tariff, and is, in 
addition, protected in some cases even more heavily than by the tariff, by more 
advantageous freight and express rates than our competitors enjoy. It is my own 
conclusion, however, that the advantage given us by lower freight rates and the 
Customs tariff does not nearly equal the higher cost of production. If, therefore, 
our competitors were receiving remunerative prices for their product, our prices, 
though relatively higher, would be actually less remunerative because of our much 
higher costs. For instance, skilled orchard labour costs us approximately 25 per 
cent. more than it does in Oregon and Washington. Most of the materials, such as 
land, nursery stock, spraying materials, tillage, tools and implements, fruit-packages, 
paper, nails, packing-house equipment, etc., cost us approximately 20 to 40 per cent. 
more than our competitors. The fruit-grower’s cost of living itself is, perhaps, even 
higher proportionately, while money both on mortgages and on personal loans costs 
from 10 to 25 per cent. more. The effect of all these differences is to raise the 
average cost of apple-production, for instance, in bearing orchards in the interior of 
British Columbia to about 75 cents a box, as against 50 cents for our competitors ; 
in many cases the difference is very much greater. 

The big problem of successful fruit-culture is strictly an economic one. We 
must be able to sell our fruit at a return that represents at least a margin of profit 
to the producer, and every possible assistance should be given him to that end. 
Action has been taken to provide a marketing organization which, while it may not 
be expected to reduce the cost of marketing, is expected to enhance to some degree 
the selling-price of the fruit, so providing a larger net return to the grower. The 
cost of actual production is beginning to give many fruit-growers much concern, and 
many of them are working to reduce their costs as much as they justifiably can. 

As Secretary of the British Columbia Fruit-growers’ Association and as Pro- 
vincial Horticulturist, I have had special opportunities to study the costs of fruit- 
production, and I am aware that much remains to be accomplished in making savings 
in every operation in the orchard. Our growers are just beginning to study the 
economics of their work. Many of them started in fruit-growing with the assumption 
that profits were so great as to make little economies in production unnecessary. 
It is an economic law that one part of any general business in the world will stand 
inordinately high costs, and fruit-growing in British Columbia is not likely to prove 
any exception. The history of fruit-growing in California and in Western Oregon, 
the first two fruit sections of the Pacific Coast, amply illustrates this. 

Among other things, then, the cost of pest-control is a consideration. You may 
remember that in the literature issued by Government and by those with land for 
sale it has been said that pests are at a minimum in the Dry Belt, in which the 
greater part of our orchards are located; the absence of codling-moth, San Jose 
scale, and apple-scab, the three most injurious orchard pests, as cited, was undoubt- 
edly correct, and by this intending fruit-growers were led to conclude that injuries 


3 


1 


wm 


B.C. EnromMoLocicaLt Society. 


from pests would be small and the cost of pest-control correspondingly so. As a 
matter of fact, I find that pest-control is costing us a great deal. 

It has been a matter of considerable difficulty to get anything definite on what 
our efforts at pest-control are really costing us, and I must ask you to take my figures 
only as general estimates, which I have made, however, to the best of my ability. 

For the Province, expenditures in 1913 are estimated as follows :— 


MERECR IANS) Gictes RBS eer aleve coce cocteitea Siateners etalon asdes erate sabe} chat anteliouen cia $21,170 
INVENIO Goon odooooconsdOd bo oDUMO Odo nUoTecOdnaNosoNd dd? 20,000 
745} OVE (CME OME (Exo UY oysc(evayr COSC? Kononooodbob ononduoncdodDo0s 12,500 
Ui RUD) 54 Do tenner RC RE RID anaes cole roe Paes leper Gee RSC coc $53,670 
Sixty per cent. of this, which is for the Interior, equals $32,202. 


The total value of the fruit-crops of the Interior in 1912, about 1,000 cars at an 
average of $500 apiece, both of which I think sufficiently high, was $500,000, and the 
cost of pest-control was therefore approximately 6.4 of the total value packed. From 
this total there is about $250,000, packing and selling charges, to be deducted. The 
growers thus received $250,000 for their product, and pest-control, other than fire- 
blight, costing them $32,202, took 12.8 per cent. of their returns; this was too much. 
We may easily understand, then, the great drop in the use of lime-sulphur, the 
principal item, this year to about 58 per cent. of the 1912 consumption. 

There seems considerable evidence that growers feel less confidence in the lime- 
sulphur spray, finding that it does not act as a tonic to the trees, and that it does 
not destroy aphis-eggs. Spraying each year with lime-sulphur is evidently declining 
in popularity. Inspector Darlington writes me that in Wenatchee, where San Jose 
scale has to be controlled, about 50 per cent. of the orchards get lime-sulphur every 
year, others once in two, and others once in three years. Non-bearing orchards, he 
states, are sprayed even, less. The tendency there seems to be to restrict spraying 
almost altogether to bearing trees, neither codling-moth nor San Jose scale being of 
much consequence until trees begin to fruit. In that district, which much resembles 
the Okanagan, the spraying is confined almost altogether to bearing trees. For this 
reason, I consider it proper to charge the great part of the cost of spraying to the 
fruit produced. 

I might note that, coincident with the decrease of 41.7 per cent. in the amount 
of lime-sulphur used in British Columbia in 1913 from that used in 1912, there is 
an increase of 24 per cent. in the sales of Black Leaf 40, indicating that growers 
consider aphis the principal pest, and find control during the growing season most 
satisfactory. 

It is possible that more lime-sulphur has been used than was required for most 
economical pest-control. Wenatchee used one barrel to 25 acres; British Columbia 
used one barrel to 20 acres, and they have San Jose scale to control, which we have 
not. <A saving, then, might be effected by more judicious use. Spraying at a loss 
occurs too commonly, and could be avoided if fruit-growers could be induced to study 
their trees and their needs, and to reason for themselves on how to care for them 
economically. 

Fruit-growers from time to time raise the question of home manufacture of lime- 
sulphur. I reported on the subject to several interested parties some time since, one 
of whom has since taken it up successfully. The report is very short and is as 
follows :— 


“REPORT ON COST OF MANUFACTURING LIME-SULPHUR AT OKANAGAN POINTS. 


“Present Cost when produced on Coast.—The cost, f.o.b. Victoria, is $9 per 
40-gallon barrel, which weighs 625 lb. approximately. The freight rate in car-load 
lots to Vernon is 88 per cent. per 100 lb. The freight to Kelowna and Summerland is 
slightly greater. Freight charges to Vernon are, therefore, about $2.44 per barrel, 
making a total cost of, f.o.b. Vernon, $11.44 per barrel, wholesale rates in car-Joad 
lots for cash or short terms. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1913. 19 


“To manufacture in Okanagan.—On a small scale manufacturing in single-barrel 
lots of concentrated spray, the materials required per barrel are as follows: 112 Ib. 
sulphur, 56 1b. lime. The approximate price of sulphur at Victoria is $28.50 per ton. 
The freight rate to Vernon on sulphur, car-load lots, in bags, is 67 cents per 100 Ib., 
while the rate on lime in barrels is 83 cents per 100 Ib. There is a slight increase to 
Kelowna, Summerland, and Penticton. The cost of 112 Ib. sulphur is $1.60, freight 
is SO cents, total $2.40; 56 lb. of lime costs approximately 32 cents and the freight 
costs 16 cents, a total of 48 cents, f.o.b. Vernon. The laid-down cost of materials is, 
therefore, $2.88. 

“To make up a barrel of spray requires boiling for one hour. Preparation might 
be estimated at another hour, and there must be a barrel to put the material in. 
Labour will cost probably 65 cents; a barrel will cost about $1.25; fuel will cost say 
30 cents; total cost, $2.20. Paying car-load freight* rates on materials, total cost 
will apparently be around $5.08 per barrel. 

“This will not, however, be quite as strong as the commercial product, which 
tests 32%4° Beaume, and the value depends in direct ratio to the Beaume test. 
Usually it should test about 20° if made under proper conditions. 

“Tf lime and sulphur were brought up to the Okanagan in less than car-load 
lots, the total cost would be increased to about approximately $7 per barrel, the 
L.C.L. rate on sulphur $1.24, and on lime 74 cents. 

“There would be, in addition, the cost of a hydrometer—$1—and the first cost 
of the boiling plant, which on a one-barrel scale need not be over $12, and might 
be kept as low as $3 or $4. 

“The loeal prices of lime and sulphur would probably put the manufacturing of 
small lots out of the question. There is, in addition, the need for experience and 
skill in manufacture and in using the Beaume test. The variation in strength of the 
home-made is an objection.” 

T learn from Captain Brush, manager of the K.L.O., that he effects a considerable 
saving by making lime-sulphur on the ranch. 

It would seem that, given proper conditions, several dollars per barrel might be 
saved. On the small scale, especially with inexperience, the saving, however, would 
be more apparent than real. The O.A.C. bulletin on ‘“ Making Commercial Lime- 
sulphur” is very good and may be followed to advantage. A good report on a 
successful plant of fairly large capacity is given by Professor Cole in the Wash- 
ington State Horticultural Society’s Report of 1912. 

The cost of spraying machinery here is greater than elsewhere, because of a 
duty of 25 per cent. and long distance from the Bastern manufacturers and conse- 
quent high freight charges. We have looked into the question, but fail to find any 
hope of materially reducing the cost to the purchaser in either tariff or freights. 
The retailers’ margin for handling is small, especially in Vernon, and there is little 
profit in it for them. 

The British Columbia Fruit-growers’ Association secures wholesale rates on the 
principal spraying materials for its members for cash, and the saving effected, by 
Coast growers principally, amounts to a very considerable sum. They buy about 
$3,000 annually through the Association, and save about $700 by so doing. This 
price-list has also resulted in retailers generally quoting these materials at small 
margins, and I do not look for much reduction in cost there. 


SUMMARY. 


(1.) Our total cost of production is too high. 

(2.) The cost of pest-control seems excessive considering our comparative free- 
dom from pests. 

(3.) The high cost of pest-control is due, partly, to high cost of machinery, 
materials, and labour, but there seems little chance of reducing these costs. None of 
these are providing excessive profits to makers and dealers under present economic 
conditions. 


20 B.C. ENToMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


(4.) The high cost is partly due to sprays applied as preventives against 
dangers, minor or fancied, and to the general use of lime-sulphur as a tonic and 
aphiscide. 

(5.) Costs will be most easily reduced by more intelligent study of pest-control, 
leading to greater efficiency of sprays applied, and to omission of control measures 
not justified by the net results. 

(G.) There may be a saving, under favourable circumstances, by making concen- 
trated lime-sulphur at home, and possibly a nicotine spray could be made to 
advantage from tobacco-waste in the Kelowna district. 


Mr. Cunningham: Would you start economy with spraying? 

Mr. Winslow: I can’t talk economy in packing and the other branches of fruit- 
production to the Entomologicgl Society. 

Mr. Cunningham: Why not? The growers are falling down on spraying. Did 
not the low prices that prevailed last year raise the percentage of the cost of 
spraying? When I was in Wenatchee the one point that impressed me the most was 
the fact that every grower who had six acres of orchard owned a sprayer. 

Professor Wilson: Some of our growers in Oregon are spraying too little, some 
just right, and some are ruining themselves with spraying. 

Mr. Cunningham: I do not know one man in this Province who is using too 
much spray. I recollect an instance where a man lost his entire crop of McIntosh 
teds while the majority of the fruit could have been saved by the use of a spray. 
What was the 25 or 50 cent cost of spraying in comparison to the value of the 
apples ? 

Professor Wilson: Let it be understood clearly that I am not arguing against 
spraying—much the reverse. I can instance a case of one grower who sprayed four 
times for apple-scab and you never saw a worse proposition after it all. He did not 
get the spray on at the right time; he was too late with each application. The 
amount of spray used has no bearing on the results; it must be put on right. 

Mr. Taylor (Kelowna): In my opinion, the use of home-boiled mixtures for 
scab are superior to the commercial brands. It cost us about 101% cents to spray a 
tree yielding $6 worth of fruit. I believe the average grower overestimates the cost 
of production. 

A member: Do not these home-boiled mixtures crystallize before use? 

Mr. Taylor: They had better be put on fresh and warm. 

Professor Wilson: -In regard to erystallization of home-made products, we find 
that this does not affect the spray in any way. The crystals can be dissolved out 
in cold water and then used. 

Mr. Winslow: If we can control our pests for half the money, will not the other 
half be saved? 

Mr. Cunningham: I do not think the possibility has been shown. 2 

Mr. Treherne: I usually prefer to figure out in a general way the average cost 
of production of an infected crop and the average yield of that crop to the ordinary 
grower, and then after allowing a fair interest as returns, about 8 per cent., the 
difference gives me an approximate idea as to how much may be spent to apply a 
remedy. This method is not safe, however, if there is danger of losing the tree on 
which the crop is being grown, and this brings up the question of tree, bush, or 
annual crops. The personal equation is another important point, for we find a great 
variation in the business abilities of individuals, and each one can only apply that 
amount of remedy suited to his pocket, to obtain the best results, economically and 
practically. I would suggest, however, that the discussion be confined to the point 
where we can advise the grower what sprays to use on his crops one year with 
another, or, in other words, what annual sprays are necessary. 

Mr. Brittain: There are difficulties in the way of doing this, as conditions 
change so materially from year to year with different localities. A Vernon grower 
could not be expected to spray for a pest in Penticton. It is a local problem. Last 


PROCEEDINGS, 1913. 21 


year we had an outbreak of cutworms; this year there are very few. It is usually 
conceded, however, that a spring and fall spraying are necessaries for our condition. 

Mr. Cunningham: Can we raise first-class marketable fruit without spraying? 
If so, where? I don’t know. If we are going to compete on the markets, we have 
to get busy and raise first-class fruit, and this can only be done by spraying. I 
consider it would be a most unfortunate thing if it gets abroad that the growers are 
spraying too much. Some men near Vernon have not sprayed for two years. How 
are they getting along? Are they to remain growing unmarketable fruit? No; get 
them the machinery and teach them how to spray. 

Mr. Taylor: I rather criticize Mr. Winslow if he claims we do not need to 
spray non-bearing trees. 

Mr. Winslow: It is not a question of sprayingsversuws non-spraying. It would 
be most unfortunate if the idea got abroad that I am advocating a cessation of spray 
application. What I do claim is that a lot of spraying has been misdirected and 
with consequent discouragement, and how best to find the economic basis. 

Mr. Brittain: I think the difference of opinion has arisen from the different 
view-points taken. I think we can all now gauge the situation. 

Mr. Winslow: Lime-sulphur may be made with economy in the valley. 

Mr. Taylor: It isn’t every one who can make lime-sulphur. The great difficulty 
is experienced in the resulting varying strength, a variation of 19 to 30 degrees. 
Another difficulty is the question of the employment of a licensed engineer for small 
plants. 

Professor Wilson: At Corvallis we can make lime-sulphur for $3.75, the retail 
price being $8.10. It is thus useless paying freight on water. 

The Chairman: JI think perhaps we had better terminate this excellent dis- 
cussion, as time is getting on. I am afraid we had better proceed. I will now ask 
our Secretary, Mr. Treherne, to present his paper. 


METHOCS OF TAKING INSECT RECORDS IN THE FIELD. 
By Qt. C. TREHERNE. 


In preparing this paper, I had in mind the requirements of the field inspectors 
working in the various orchards, farms, and nurseries in the Province, with the 
intention of presenting to them certain ideas in estimating the approximate pre- 
valence of an insect pest and its corresponding injuriousness, so that we may be able 
to obtain a definite and co-ordinated idea on the nature of our local insect pests one 
year with another. 

In order to determine the present rate of an infestation by any insect pest or 
fungous disease for comparison with an infestation in past or future seasons or 
periods, or in order to determine the rate at which an infestation increases in 
different territories with relation, as well, to dates of migration, emergence, or 
injuriousness, it is desirable that a definite system of recording the prevalence of 
an insect pest, one year with another, be employed. 

I do not claim originality, altogether, for my suggestions that follow, for, after 
all, the problems of simple arithmetic are the only ones involved, neither do I wish 
to force those who are working in the field as inspectors to adopt the systems I 
propose, but personally I prefer to work with a system when in the field, and the 
following which I am putting forward as suggestions have been useful. 


TO DETERMINE PERCENTAGE OF INFESTATION; INJURY OBSERVED. 


Select five typical locations in the field to be examined. At each of these five 
locations select a typical row, tree, or plant to be inspected. WEXmphasis should be 
laid upon the word “typical,” no partiality or impartiality being shown in the 
selection. When this is done, count fifty plants, buds, fruit, or leaves, as desired, 
and examine carefully for injury. Then the total number of injurious marks divided 
by the total number of objects examined, multiplied by 100, gives the percentage of 


22 B.C. ENromMoLoGicaL Society. 


infestation. If it is possible to examine the objects without injuring them in any 
way, and it is wished to follow the observations by others during the same season 
to obtain the progress of infestation, stakes or markers should be used, so that the 
same area or ground is covered each time. The number of insect injuries that can 
be examined in this way are necessarily limited, but we find examples in the 
stinging of fruits, ete., by such insects as the curculio, capsids, sawflies, and so on. 

Progress of infestation can, however, be obtained, when the objects are destroyed, 
by frequent examination within a certain area. Results then can only be gauged 
by charting the notes obtained and general survey taken over a greater or lesser 
period of time. 

Let us take the instance of a field of turnips affected with the root-maggots 
(Pegomyia (Phorbia) brassice). If before thinning we pulled up fifty young plauts 
in each of five locations in the field and examined for maggots and their injury to the 
roots, and noted it in the following manner, viz. :— 


INCOR bN rate aeseoiste re ote reorerema eer Out of 50 plants, O were infested. 
SOutheee cence cress eeceariereeiee * 50 5 a os 
CWODURE treprcier ramen oe teriee 66 50 s 8 5 
MASE. Sec oe i aetecsrricce Stier ate 5 50 » ak) rd 
AW GSGciie sccieateteteneteerere Minti etrtar * 50 A 9 5 

Motallel. ciystevesnes sere ss Out of 250 plants, 34 were infested. 


Then 13.6 represents the percentage of infestation. 

Determinations of this nature can be made the basis of many series of observa- 
tions and experiments, and the details can be arranged to suit the requirements of 
the case at the discretion of the inspector. . 

To estimate the egg, larval, or adult abundance to an acre when the insect or its 
stages are observed, we first must know the lineal feet of row per acre. The follow- 
ing table, therefore, is compiled, derived by division of the number of square feet per 
acre—viz., 48,560—by the width of the row :— 


Rows in Running Feet 
Feet apart. per Acre. 
DUG. Revises: stokav-al easy aes o SGhae eee ebar siecle AeA eta tere Pe cat ate ators 17,424 
es pdr seavohtiec vann'¥e,loveure Poyehere partes ave ne atateehe Weve tele tanevensvatepeuaieye per atcneOel slemetereie 14,520 
Oy SRE Oom orto HiiGcod odo tcoen iota nih sien oo cameo moo GM thiaho 12,445 
DB a Ere AS OIA tae Te IGS On Morano Geran OA DOM ao aco oc 10,890 
AUG Tapele ishokatotebershoasttac one intenolsustePeye ciclo ysiehsnctey crete camcneRnCn a eer Retenet 9,680 
EDM ah aati al aren cteevereustan seayoue eh nun amet «tayrotlaiabar ence) evenaie ronan Are ayeuenene renee: Nerege 8,712 
ye Oe Cin Cs COCCI hE ene okononocatdte add 4 7,920 
GY Moers) diet Sganste spawermnarete seen eucvopebeseleie tanta taveterekonsreta eherat el ayenavaray cies reyershe 7,260 
Oe RM rca RIC OIte SOL Cis RAO OUTS CEO GOS Moto Ico 6,701 
{ CRRA air MAO TOD SRO CORO O AC ma BOD aianoG sop Socio 6,222 
{eA ECO choc Dre roti OM OOo HEL OOO DIGG 6 5,808 
ie qisvenspetape ayevecsbeeeravey oreueueyay ovavscetfaie eueaslis ie peter ou ceerate aracpekee con tveteRecayereters 5,445 
QM onoeacaco moti bnodon mos poncho obacueoncono.egéDoRb 4,840 
il SOMME ACE oRtatoatcmead ncn ocoto ad: mes DUO Dan mmbo CoG 4,856 
i Cee ae eek Sonaion uno no ooo coo omer commu nomanmedcooo 3,960 
6 DE es eR Scene ect Oicin Chee clean IO ucuaidanis 0.000 3,680 
IGT! hy SChorbeon on HCA OMCCA Cuero obo homE Sond O Odo dado ONG 2,904 
ite ee SCAR AOE OEIC Oooo oOR OOO n ESD OCHO onUNd aeab ood 2,420 
PUES Rinna nace itor soo Lacon oas on opie top FOnCOL dalsetisite MORES) 
SOW hs eyevohes sieve) ov ahetode ovate eit reketsleyetel stsiev<natert Rov taca aceon Kevarvebonter fethetrare 1,452 
Ui) Gooch oabdnoocorun cod dooschdondccesenndousonAowesdouOnS 1,089 


To put this table into application, let us suppose we wish to determine the egg- 
abundance of the cabbage-maggot (Pegomyia (Phorbia) brassice) in a field of turnips, 
the adult abundance of the strawberry-root weevil (Otiorhynchus ovatus), the adults 


» 
> 


Proceepines, 19135. Qe 


of which are found on the ground surface in rows of strawberries, or any such insect 
affecting small fruits or vegetables in cultivated field or garden rows; first stake off 
1 foot of row, count the insects or insect forms as desired, and estimate the average 
per 100 feet of row; then divide the running feet of row per acre, coinciding with the 
distance of rows apart, by 100, and then with the figure thus obtained (as per table) 
multiply by the number of insects estimated on the average of 100 feet of row. For 
example :— 


my UELOOtOL: TOW a cetacietetam cicsttierletemeciereversiae aiovs oie 4 insects taken. 
Facil Raph ee Bere Ptehensieie icine torelcisieuctoicsysicjeis ete cesieter = 2 
Ay Fe Rabo o Bano oot Seen n Cotto tse ) 
ry ab Phe bom Ocean Ue cho CRO ROR Tony catoie Cremeans 5 
appl HM coho oboct a ee Som oncom tnmr or 4 5 
ADI UISEIMEDSLCCLTO Let OWoeratvateh-ao eva orf ticesbacmralerchsraray syetetens ce 15 insects were taken. 


The average per 100 feet of row is 800. Let rows be 4 feet apart. Thus 
300 x 108.90 gives an estimate of insect-abundance of 32,670 to the acre. 

Supposing, once more, the above estimate referred definitely to the egg-notes of 
the cabbage-maggot, by reference to the habits of the insect we know that each female 
is capable of laying on the average fifty eggs; thus by dividing 32,670 by 50 we 
estimate with reasonable assurance the number of adult female flies at work on 
the acre at any specific time. 

Of course, in a case like the above the flies may be at work laying eggs at the 
same time as our records were being taken, and the same might occur with any insect 
having a continuous generation, consequently our results taken two or three days 
later might be very different to the first ones taken; thus it is advisable, in order 
to obtain uniformity, moderate exactness with a minimum of error, to examine the 
same plants several days in succession or several times during a certain period. 

In the case of making estimates on nursery-stock rows, gooseberries, currants, 
raspberries, or such-like bush-fruits, 1 foot of row is too small an area to obtain 
results; consequently 100 feet of row or fractions of the same are taken. For 
example :— - 


ne OOM eet Of tO varie atels versie aye reheat «1ce)s 10 insects are observed. 

» 100 Be ee Giatensts sieve terecske Boho sas tel sieneis Aas 2 # + 

. 100 PME oie) fox iarsnees tasers» Cree « esc ore 0 

LOO OEMs Ure vecorchoiedstetetsrsl stefcte rst scovereusys 14 A fh 

» 100 RM NT EYAG citisc soba tovicis Salen siOs 4 = 6 
Mota TOO Mee HOt LOW ADEs -rclcyeieielels clelsie cfs elec. 830 insects observed. 


Average per 100 feet is 6 insects. Let rows be 4% feet apart. Thus 6 x 96.80 
equals 580.8 insects to the acre. 

In the case of young orehard trees set on the square-planting plan, corn-hills, 
tomato-plants, or any plants grown on the square equidistant hill system, the follow- 
ing computation on the number of square feet of row per acre will be found most 
useful as a basis for figuring :— 


Distance No. of Plants 
in Feet. per Acre. 
i wants 
BUSES Cae feitcde tiara) octeioiske lava teve ss latayar sisal svavs (eter evelste are rers\ia sve vatevana rah aller 19,360 
74) WU GPC OCS DO TDRIOCO OCICS UOT COICO SOE ORC rte 10,890 
mene per eteteta Sroka evs ota peVatn si niche Sa) aval e“avatale eta ta ene’ (acyetste A wtae evens 6,969 
2, fis 6bn CAD COU ROOD Oo R DODO DOGO OODOCOON OM OUMOAGAOOd boo C 4,54 
3% 
4 
5 


24 B.C. ENromoLocicaL Society. 


Distance No. of Plants 
in Feet. per Acre. 
ie Via sehd Stehesontuclioig tober cteveteie vets loustietorelaiie: senleteiion seein Telermeh skeet 889 
Bie yc heros chovedoes Sravaievs Siete one lotegrorecveptrer neeererederaie over skal ieraemeyenrts 680 
EEC ore Crd HSPN CD .CCn Deva oo amt taxa ood. co codon 537 
Oi) | baie Soacstatereyere eo euern sual cn evd tveiarn erste avslcbas avec leee ee. terete 435 
NARI Ry iat Sect Mera roe Thee Ie RT RTE G oie ich ene SS 802 
LED OY WEES repsuevrel ayoelieeksuet earls es ero) dete cavenciatonetoester ctewoianstevonclicns evayelerck Neues 1938 
a Hesse rary Adc acetal eee ae CREST aS og eM orsnrk ay ROME a Vc 134 
PAU cick fea pear ce eee oe Crm eA Rc ahs H Aer ae Eee ORO 108 
De SOOT ONO OE ee anon SoU otto Go oaaon 75 
Pa SS SOR ORT OED Leen ants Sonate rian SOonr owed aoe < 69 
Sie tails ctcavaysevs (esa Seney ot yan ave st Woon Re ores ce sane SL ATE Rie Teco Paice eis 55 
2&1 URI OR OMiCr amc itor eit Ec McRae ore rea Groce OER ce 48 
zt) ee ee POR ee eerie ie Pine Aenea rts tee Rieti acirie, Met acd ie 27 


To obtain records to the acre from this table, the number of insects found 
infesting a tree or a hill would be multiplied by the number of plants to fill out the 
acre, coinciding with the width of the rows. 

To the working field inspector some sort of system as mentioned would be of 
value. The tables might be typewritten and pasted in the front of the pocket note- 
book for ready reference. 

The type of note-book of most use, to my mind, is a fling-cover loose-leaf kind, 
about 7x 4% inches to the cover, with pages about 6x4% inches. Each page may 
be already printed in form somewhat as follows :— 

Orchard of 
INGUTESS Wate iee siete oay cutter ereehereehen er ieee 
Name of insect present 
Prevail ONC, 3c cvstetsie ch oseietssciss oper vols ace sleinc vies Shekero eho crates 
Degree of injury 
Condition of crop 
Remarks 


Date 


Hach form is preferably reserved for one insect, and each one, when filled out 
at the end of the week, is filed away for future reference and report. 

However, all these details are merely incidental and subject to individual 
preference; the main principles, however, are accuracy of report based on a con- 
tinuous and satisfactory system. 

{ wish, in conclusion, to say that these various methods of obtaining insect 
records in the field are far from scientific. The facts obtained are too general in 
nature and the possibility of error is too great. However, to the working field 
inspector these may prove of use in his work. 


The Chairman: I am sure the schemes suggested will be of use in a general 
way. I will now ask Mr. Cunningham to give his paper. 


THE WORK OF THE INSPECTOR OF FRUIT PESTS. 
By TuHos. CUNNINGHAM, INSPECTOR OF FRUIT PESTS. 


I have been requested to prepare a paper for this meeting on the work of the 
Government Entomologist. The title was chosen without my knowledge, and I have 
therefore taking the liberty of making a slight change which I believe will more fully 
describe the duties of the Inspector of Fruit Pests. This title is comprehensive and 
unique; it was chosen in the early pioneer days when the few fruit-growers then in 
the Province were feeling their way cautiously toward the development of an 
industry which has since attained such proportions, and now plays such an impor- 
tant part in the settlement and commerce of this country. 


Proceepincs, 1915. 25 


Some twenty-five years ago the fruit-growers of British Columbia formed them- 
selves into a society known as the * Provincial Fruit-growers’ Association,” the object 
being mutual assistance in selection of lands best adapted for horticulture, and the 
varieties of fruit that gave promise of success in a new and practically undeveloped 
and untried country. The Government of the day, from the very first, took a kindly 
interest in our affairs, assured us of their readiness to assist us financially, and by 
such legislation as would receive the approval of the Association. As earnest of 
the Government's good intentions the sum of $1,000 was placed on the estimates for 
the use of the Association. I may state that in those days this was considered a 
very liberal grant. But the financial assistance, though very helpful, was not by 
any means as valuable and important as the protection which the Government sub- 
sequently, and at the request of the Association, placed in the Statutes of British 
Columbia. 

Taking advantage of the assurances given, the Association drew up a Bill 
entitled the “ Horticultural Board Act,’ by which a Board of Horticulture was 
created, and the Province divided into three horticultural districts. The members 
of the Board were chosen by the Government, the term of service being four years; 
they were eligible for reappointment at the will of the Government. 

The ‘“ Horticultural Board Act’ empowered the Board to make such regulations 
for the promotion and protection of the fruit industry as the Board thought neces- 
sary and expedient, subject, however, to review by the Attorney-General. After 
having the approval of that officer, the regulation, or regulations, were published in 
the Government Gazette, after which they had all the force of a statute law. This 
valuable provision is the key to the success of British Columbia in protecting the 
Province from any of the destructive pests which afflict the horticulturist in other 
countries. It is, I believe, greatly to the credit of all the Governments that have 
been in power during all these years, and also to the prudence of the Board of 
Horticulture, that not one regulation or decision of the Board on any matter affect- 
ing the fruit industry. has been vetoed or disallowed during the entire history of 
the Board, nor has the Federal Government refused its consent to the enforcement 
of our regulations eyen when such enforcement bordered on interference with trade 
and commerce. . 

I trust that I will be pardoned for venturing the opinion that the good fortune 
which has attended the operations of the Board and its officers is mainly due to 
firm, just, and impartial administrations of the horticultural regulations. Not once 
in the history of the Board has it been shown that even-handed justice was not 
administered alike to small and great. Not once has the Government been compelled 
to interfere or reverse the decision of the officer having charge of the enforcement 
of the laws. Considering the cosmopolitan character of the settlers of this Province, 

-such as importers, consignees, and canning companies, and the varying interests 
involved, this record is something of which all good citizens may well be proud. 

Immediately after the Board had agreed on a code of regulations it was found 
necessary to appoint an executive officer whose duty it is to enforce such regulations, 
and as his duties involved inspection of all nursery stock, whether imported or home 
grown, and all imported fruit, it was agreed that the title of Inspector of Fruit 
Pests would be most appropriate. All destructive insects, fungous and bacteriological 
diseases may be included in the term “pests,” so that the title, though very 
uncommon, was, perhaps, as consistent and satisfactory as any that could have 
been chosen. 

During the first few years of the operations of the Board there were only three 
varieties of fruit subject to inspection—viz., apples, pears, and quinces. Not until 
the appointment of the present incumbent were peaches, apricots, plums, cherries, 
oranges, lemons, grape-fruit, and pine-apples subject to inspection. As trade with 
the Orient, Australasia, Sandwich and Fiji Islands began to develop, it was found 
that we were exposed to the introduction of many destructive pests not commonly 
distributed in the neighbouring States; this has led up to the inclusion of all vegeta- 


26 B.C. ENToMOLOGICAL Socrpry. 


tion arriving from those countries being subject to close inspection. The discovery 
of the larva, of the tuber-moth in Californian potatoes, worms in cabbages, carrots, 
and turnips during the present year has resulted in all those vegetables being made 
subject to inspection, and are now very carefully inspected. 

There are some twenty ports of entry in this Province where fruits, vegetables, 
and grain may be entered. The Board of Horticulture maintains an officer at each 
port whose duty it is to inspect all such importations before the goods can be 
delivered to the owners or consignees. Goods coming from other Provinces of the 
Dominion and British possessions throughout the world are subject to the same 
system of inspection as those coming from foreign States and Territories. 

It is the duty of the Inspector of Fruit Pests to see that this system of inspec- 
tion is firmly enforced. Tach officer is required to make monthly returns of all 
inspections, so that the Government is kept informed regarding any threatened 
danger, and the Board advised of such additions and amendments to the horticultural 
regulations as may be found necessary to meet new conditions. 

All nursery stock, trees, and plants of every description are subject to rigid 
inspection; all plants and trees carrying visible infection of destructive insects, 
fungous or bacteriological diseases are promptly condemned, and either cremated or 
reshipped to the country from whence they were exported. During recent years a 
very small proportion of condemned stock has been reshipped; nearly all has been 
cremated. It has been our policy at the inspecting and fumigating station to dis- 
courage the return of nursery stock. We believe that the only safe place for 
infected nursery stock is the furnace. 

As,a further precaution all nursery stock, including ornamental shrubs and 
plants, except those grown under glass, are fumigated with hydrocyanic-acid gas, 
United States formula. 

All Indian corn, brown rice, or other grain showing infection are fumigated with 
carbon-bisulphide. This treatment has been found to be exceedingly effective; all 
animal life is destroyed without the slightest injury to the grain. - 

It often happens that hides and pelts in transit from Australia to the United 
States must be fumigated at Vancouver. We are glad to undertake all such service 
on behalf of our cousins, who have from the earliest history of the Province of 
British Columbia rendered willing and most valuable service in the interest of 
horticulture. I take this opportunity of testifying that not once in my experience 
of a quarter of a century have I been refused the very best technical information 
and assistance from our cousins south of the International Boundary, despite the 
fact that I have often been obliged to inflict severe financial loss on some of their 
people by the destruction of diseased and infected vegetation. Not in a single 
instance have any of their experts or officials who are in any way connected with 
the great fruit industry, or their educational system, suggested that we were too 
severe in the administration of our defensive system. On the contrary, I have ever 
received encouragement from their Entomologists and Plant Pathologists to enforce 
our horticultural regulations with firmness and justice. 

I desire publicly to thank the representatives of that great and noble nation 
who are present with us to-day for the generous assistance and encouragement that 
they have given, with unstinted measure, during the whole of my experience. 

The duties of the Inspector of Fruit Pests are often, indeed they are mostly, 
unpleasant; but considering the importance of protecting this beautiful and promis- 
ing young Province, which is teeming with undeveloped wealth,.and is being rapidly 
settled with a superior class of people, unpleasant duties must not be considered. 

The regulations of the Board of Horticulture have been devised and promulgated 
in the interest and for the protection of the fruit-grower, the farmer, the capitalist, 
the canning companies, the consumer—in fact, for every resident in this Province. 
It is the duty of the executive officer of the Board to see that these wholesome and 
necessary regulations are enforced. It is no less the duty of every man who profits 


PROCEEDINGS, 1913. 27 


by this valuable system of protection to aid by all lawful means those who are 
appointed from time to time to enforce the horticultural laws of British Columbia. 

The reorganization of this Society is bound to have an important and beneficial 
effect on the agricultural and horticultural development of this Province. The 
presence of trained experts here to-day, to give us the benefit of their research and 

» experiments, is a sure guarantee of a great forward and benevolent movement for 

the good of all concerned. 

May our deliberations result in stimulating our people to greater efforts and 
deeper research in all matters that pertain to insect-life and plant pathology is the 
earnest desire of the Inspector of Fruit Pests. 


THE IMPORTANCE OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY AS A SUBJECT OF 
EDUCATION. 


By M. H. RuuHMAN, GRAND Forks, B.C. 


Tu this vast country with its wonderful agricultural and horticultural future the 
study of economic entomology is of vital importance to the general welfare of the 
country. The business-man in town is as much concerned as the farmer, fruit-grower, 
and lumberman; the success of our agricultural communities and forestry-work will 
always, in a great measure, affect the business of our cities and towns and the general 
finances of the country. 

With the rapid development of the land, the insect pests are not yet very notice- 
able, except in the more settled districts, but such pests as are native to this country, 
and such introduced pests as have become established, are slowly but surely spreading 
and increasing throughout the country, and consequently increasing the already great 
annual loss of crops, which, in cash value to the individual grower, would be the 
equivalent of a high rate of interest on his legitimate profits, which, if he only 
realized the extent of this tax, he would surely try to avoid. 

It is stated that 50 per cent. of the insect pests of the United States of America 
are introduced species. Introduced insect pests are generally the most serious and 
the more difficult to control, as frequently the parasites of these pests do not exist 
in the country into which they have been introduced, and as the parasites are by 
far the best, and in some cases the only means of keeping insect pests in control, 
it therefore becomes essential that the life-histories of insect pests be studied, both 
in this country and in the country or countries from which they have been introduced 
(where they may not be considered serious on account of parasitic control), that 
the parasites may also be introduced when found necessary. 

The very rigid inspection of nursery stock, plants, and fruit enforced in Canada 
makes it almost impossible for insect pests to be introduced through these channels, 
but there are minor channels through which insect pests could and probably are 
being introduced which it would be impossible for the Government to entirely control. 
I might mention such possibilities as migration from the United States of America, 
introduction with general effects of immigrants and in material in which merchandise 
is packed and shipped from foreign countries; these minor channels are a real danger 
which cannot be entirely avoided. The business-man in town may leave the packing 
‘material of imported products lying about, or uses it again for packing things for 
shipment to home points instead of destroying it; also the farmers and fruit-growers 
are apt to leave packing material about for some considerable time before destroying 
it, thereby giving insect-eggs which it may contain an opportunity to hatch and the 
minute larvie to get to some food-plant which may be near, or imagos may emerge 
from pupze which the packing may contain. 

The most destructive pests are generally very small and would, on that account 
alone, escape notice; even the larger species if seen would not attract attention unless 
the observer were a live entomologist. In the event of the introduction of a few 
insect pests in this way they could escape notice for some considerable time, perhaps 


» 
~ 


BD 


B.C. ENromMoLocicaL Socrery. 


until they are actually doing serious damage and have become well established. 
A small infection, if immediately noticed, can generally be stamped out without much 
trouble or expense. 

The reason that a pest could become well established in this country is, I think, 
obvious; the general public, particularly the farmers and fruit-growers who are most 
concerned, do not realize the importance of economic entomology, and consequently 
take but a passive interest in the great work the Department of Agriculture is doing 
for them on this subject. It carries on investigations in all branches of agricultural 
science, and issues its bulletins and circulars when necessary or desirable, giving the 
growers information and advice on the various problems before them; but it lies 
with the growers to act upon such information and advice, which they no doubt do 
in matters which they understand and appreciate, but how many realize the impor- 
tance of economic entomology to themselves? To appreciate the importance of this 
subject one must have at least an elementary training in the study of insect economy. 

Amongst the later generation of farmers and fruit-growers we find more people 
with a business training who appreciate the importance of economic principles, and 
who are anxious to obtain the best possible results for their investments and labours; 
they make use of the information and advice provided to the best of their ability, 
but in the ease of insect pests most of them have not the elementary knowledge, 
nor the powers of observation, necessary to make use of the advice to their best 
advantage. 

To be successful in this important branch of his work the farmer and fruit- 
grower must in the first place take an active interest in insect-life; they must learn 
to recognize the more common insects that they meet with every day, and learn the 
metamorphoses of insects generally; they should also develop their powers of obser- 
vation sufficiently to be able to notice a small insect at rest on a leaf, flower, or fruit. 
Once a man has acquired a slight knowledge of insect economy, he cannot help but 
be greatly interested in the subject; once a practical interest is taken by the farmer 
and fruit-grower, there will be little danger of a serious pest escaping notice for any 
length of time. They may not recognize the insect, but they would be all the more 
likely to take notice of it on that account, and have it identified at the earliest 
opportunity, and there would be very few growers reluctant to spray and use other 
preventive and remedial measures. 

Man has a natural love for nature which he seldom realizes, and which in later 
years is all too frequently entirely superseded by the all-absorbing hunt for the 
elusive dollar. It would be thought strange if a child did not love the flowers, birds, 
and butterflies; it is the natural instinct of a child to be interested in nature; yet 
very little effort is made to develop the child’s natural instincts to a practical purpose. 
I think an effort should be made to get the children in the schools practically 
interested, by giving them, say, one hour a week for instruction in botany and 
economié entomology, not dry scientific matter which would be all Greek to them, 
but teach them to recognize the common flowers, weeds, and trees. The same with 
the common insects; explain their metamorphoses to them and their economic impor- 
tance; teach them to place the insects in their proper order, according to their 
structural peculiarities; give them a very elementary and popular training in these 
subjects, and in later years we will have a great number of people in this country 
with a fair knowledge of plant and insect economics, and also tend to develops 
systematic and economic entomologists, who are greatly lacking in this country. 
Induce the older children to form field-naturalist clubs in each district and assist 
them in every way possible with instruction and advice. This country needs 
systematic and economic entomologists, and needs them badly; we cannot have too 
many of them, and they are not made in a day. Let us get busy to attain this end; 
it will incalculably benefit our great Dominion. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1913. 29 


PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. 
(G. O. Day, F.E.S.) 


It gives me great pleasure to be here to-day and to take part in this very 
successful meeting. It was a happy suggestion, which I think is dne to Mr. Brittain, 
that a summer meeting should be held, and held in Vernon. I think the Society is 
fortunate in having as Secretary and Assistant Secretary such able, energetic, and 
enthusiastic men as Mr. Treherne and Mr. Brittain. So long as they are kind enough 
to act, I feel sure that the Society will have its interest sustained, and the precedent 
they are setting will be a fine incentive to those who follow after. It appears to 
me that you have in this neighbourhood more numerous—I will not say more 
enthusiastic—followers of the study of entomology than the Coast and Vancouver 
Island, and that Vernon might easily become the headquarters of the Society. 

In regard to this question, it occurs to me that in appointing future Presidents 
and Vice-Presidentfs it might be advisable to choose one from each district; that is 
to say, a President from Vernon and a Vice-President from Vancouver, or vice versa. 
But, of course, that can be discussed at the general meeting in January. 

What I particularly want to do this evening, in the few remarks I have to 
address you, is to make a plea for the study of what is called, for the want of a 
better description, ‘Systematic Entomology.” When I looked through the pro- 
gramme of the proceedings of this meeting, it seemed to me that the economic side 
held the field. I was in hopes that some of the papers might include general 
entomology, but this was not to be. Please do not mistake me and think that I do 
not appreciate economic entomology. The study is most interesting and valuable, 
but I wish to urge on all our members the broader view of the whole field of 
entomology. The collecting, naming, classifying, and making life-histories of any 
order of insects possess a great charm, which no doubt most of us realize. It is 
quite right that economic entomology should hold first place. It is a most important 
study, and its importance is being increasingly recognized as time goes on—prin- 
cipally, I think, because the general public are being enlightened by the bulletins 
on the subject which have been published by the various scientific bodies, showing 
the enormous damage collectively done to growing crops and trees, and also by 
interesting articles on insects given in the popular magazines. Up to quite recent 
years entomology was looked upon as a merely puerile pursuit. It is a curious fact 
that anything that is cheap and plentiful is held in light esteem, I might almost say 
despised, by mankind in general. To them all insects are common and insignificant 
looking and below the serious notice of grown men and women (except the said 
insects sting), and the person who dabbles in them and studies their little ways is 
considered a poor harmless kind of individual of very eccentric tastes. But when 
“the man in the street” recognizes that there is money in it—that the control of 
insects means money, and the State considers the matter important enough to employ 
specialists to obtain information and to pay them for the work—then the subject 
assumes a different aspect. , 

This is a great gain in public opinion, and I hope that the increased respect 
already obtained for the subject will continue to grow, and that the appearance of 
a person with a butterfly-net in the country will not cause any more amusement than 
seeing a man with a fishing-rod or a bag of golf-clubs. 

Then, again, the importance of the economic side is emphasized by the fact that 
the Society is subsidized by a grant from the Provincial Government, and the 
authorities will naturally like to see some practical results from the members of 
our Society. This is already assured by the useful and informing papers which have 
been read and which are to be delivered to-morrow. So I may ur&e upon the 
members what I may eall the natural-science side in contradiction to the ultra-useful 
side. I must confess to feeling rather out of place among such a number of eminent 


30 B.C. EnromonocicaL Socrpry. 


economic entomologists; your studies and knowledge are along lines differing from 
those of the systematist, and-you know so much more of your subject than I do. 
The economic side is all for destroying. To paraphrase a sentence in the Bible, the 
economics say: “This is an insect, come let us kill it, that the fruits of the earth 
may be ours.” 

While systematists are not bound by the law “Thou shalt not kill,” and it is 
true that a great number of insects are killed by collectors, still the object of ali 
lovers of the pursuit is to preserve species from extinction, and the tendency is 
against killing, for to every one of a sensitive nature the wholesale destruction of 
life must always be distressing. My object is to advocate some endeavour to make 
the two sides overlap, by urging the economics to take some interest in the collecting, 
naming, and recording of insects of whatever order they may feel a preference for; 
and for the collectors to do a little more work in the life-histories of their respective 
pet orders. I think the more attention is given to this, the more interesting the 
study becomes. 

There is a wide field of useful work waiting to be done in British Columbia, 
and our Society has a fine opportunity of doing the work. The Society is a nucleus 
to which will be attracted all those in the district who take an interest in entomology, 
and which can gather up and record and preserve the work of its individual members. 
I look forward to the day when the Society shall possess an establishment of its 
own where it can have collections of named specimens in all orders and with a 
library of books of reference for the use of its members. It will be a great gain 
when students can compare specimens with those in the Society’s collections and 
have a certain degree of certainty as to the correct name of the specimen they are 
examining. Moreover, it would be an incentive to the members to work to obtain 
species not represented in the Society’s collection. The subject of Lepidoptera has, 
I think, so far received most attention. But even in this branch only the surface 
has been skimmed. The commoner species are pretty well known, but assiduous 
work by a greater number of collectors would, I feel confident, bring to light many 
species bitherto unrecorded, at all events in British Columbia. 

What authoritative voice have we on the British Columbia insects? True, Mr. 
I. H. Wolly-Dod is making a special study of the Noctuids, and Drs. Barnes and 
MeDunnough have published valuable notes on some of the rarer species, but since 
the lamented death of the Rev. G. W. Taylor I know of no special authority on the 
Geometridz. Some little work has been done in the Diptera and quite a fair 
amount in Coleoptera, but, so far as I am aware, the other orders have been sadly 
neglected. 

There is a good field for the study of Neuroptera, including the dragon-flies, and 
any one taking up Hymenoptera would find the subject most interesting, with untold 
opportunities for finding new species. I would strongly recommend to our members 
the serious study, as systematists, of some branch of this order, either ichneumons, 
gall insects, ants, wasps, bees, sawflies, or any other subdivision, for Hymenoptera 
is rather a large order to take as a whole. Unfortunately, there does not appear 
to be any authoritative list on the order in Canada to work upon as a basis. If 
you look through the records of the Canadian Entomological Society for the last 
six or seven years, you will find that meagre attention has been paid to this order. 
Therefore there is a splendid opportunity for original research. 

Moreover, in Hymenoptera specially, the economic entomologist and the syste- 
matist would work on common ground, for in this order is found nature’s chief 
control of other insect pests. 

The scientific study of the order would add materially to our general knowledge 
and should make a valuable contribution to our British Columbia list of insects, 
and, above all, it would forward the amalgamation of the economic and systematic 
sides for which I am pleading. 


Proceepines, 1913. 31 


SOME PROBLEMS IN APHIS-CONTROL. 
By L. L. Patmer, HortTICULTURIST, COLDSTREAM ESTATE Co. 


No one should appreciate the value of the present meetings more than the fruit- 
growers and farmers of British Columbia. The men actually engaged in the cultural 
operations of their farms, day after day, need to get away from local conditions. 
Such a change broadens the scope, and they go back to their work with renewed 
energy and zeal. 

Individually and collectively, the growers of British Columbia are facing a great 
economic problem. Not a phase of the fruit and gardening industry of our Province, 
from the different cultural operations to the wide questions of marketing and 
distribution, that is not being systematically and thoroughly studied, in the endeavour 
to place our industry on a par with the industrial enterprises of our cities. 

This work must not be left to the Government alone. Without the co-operation 
of the growers themselves the greatest good cannot be accomplished. The final 
product will measure up to the standards, which as a united body we are aiming 
to attain, directly in proportion to the manner in which each farmer and producer 
turns over his finished product to the public. 

There is not one single operation in the proper care of orchards that may not 
influence the quality, the size, and the appearance of the fruit produced. These 
operations the individual owner or director must control, and upon his knowledge 
and ability to apply that knowledge depends the success of the industry. He must 
know his own local conditions, so that he may prune wisely; that he cultivate 
advantageously; that he may spray timely. The Government cannot study each 
separate ranch so minutely and practically as the owner; but what the Government 
can do, and is doing, is to furnish scientific principles and definite knowledge which 
must be applied to peculiarities of each varying location. 

Of all the orchard operations, none tax the ability of the grower more than the 
prevention and control of the insect pests and diseases to which his special district 
is subject. This is a question upon which the grower must continually renew his 
store of knowledge, because great progress is constantly being made as to improved 
methods of control and as to actual information regarding life-habits of economic 
insects. Mr. Winslow has given us a grasp of the amount of damage done annually 
to our fruit-trees by insect pests. As fruit-growers, it is our duty to be sure that 
we are not, by neglect on our part, adding to and influencing the cost of decreasing 
such a loss, 

Chief among the economic pests of British Columbia are several species of 
aphides. These sucking-insects are very generally scattered throughout fruit-growing 
regions, and cause the grower a large amount of trouble. It is not my purpose to 
give you a detailed description of the life-history and habits of all different species 
of aphides which may be found in different parts of British Columbia, nor will 
time allow me to give a discussion of the relative merits of different sprays used in 
controlling these. Many experimental stations have printed good descriptions and 
effective methods of spraying, which are gladly furnished upon written application. 
I want to call your attention to some of the problems the grower faces in combating 
aphides in the Okanagan, and the relation of other orchard operations to this 
important factor in the production of “ quality fruit.” 

When a grower’s fruit falls below standard, some operation, or series of opera- 
tions, is at fault, unless the grower is so unfortunate as to be trying to produce 
under adverse soil or climatic conditions. Did he plough the past spring so as to 
get the greatest good from soil conditions? Was his orchard subject to seepage? 
Did his pruning result in forced growth? Did he skip his usual spraying? Many 
questions will arise, any one of which answered negatively may have been the cause, 
directly or indirectly, of his poor results. 


' 


32 ; B.C. ENroMoLoGicaL Society. 


The point I want to underline here—to exaggerate if necessary—is the fact 
that every operation performed in the orchard has its influence on the final product; 
also upon the efficiency of all operations depends the success of spraying, of pruning, 
of cultivating, and of all other phases of orchard-work. If you neglect one, you 
lose most of the value of the work expended on all the others for the current year. 
On an orchard of my own, I thoroughly cultivated, I carefully pruned, I properly 
thinned, I effectually sprayed for codling-moth; but the result of these operations 
produced a large per cent. of small gnarly fruit. Each operation cost money—mouey 
advisedly spent if the final product had been up to standard. Gentlemen, I neglected 
to spray for rosy apple-aphis because I thought I could save about $5 an acre by 
so doing. In the end my product was worth from $50 to $100 an acre less. But 
that was not my only loss; I had expended from $10 to $15 an acre to thin. Where 
and when was I to get that back? A conclusion to me was self-evident: <A fruit- 
grower cannot afford to allow any insect pest which directly or indirectly injures 
the quality of the product turned out to go uncontrolled, or he will not only lose 
the value of the crop, but also the cost of producing it. 

If the cost of production is too high, the grower must reduce it, not by neglect 
of any single operation, but by making one operation aid another, by more thorough 
work in fewer operations; in fact, by better balancing of all the factors which make 
for the production of No. 1 fruit. 

In controlling orchard pests, economy is just as essential as in other lines of 
business. If the orchard is infested with several different insects, endeavour at 
one operation to destroy as Many as possible by using that combination of sprays 
which scientific research and practical application have proven most effective. 

Many orchards in the Okanagan are infested with woolly and green apple-aphis 
and scale-insects. Thanks to the work of entomologists, we know something of the 
life-history and habits of these insects, and what class of sprays is effective against 
them. 

The best time for the application of spray material, were we treating these 
insects separately, would vary, but it is possible by thorough work to kill the one 
which is doing the most damage, or the two which are of greatest economic impor- 
tance, and also very effectually check the third. Thus, had I an old orchard infested 
with these three pests—woolly apple-aphis, green apple-aphis, and oyster-shell scale 
—under Vernon District conditions I would spray as follows: Previous to the 
opening of the leaf-buds in early spring, apply with power-sprayer and pressure of 
at least 175 lb., winter-strength lime-sulphur, dilution 1 part concentrated lime- 
sulphur to 9 parts water, to which is added 1 part of Black Leaf 40 to every 800 
parts of the lime-sulphur solution. This combination should kill all over-winter 
woolly aphis above ground, as well as oyster-shell scale, when thoroughly brought 
in contact with insects. Be sure every crevice and crack in the trunk and limbs 
is drenched with the spray. This will not, however, kill all the green apple-aphis 
eggs. The addition of Black Leaf 40 seems to be much more effective in killing 
both the woolly aphis and the scale than the lime-sulphur alone. In the Vernon 
District the past season, which was a late one, this spray was applicable April 
5th to 15th, inclusive. 

Should the orchard in question be principally infected with green apple-aphis, 
as are many of our younger-bearing orchards, an application of spring-strength lime- 
sulphur, 1 part to 30, to which is added Black Leaf 40, 1 part to 900 parts of diluted 
lime-sulphur, applied after the leaf-buds have just opened, will kill effectually the 
greater part of .green apple-aphis, which have mostly emerged from eggs but have 
not yet had time to curl the leaves. 

I consider the spring spraying the most important and essential, as the killing 
of all aphides present in the orchard at that time gives the trees an opportunity 
to make good, strong growth before reinfestation. The woolly apple-aphis requires 
special attention in this section. I do not believe growers appreciate the damage 
caused by it. I cannot but attribute a large amount of the diseased cankers on 


Procerepines, 1913. 33 


the trunks and limbs of trees to these piercing plant-lice. At least, I am sure of 
the orchards on Coldstream Estate; those which have been infested with woolly 
aphis have been clearly the most subject to many forms of canker which found 
foothold through punctures in bark caused by these aphides. It is likely that where 
continued infestation has taken place the stimulated growth and gall formations 
eaused by woolly apple-aphis will so weaken a tree as to make it more subject to 
the ills of adverse physiological conditions. 

Many growers are attributing their losses of crops, and their troubles with 
silver-leaf and fruit-pit, to physiological troubles, and yet are neglecting to study 
ways and means of keeping their orchard conditions balanced, so as to meet any 
excessive moisture during summer or fall season; to better withstand the inroads 
of frost in winter; in fact, to hold the trees as nearly to the normal as possible. 
A tree loaded with woolly aphis is not only injured in the trunk and limbs so that 
they are not able to perfectly perform their functions, but the roots are often killed 
to such an extent as to prevent the proper flow of sap. Yet growers wonder why 
such trees are not producing good crops of high-class fruit every year. 

In addition to the early spring spraying for woolly apple-aphis, an application 
of a 15-per-cent. solution of kerosene emulsion, or Black Leaf 40, 1 part to 900, 
about the 10th to 15th of September, in Vernon District, will free the tree-tops 
of these insects previous to the appearance of the winged viviparous females, which 
probably migrate to another host-plant, beyond control. 

There are many spray combinations equally effective in other locations as are 
ihe ones I have briefly suggested for this district, and opinions differ widely as to 
when and how they should be applied. But the orchardist’s problem in controlling 
pests does not stop with the knowledge of the life-history of insects; with the best 
sprays to use or the right time to apply them; nor is spraying alone the most 
economically effective means of controlling them. 

It is necessary to make every phase of orchard operation tend to help every 
other, and the grower who successfully does this reduces to a minimum the expense 
of orchard care.- For example, trees infested with woolly apple-aphis are most 
dangerously infected in the roots and generally in the first foot of soil, within a 
radius of 3 to 4 feet of the tree. It is very expensive to shovel the dirt away 
from the crown of the tree for spraying, but sometimes even this would pay. 
However, I believe you can do better. In the spring or early fall, if moisture 
conditions are favourable, start single ploughing by throwing a furrow away from 
tree on each side—a necessary operation every other year. Have a man follow up 
the plough and with a large digger-hoe, or shovel, expose as much of crown and 
roots as possible within a 4-foot radius of the tree. This can be done very quickly 
if you catch moisture conditions just right. Follow this up with a thorough spraying 
of kerosene emulsion, forcing the spray well into the soil about the crown and base 
of the tree. You are in this case taking advantage of another orchard operation 
which makes the spraying more effective. 

Another example: The eggs of the green apple-aphis are found extensively 
towards the end of the previous season’s growth. Very frequently those eggs 
will be deposited on one or two growths only to a tree. If you can arrange your 
labours so as to prune the trees from one to four years old in late winter or early 
spring, you can easily see the shining black eggs and clip them off in the regular 
pruning operation, putting the cuttings in neat piles at one side of the tree, to be 
easily hauled off and burned. By pruning young trees in the late winter here, 
you avoid exposing immature wood to our cold winter weather. 

In connection with pruning to control aphides, some growers practise cutting 
off shoots in summer as fast as aphides appear on them. The infection is so 
scattered that it seldom pays to take out the power-sprayer, and with the exception 
of very small trees the ordinary hand knapsack sprayer is not ‘effective.. It is 
certainly a complicated problem. If you prune off the infested shoots in early 
July you cause a forced, soft, bunched growth which never matures and is easily 


34 B.C. ENroMoOLoGIcAL Socrpry. 


frozen back in winter. If you take out the power-sprayer the cost is excessive, 
yet if you wait for the whole orchard to become infected and then take out power- 
sprayer the leaves become badly curled, making it hard to kill all the aphides, and 
the growth of the shoots is so bent and crooked that it gives the tree a bad 
appearance. 

Personally, I have often practised cutting off the young shoots as they become 
infected, helping the expense by removing unnecessary water-sprouts and suckers 
at same time, but I believe spraying is the only way, under Vernon conditions, where 
we must do all we can to avoid excessive soft growth. 

I now use a knapsack sprayer called the Standard Spray Pump, with which 
it is possible to spray trees even up to twelve years old, and can be used with 
bucket, knapsack, or barrel, and works yery much like a bicycle-ppump. It comes 
fitted with three nozzles, one of which gives a fine mist spray, with surprisingly 
strong pressure, so that it can be thrown 10 to 20 feet effectively. I have brought 
one with me and shall be pleased to demonstrate it to any one at close of meeting. 

There are a great many other problems in “ aphis-control” which are special 
to the grower under his particular exposure. In fact, like all operations in the 
orchard, the really efficient and economic control of pests must be met by the 
ingenuity and practical knowledge of tbe individual grower, because he alone knows 
all the other factors which influence successful fruit-culture. 


TWO INJURIOUS INSECTS OF ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE ATTACKING 
PEACH, APRICOT, AND PLUM TREES. 


By W. H. LYNE. 


Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,—In dealing with the subject assigned to 
me on the programme under the title of ‘‘ Peach Insects,” with your permission I 
will confine my remarks to discussing two insects of considerable economic impor- 
tance. These two insects—namely, the peach-twig borer (Anarsia lineatella) and the 
peach-root borer (Sanninoidea exitiosa)—do not confine their work of destruction to 
the peach-tree alone, but also attack the apricot, plum, almond, and occasionally the 
cherry-tree. 


THE PEACH-TWIG BoRER (ANARSIA LINEATELLA). 


The adult of this insect is a small brown moth with wings expanding about 3¢ to 
% inch. It has a jaunty little head, reminding one of that of a quail in a miniature 
way. There are two distinct broods during spring and summer, and in some lati- 
tudes a later brood in the fall. As soon as the new growth appears the young larvie 
commence to bore into the tender new twigs, the tips of which soon wilt, and upon 
examination the larvee, about 14 inch long, may be found burrowed into the heart of 
the tree just below the wilted portions. In the course of a month the larve leave 
the young twigs and spin cocoons, which they secure in a crevice in the limbs of the 
tree with a few cross-webs. These pupate and in about two weeks the second brood 
of moths begin to fly. After mating, the females deposit their eggs on or near the 
fruit. When the new larvee hatch out, they immediately commence to bore into the 
fruit just under the skin and gradually work farther in as they grow older; thus 
the second brood are fruit-borers. Some of these leave the fruit before it is picked 
and spin their cocoons in the crotches and crevices of the trees, as did the first brood; 
others of the later brood bore into the bark, spend their winter in the larval stage, 
and so are ready to operate on the young growth directly it appears in the spring. 
I think this irregularity of habit depends greatly upon latitude and atmospheric 
conditions. The loss resulting from the attack of this insect in some districts is 
enormous, hundreds of tons of peaches, apricots, and plums being condemned as culls. 
Many car-loads are condemned after being carefully packed and delivered at points 
of distribution. When the egg or the young larva just hatched out is the only 
evidence of infection at the time the fruit is being sorted and packed, one can easily 
realize how hard it would be to guarantee a car-load free from infection. 


Proceepincs, 1913. 35 


Control—The remedy adopted so far consists of winter spraying with lime- 
sulphur 1-10 just as the buds are opening, and arsenate of lead 3 Ib. to 50 gallons 
of water when the new growth starts. To protect the fruit from the attack of the 
second brood of larvee, spray with arsenate of lead 8 Ib. to 50 gallons of water just 
about the time the moths commence tq fly, which will depend somewhat on the 
atmospheric conditions of the season. In this latitude the moths are on the wing 
by the middle of July. 


Tue PreacH-roor Borer (SANNINOIDEA EXITIOSA). 


The peach-root borer (Sanninoidea opalesccns) is known as the western species. 
the eastern species being Sanninoidea exitiosa.* There is a slight difference in the 
abdominal markings of the adult insect. The moth is a clear wing, belonging to 
the family Sesiidze. It has a wasp-like appearance, the males being black with 
narrowly yellow-banded abdomen, and almost entirely transparent wings. The 
females are much larger, the fore-wings bluish black and entirely covered with 
scales. The under-wings are transparent, while the abdomen is bluish black with 
a broad orange band about the middle. Moths hatched out in this district answer 
this description. The moth lays its.eggs on the bark near the surface of the ground 
the latter part of July or the beginning of August. These hatch out in a few days 
and immediately commence boring into the bark in a downward direction. By winter 
they are from % to %4 inch long, and have already eaten out considerable of the 
inner-bark tissue near or just beneath the surface of the ground. In spring they 
resume feeding, attaining a length of a little more than 1 inch long. Their presence 
underneath the bark may be easily detected by the gummy exudation mingled with 
brown granulated castings. By selecting one of the points of exudation and cutting 
in with a good sharp horse-shoeing knife, the channel in which the larvee are working 
is easily found. Follow this down and the borer is soon found doing his best to 
girdle the tree. About the end of June, or a little later in this latitude, the larvie 
erawl out to near the entrance of the excavation and spin a cocoon of silk covered 
with bits of chips and gum, and change to pups. In this stage they remain about 
two or three weeks; then emerge as moths ready to start a new brood. In cutting 
out the borers, one should avoid as much as possible cutting into the healthy bark, 
especially in a horizontal direction, as the borer may have left very little solid bark 
with which to maintain the life of the tree. Perhaps the best time to cut out borers 
would be June, when they are full grown and easier to find, before they pupate and 
the new moths fly. After cutting out all the borers and before replacing the earth 
around the tree, the following wash should be applied from the crown of the roots 
to 18 inches above the ground: One part lime-sulphur to 6 parts water, with enough 
fresh-slaked lime to thicken 5 gallons of the mixture to a good thick paint; into this 
stir thoroughly 14 lb. whale-oil soap and 4 pint of carbolic acid or 1 lb. of coal-tar. 
When the paint has had time to dry on the trees, replace the earth, banking up 4 or 
5 inches. This wash will also protect the roots from fungous rot, ete., besides making 
it very difficult for the young larve to penetrate. 

In some sections the practice of fumigating the roots with carbon-bisulphide in 
order to kill the borers has been resorted to, to save the cutting of the trees; but is 
not very popular on account of the danger of killing the trees, which has often 
happened if the carbon-bisulphide was allowed to come in contact with the bark, or if 
the soil is too wet at the time or soon after the application. The peach-root borer is 
one of the most injurious insects attacking the peach and other stone trees, on account 
of its deadly work in the most vital part of the tree, where it works unseen; and 
often its presence is not even suspected until too late, when the tree wilts and dies 
as the result of the crown of the roots having been completely girdled. 


Mr. McCubbin gave an account of the depredations of the fruit-fly in West 
Australia. 

Mr. Bonequet: In regard to the root-borers of the peach, in Minnesota a few 
years ago the trees were troubled by rabbits, mice, and borers. One of the professors 


<“ 
* 8. evitiosa was the variety bred in the Okanagan. 


36 B.C. EnromoLocicaL Sociery. 


suggested the use of boiled linseed-oil, and burning it until it became sticky ‘like 
tanglefoot. Aloes and carbolic acid were added to the mixture and the whole applied 
to the trees. It proved, I believe, an effective remedy. 

Mr. Lyne: I might say that there are numerous washes in operation. Crude 
coal-tar has been proved effective. 

Mr. Tom Wilson: I have tried coal-tar on sapling ash against rabbits; so far 
as I know, no harm resulted. We used to band holly-trees for half a foot. 

Mr. Brittain: Asphaltum is being used largely now. It expands and contracts 
with the temperature and it is permanent. 

Mr. Lyne: This has been experimented with, and I believe that, on occasion, 
injury resulted. 

Mr. Kennedy: I never saw asphaltum used in the Santa Clara Valley, California. 

Mr. Lyne: They used whale-oil also. 

Mr. Brittain: They also use carbolic and limewash; with a system of ‘ worm- 
ing” the wash allows one to see the borings better. 

Mr. Bonequet: When are the eggs laid? 

Mr. Lyne: In July and early August. 

Mr. Edwin Smith: Haye you any notes on the eggs of Anarsia lineatella in 
fruit and the effect of cold-storage on them? 

Mr. Lyne: Refrigerated peaches will come in and they will be pronounced fairly 
clean. If many crates come in at one time, the merchants unload at their own time. 
By holding the fruit thus many worms will hatch out. 

The Chairman: We will now proceed to the next paper. 


CUTWORMS AND THEIR CONTROL. 
By M. S. Mippieron, District HorticuLturist, NELSON, B.C. 


The cutworms in the Kootenay and other Interior points did practically no injury 
this year (1918) to crops. This is attributed to the larve having been parasitized 
last fall. It was almost impossible to find a cutworm this year, where last year they 
could be found in millions. It seems to be the history of all insect pests taken over 
a number of years that it is one of epidemics alternating with periods of comparative 
immunity, which is brought about almost wholly by parasitic attacks. These para- 
sitic controls are of the greatest advantage in keeping down the ravages of all insect 
pests, and for this reason the study of the new entomology is not only interesting, 
but, I believe, quite practical at least in many cases. These periodical outbreaks are 
always liable to appear, however, and we should always be prepared to combat them 
to the best advantage. We find that the cutworms were extremely bad during the 
seasons of the years 1900, 1906, and in 1912. They gradually worked up to this 
epidemic stage and in the year following were extremely scarce. 

Although we are able to control the outbreaks of cutworms quite satisfactorily, 
there still remains a great field for further investigation and experimentation work. 
It was my intention to have carried on a number of experiments this summer, with 
the object in view of finding out, if possible, more effective means of controlling these 
pests, but owing to the immunity this year was unable to do so. We must all feel 
pleased that the cutworms were scarce and the cause of very little loss this year. 
I shall have to confine my remarks to the results I obtained last year while dealing 
with possibly the greatest scourge of cutworms which the Kootenay District has had 
since the advent of agriculture. The worms were ‘so thick that the ground could 
be actually seen moving with them, and they could be heard feeding on the clover. 
In parts the clover-crops were completely devoured by the cutworms. Various con- 
trols of poisoned baits were used with varying results. 

I found them doing injury to nearly every cultivated plant, including green 
grain. The greatest losses were caused in the vegetable-gardens and in young 
orchards, where the worms of the climbing species would crawl up the small trees 
and eat out the upper buds. This did not result in the killing of the trees, but the 


PROCEEDINGS, 1913. 37 
groWtH would be so checked and disarranged that the trees had to be cut back or 
reset. In cabbage, turnip, and tomato fields they were very destructive, and in 
strawberry-beds a great deal of harm was done. In the strawberries the injury was 
principally on the roots and crowns of the plants. I really think that we have little 
idea of the great damage done by the cutworms. 

Amongst the most common species that we have in the Interior are the red- 
backed (Paragrotis ochrogaster), the greasy (Agrotis ypsilon), the variegated (Peri- 
droma saucia), and the zebra caterpillar (Mamestra canadensis). Some twelve 
species of cutworms are known in Canada, and our list might be extended to include 
the following: Yellow-headed (Hadena arctica), spotted (Noctua c. nigrum), brown 
(Nephelades minians), W. marked (Noctua clandectina), common striped (Huaou 
tessellata), white climbing (Carneades scandiens), spotted legged (Posograti velusta), 
and dingy (Feltia subigothica). 

The poison bait is possibly the best all-round material to control the cutworms. 
It is best made by using 1 lb. of paris green, 50 Ib. of bran, and about 3 lb. of sugar. 
The best way to make it is to first moisten the bran a little to cause the paris green 
to adhere better to it; then add the paris green and mix well. Where large quanti- 
ties are needed a canvas sheet is a good article upon which to mix the paris green 
and bran thoroughly. Just spread the moistened bran on the canvas, sprinkle over 
it the paris green, and mix well by the use of a garden-rake. Then add the sugar 
as sweetened water. The bait should be considerably sweeter than the plants which 
the worms are feeding upon. I found much the best results where the bait was well 
sweetened and well poisoned. Apply the mash fairly dry, just so that it will almost 
crumble through the fingers, and apply it in the evenings. About 25 to 50 Ib. of the 
mixture should suffice for an acre of vegetables and fruit. Wheére fruit-trees only 
have to be treated much less will be required. It is a wise precaution here to keep 
the mixture well away from the trees or plants, as the arsenic in the mixture will 
cause scalding of the bark, and in many eases I have seen trees girdled by the effects 
of the paris green. In the case of fruit-trees and larger plants the use of tanglefoot 
has given good results in some districts. Just place about an inch strip of the 
tanglefoot around the trunk of the tree about 6 inches to 1 foot from the ground. 
This has to be watched closely, lest the dust from cultivating or windstorms might 
destroy its effectiveness. There was a sticky tree-oil sent out by a Tacoma firm, but 
it did not give good results, as it melted with the heat of the sun and then crystal- 
lized. Banding the trees with cotton batten has also been used to very good 
advantage. Just take a tuft of batten and fasten it around the trunk of the tree, 
leaving it loose on top, and the worms will not climb over it. Running chickens in 
the orchard is also very effective in controlling the cutworms. 

Cultivation methods can also be practised to assist considerably in controlling 
the cutworms. If we could have all weeds and plants cut down each fall a great 
many of the larvie and eggs would be destroyed. Cover crops where they have to 
be left over winter as a protection crop is often bad for harbouring the cutworms, 
and when ploughed under in the spring the worms flock to the trees in the orchard. 
By sowing the cover crops a little later the eggs might be destroyed before the 
cover crop is sown. The worms make their appearance about the middle of May 
and are bad until the end of June. They then pupate and the egg-laying should be 
over about the end of August. If these dates are correct the cover crops and pro- 
tection crops could be sown late in August, when they would not be likely to harbour 
the worms. > 
ECONOMIC ORNITHOLOGY. 


3y LioneL E. Taytor, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. 

The best definition I can find of “ economic ornithology,” the title of this paper, 
is given by Mr. T. S. Palmer in the U.S.A. Year-book of the Department of Agricul- 
ture of 1899: “ Economie ornithology has been defined as the study of birds from 
the standpoint of dollars and cents. It deals with birds in their relation to agricul- 


38 B.C. Enromonogican Socrery. 


ture, horticulture, trade, and sport; it treats of species important to the farmé@r, he 
fruit-grower, the game-dealer, the milliner, and the sportsman; in short, it is the 
practical application of the knowledge of birds to the affairs of every-day life. The 
study of the relations of birds to agriculture is as intricate and difficult as it is 
broad and comprehensive. Its successful prosecution presupposes not only an 
accurate knowledge of classification, distribution, migration, and habits, but also 
an acquaintance with the measures which have been adopted for the preservation of 
useful or the destruction of noxious species. Theoretically, it should be one of the 
first branches of ornithology to receive attention; in reality, it has been one of the 
last.” 

It is as regards the value or otherwise of birds to the farmer that I wish to 
direct your attention. I do not claim to be an entomologist, and I do not intend to 
analyse the food of insectivorous birds to try and prove that this species feeds on 
harmful insects, and that one on useful ones. Such information is readily obtainable 
from the numerous valuable bulletins on the food of birds published by the Biological 
Survey of the U.S.A. Government and other publications. I am anxious rather to 
plead for a more general treatment of the subject; that is, from the standpoint of 
the balance of nature, to show how important it is to consider the matter from this 
point of view and how easily one can be led astray by ignoring it. i 

To first of all take the case of seed-eating birds, there is no doubt that almost 
any one can be shown to be a destroyer of millions of weed-seeds during the course 
of a year. Many people naturally think that it would only require a_ suflicient 
number of certain birds to entirely rid them of certain weeds. Nature, however, has 
made other arrangements by which the weeds shall remain in spite of even plagues 
of birds. A certain number of seeds are permitted to pass through the birds’ alimen- 
tary system unharmed. Professor Collinge has recently shown this in the Journal 
of the Board of Agriculture, where he gives the result of experiments in the 
germination of seeds from bird-excrement as follows: 1838 weeds of 7 species were 
grown from 388 droppings of the house-sparrow, 52 of 7 species from 88 droppings of 
the greenfinch, and 96 plants of 9 species from 50 droppings of the bullfinch ; proving 
that seed-eating birds are greater distributers of weed-seeds than is generally sup- 
posed. He finally says: ‘ We cannot rely on weeds being kept down by birds, and 
the expense of cultivation to eliminate weeds is, I believe, not reduced in the. slightest 
by the action of birds.” In conclusion, he states that he cannot regard seed-eating 
birds as beneficial. 

Now, to take the case of insect-eating birds, I cannot do better than quote from 
a review of recent literature on the subject of economic ornithology in the Auk for 
January, 1918, where the writer compares the value of controlling insect pests by 
natural and artificial means. He says: “There is a deep-seated and persistent 
(because founded on love of ease) idea that if natural enemies are only sufficiently 
encouraged and protected, crop-production free from the annoyance of insect pests 
will be assured. That this is a dream impossible of fulfilment is evident from the 
fundamental interrelations of living things. Natural enemies have developed because 
there was an excess of individuals of certain species that could be destroyed without 
any permanent decrease in the numbers of the species as a whole. In creatures with 
annual or shorter generations, as is the case with most insects, all but an exceedingly 
small proportion of the offspring must die without participating in reproduction; the 
way of their taking-off is unimportant. They may as well be eaten as to starve, dry 
up, or freeze. Whatever happens to the supernumeraries, a small but fecund mino- 
rity remains. The average number of the species is about the same from year to 
year. If there is an excess of individuals, under natural conditions, that satisfies 
the demands of enemies, without endangering the existence of the species. What an 
overwhelming excess of a species there must be where we give over acres or hundreds 
of acres to pure cultures of its favourite food-plant. No wonder there are constantly 
recurring outbreaks with which natural enemies are unable to deal.” He further 
states: ‘ When we consider the degree of insect-control necessary to the commercial 


Proceepines, 1913. 39 


suecess of crops, it is evident that man must invariably depend upon his own efforts. 

‘He must know about natural enemies, give them all due credit and protect them, 
but we must beware of exaggerating their services. People are only too easily misled 
in this direction, but the final result of too great faith in natural enemies is dis- 
appointment. Let the student of natural economies see, therefore, that blame for 
such disappointment cannot be justly laid upon him.” 

These remarks are particularly applicable to fruit-growing, where hundreds of 
acres are planted in a confined area, furnishing an inexhaustible food-supply for 
scores of insect pests, which can only be controlled by artificial means and not by 
natural enemies, because the balance of nature has been upset. To think that any 
number of birds could control an attack of aphides, for instance, where ideal con- 
ditions for the feeding and propagation of these insects has been created, is out of 
the question. One has only to think of Huxley’s well-known calculation, that one 
single aphis would produce in ten generations ““more ponerable substance than five 
hundred million of stout men; that is, more than the whole population of China.” 
It is obvious that if the birds left one or two individuals in the orchard, and nature 
had not provided the means for destroying them, either natural or artificial, there 
would not be much orchard left. 

It is without thinking of these matters, certainly through want of knowledge, 
that there are more periodical agitations here and in many other parts of the world 
for the introduction of exotic birds as aids to the farmer. The question of the 
Government introducing birds into this Province is brought up at Farmers’ Institute 
meetings and other meetings every year. As you are probably aware, the Govern- 
ment sanctioned the introduction this year of several hundred songbirds from England 
by the Natural History Society of Victoria. I protested as strongly as I could to 
the Government against such importation, but without avail, and the birds have 
since been liberated. The birds introduced were the European skylark, goldfineh, 
linnet, robin, and blue-tit. 

I will now briefly put before you some facts in connection with the economic 
standing of these birds in other countries. In the U.S.A. Year-book of the Depart- 
ment of Agriculture for 1898 there is an instructive article by Mr. T. 8S. Palmer, of 
the Biological Survey, on ‘* The Danger of Introducing Noxious Animals and Birds,” 
in which the author says: “Species usually regarded as beneficial in their native 
home, such as the European skylark, green linnet, ete., are likely to prove injurious 
in new countries. The skylark confines its injuries mainly to turnips, eating the seed 
soon after it is planted. The green linnet is similarly injurious to grain. In New 
Zealand linnets have spread to other islands five and six hundred miles away.” 
The following is an extract from a leading article in the Morning Post on the 
subject of the “ Plague of Birds”: ‘The green linnet is a serious nuisance to the 
hop-grower, settling on the hops just as they get ripe and tearing them to pieces in 
order to extract seed, until the whole ground is green with the fallen petals. The 
common or green linnet is usually regarded as a quite harmless eater of weed-seeds, 
but in the eastern counties he often takes heavy toll from the grower of turnip 
and radish seed, settling in great flocks upon the fields as the crops ripen and while 
they are being harvested. One Norfolk grower this autumn stated that the linnets 
had taken at least one-third of one of the crops of swede-seed which the weather had 
forced him to leave out rather longer than usual.” In the guide to the birds in the 
British Museum (Natural History), written by Mr. W. R. Ogilvie Grant, now head 
of the Bird Department and one of the leading ornithologists of the day, the follow- 
ing occurs under the description of ‘“‘ Blue Titmouse” (Parus ceruleus): “ Insects 
and their laryze form the principal food, and though this diet is supplemented in 
autumn by fruit, the small damage done in gardens is compensated for by the whole- 
sale destruction of insect pests.’ Professor Collinge, in the above-mentioned work, 
quotes the following charge brought against the blue-tit by one of his correspondents : 
“Ten years ago I should have said that a blue-tit was deserving of all protection, 
for its food consisted almost entirely of insects. Recently, however, I have had 


40 B.C. ENroMo.LocicaL Socipry. 


cause to change my opinion of this bird, for it now picks holes in apples, pears, and 
strawberries, and causes a considerable amount of damage.” 

Mr. Collinge, however, speaks in favour of the blue-tit in spite of all that has 
been chronicled against it, although he arrives at this conclusion by balancing its 
good and its evil deeds. This is all very well for the ordinary farmer, but it is cold 
comfort for the fruit-grower. 

From the above it will be seen that there is a-chance of the skylark, linnet, and 
blue-tit being injurious to the farmer, and the general opinion in all countries where 
the acclimatization of foreign birds and animals has been attempted is that it is 
not wise to introduce any birds or animals of whose characters there is the slightest 
suspicion. Personally, I think it very unwise to introduce any seed-eating bird, such 
as the goldfinch and linnet, and I cannot see the object of introducing blue-tits into 
this country where we have several closely allied species of the same genus (Parus)— 
namely, the chickadee, already resident in enormous numbers in this Province. 

In order to obtain further information on this subject, I wrote to Mr. J. Lewis 
Bonhote, secretary of the British Ornithologists’ Union, a well-known authority on 
birds, asking for his opinion on the advisability of importing these birds into British 
Columbia. The following is Mr. Bonhote’s reply: ‘ Re the importation of the birds 
you mention, I am strongly against any such practice. Nature is so carefully 
balanced that one can never tell how far-reaching may be the effect of importation; 
in most cases, if not in all, where the imported species have thriven, the results 
have been bad, and the useful economic purposes for which the introduction was 
made have not been successful and many harmless and useful indigenous species 
killed off. To attempt, therefore, such a dangerous experiment for mere «esthetic 
purposes is, I should say, to run far too great a risk, and I would certainly advise 
you to oppose the suggestion as strongly as you can. To take the actual species you 
mention, it is difficult without knowing the country to give any definite advice; 
seed-eaters (goldfinch and linnet) are always risky, as, although in England those 
birds feed chiefly on the seeds of weeds in uncultivated districts, yet, if they did not 
find suitable weeds in Canada, they would soon turn their attention to the cultivated 
grain; where mustard is grown in any quantity, as in the fens of Cambridgeshire, 
the linnets do considerable damage. The robin is practically harmless, but he is a 
terrible fighter, and would be nearly sure to dislodge more useful native insect- 
eating birds. Beware of tits, especially in a fruit-growing country; they all attack 
the buds of fruit-trees, and also, though to a lesser degree, ripe fruit and many 
kinds of seeds. Larks seem to me the most harmless on your list, but, of course, 
they are largely seed-eaters, and I quite believe that they might do more than good. 
One bas to remember that each country has its own fauna—which lives on each 
other—special flowers being fertilized by special insects, which in turn are kept in 
check by special birds. ‘To introduce any strange animal, therefore, must upset the 
balance, and it is impossible to tell you what the effects will be. I cannot call to 
mind a single case of successful introduction, though there are many that have been 
harmful, and I am sure you would be well advised in opposing this suggested intro- 
duction as strongly as you can.” This letter speaks for itself, and fully bears out 
mmy contention that there is an element of risk, and that the Government should not 
take any chances in allowing the importation of any foreign birds whatsoever. 

The cause of all trouble where introduced animals and birds have become pests 
is the upsetting of the balance of nature. The reason for this was given by the 
Hon. John Cockburn, K.C.M.G., in a paper read by him on bird legislation in 
Australia at the Fourth International Ornithological Congress: “The equilibrium of 
life is less stable in a new country than an old. The limits of food-supply and 
natural enemies do not afford so rigid a check to propagation, and consequently any 
newly introduced form of life may, under favouring conditions, run riot throughout 
the land.” 

I think, from the remarks and quotations given, that you will agree with me 
that there is a chance of these so-called birds becoming a pest and upsetting the 


PROcEEDINGS, 1913. 41 


balance of nature. Such being the case, it is the duty of scientific societies, such as 
this one, to protest to the Government against permission being granted to introduce 
any exotic birds into this country, either from ssthetic or economic considerations. 


Mr. Tom Wilson: On the North Thompson the grouse is a destructive bird in 
orchards, as it attacks growing buds of trees. Pheasants are also a curse, and this 
is accentuated by the fact that they are not allowed to be shot except in season. 
I am a little opposed to the introduction of birds into the Province, and partly also 
to game birds. 

Mr. Cunningham: In confirmation of Mr. Wilson’s remarks, I wish to evidence 
the importance of destroying wild crab-apple on the Island and around Vancouver. 
These trees breed the oyster-shell scale. A few years ago I advocated this, but a 
great protest arose, accompanied by press writing. The extermination of wild crabs 
would materially affect the grouse, which feed on these trees. The fruit-grower was 
not considered. 

Mr. McCubbin: There is also, I believe, a bounty on horned owls. These birds 
prey on mice and rats. They also destroy these game birds. 

Mr. Tom Wilson: I recollect an instance when 75 per cent. of an orchard was 
girdled by mice and the man obtained good money for owls. 

Mr. Taylor: This bounty on owls has since been removed. In regard to the 
mice question, in 120 acres a man had to replant 60 acres. This was not, however, 
the fault of the owls; the orchard was in poor shape. The starling in England is a 
fairly harmless bird. When introduced into Australia and New Zealand it began 
to feed on grapes, the natural food being absent. Cecil Rhodes in South Africa 
introduced the same bird. In six years it spread enormously and fed again on the 
grape. There is now a bounty on starlings in that country. 

Mr. Creese: I must say a word to support the blue-tit. In England this bird 
feeds on woolly aphis and the currant bud-mite. It will also attack eggs of insects 
in winter. 

Mr. Taylor: Quite true. Possibly 95 per cent. good and 5 per cent. harm; but 
to me there appears to be no object obtained in this country. The native chickadee 
belongs to the same genus and has the same habits; why not patronize them? 
Besiues, the blue-tit may become dangerous. 

Mr. Day: I quite agree with the folly of upsetting nature. 

Mr. Winslow: Our Department in Victoria when asked for an opinion replied 
that, while we admitted the sentimental gain, we took the stand that the possible 
harm outweighed the possible good. 

A member: Why not protest against the granting of permits? 

Mr. Day: It is now too late to make any protest. We might draw up a resolu- 
tion to present later. 

It was moved and seconded, “That this Society, in view of recent researches 
into the economic value of introduced birds in other countries, disapproves of the 
practice of granting permits for the introduction of any exotic birds in this Province.” 
Carried unanimously. 


THE ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF CANADIAN IPIDAE. 


By J. M. Swaryr, Dominion Divis1on or ENTOMOLOGY, ASSISTANT ENTOMOLOGIST 
ror Forest INSEctTs. 


Among the Canadian species of the family Ipidie (bark-beetle and ambrosia- 
beetle) are many of greater or less economic importance. Their destructive activi- 
“ties are along several lines in accord with their varied habits. 

The bark-beetles breed in the inner bark or between the bark and the wood of 
healthy or dying trees. A few species prefer living trees; others prefer dying bark, 
but attack and kill green timber when in immense numbers; and still others are 
found almost solely in rapidly dying bark, or with a few species in bark that is dead 
and fairly dry; both coniferous and deciduous trees are attacked, but the former 


42 ; B.C. ENromMoLocican Society. 


are more subject to serious injury in Canadian forests. Those species which are 
able to kill healthy trees prove among the most destructive of forest insects. The 
genus Dendroctonus contains a number of species most injurious to coniferous trees. 
D. piceaperda, Hopk., in successful outbreaks, has killed an immense amount of the 
finest spruce timber in Maine and New Brunswick. ‘This species is a constant menace 
to the spruce forests of eastern Canada, but does not appear to be concentrated at 
present in destructive outbreaks. D. valens, Lec., is commonly found in dying bark 
of spruce and pine stumps and logs, and, not rarely, is the primary cause of the 
death of trees. It is assisting D. brevicomis in killing bull-pine in the south-western 
part of this Province. In the timber attacked this season, and still green, valens 
is working in large numbers. It may be considered a destructive species in bull- 
pine in British Columbia. 

An undescribed species of Dendroctonus breeds in immense numbers in the fire- 
injured timber of northern Manitoba, and has killed a small amount of jack-pine 
timber, mostly in the neighbourhood of the burns. D. simpler breeds abundantly in 
dying larch-bark from Manitoba eastward, and apparently kills many trees weakened 
by the larch sawfly. 

An undescribed species of Dendroctonus, assisted by species of the genus Ips 
(Tomicus), is apparently killing much fine white-spruce timber along the Athabaska 
River, above and below Athabaska Landing. This infestation has not yet been care- 
fully investigated. D. pseudotsuga@, Hopk., breeds abundantly in logs of Douglas 
fir and western larch in British Columbia. Jt everywhere attacks and kills injured 
and weakened trees, and frequently kills considerable green timber. 

D. monticole, Hopk., has killed much western white-pine (Pinws monticole) in 
the Sugar Lake region of British Columbia, and the outbreak is still spreading. This 
species also attacks and kills the black-pine in that district. D. brevicomis is 
destructive to bull-pine in British Columbia. 

_ In the Princeton section an outbreak by this species has been running for three 

years and much valuable timber has been killed. The clumps of “ red-tops” may be 
distinguished upon the mountain-side and in the valleys for many miles. The 
infestation is spreading rapidly and threatens the entire bull-pine stand of that 
region. The same trouble is appearing in other sections. D. monticole and D. 
valens are working in the same trees, and the former appears to be as destructive 
as breviconmis. D. engelmanni, D. borealis, D. murrayane, and D. obesies are 
variably destructive to spruce and pine in different parts of the Province. The 
habits of these and other ipid beetles of British Columbia are being carefully 
investigated. 

Many species of the genus 7ps (Tomicus) are abundant in dying bark of pine, 
spruce, and larch. Most species of this genus found in Canadian forests are impor- 
tant secondary enemies of trees, but are seldom found attacking green timber. 
There are, however, several important exceptions. Jps balsameus, Lec., is a serious 
enemy to balsam fir throughout Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick, and to a 
lesser extent is injurious to larch. Several species of the genus are injurious to 
pine and spruce in British Columbia and Alberta. 

Polygraphus rujfipennis, Kuby, and allied undescribed forms are everywhere 
important secondary enemies to pine, spruce, and larch. They are usually found in 
dying bark, but are apparently able to attack and kill healthy trees. Several species 
of Phiwosinus are locally injurious to cedars. A large number of species belonging 
to various genera are important secondary enemies, breeding in the bark of injured, 
weakened, and dying trees. 

Certain twig-beetles of the genus Pityophthorus excavate and kill the twigs of* 
various pines, and at times. become sufficiently numerous to check seriously or even, 
rarely, to kill the infested trees. Such injury was common two years ago in southern 
Quebee to white and red pine; and in this season abundant on jack-pine in northern 
Ontario, and bull-pine in British Columbia. 


ProcEEDINGS, 1913. 43 


Two species of this group are injurious to fruit-trees. The peach-tree bark- 
beetle (Phiwotribus liminaris) and the fruit-tree bark-beetle (Hccoptogaster rugu- 
losus) are important pests in southern Ontario. The former breeds also in wild 
cherry in Quebee Province; but #. rugulosus does not apparently occur elsewhere in 
Canada. 

The clover bark-beetle (Hylastinus obscurus, Marsh) cuts tunnels similar to 
those of true bark-beetles in roots of red mammoth alsike and crimson clovers, and 
is injurious in parts of Quebee and Ontario. 

The deciduous trees of Canadian forests are less subject to injury by. members 
of this family. Several destructive species found in the northern half of the United 
States have apparently not yet ventured to cross the boundary. We have many 
species, but, in the experience of the writer, few attack green bark. 

Ambrosia-beeties, although belonging to the same family, have quite different 
habits. The adults bore round tunnels through the bark and into the wood. These 
tunnels are invariably stained dark brown or black by fungi which grow upon the 
walls. The eggs are deposited free in the tunnels (Anisandrus and Xyleborus) or in 
niches similar to those of the bark-beetles, cut along the tunnel-sides (Gnathotrichus, 
Trypodendron, Pterocyclon). The larvie of these species enlarge the niches to elon- 
gate cavities, larval cradles, slightly more than their own length. Each species has 
invariably associated with it, growing in a dense layer upon the walls of the tunnel 
and larval cradles, a particular species of fungus. Several species of these ambrosia- 
fungi have been carefully studied by the writer. Under the proper conditions the 
conidia germinate readily and pass through the conidial cycle in about sixty hours. 

Both beetles and larvee feed upon the fungus. The larvee of Anisandrus and 
most species of Xyleborus feed upon the fungus exclusively; and with the larvie of 
all ambrosia-beetles, of this country at least, the fungus is a necessary diet. AIl our 
coniferous trees are subject to attack by species of Trypodendron and Gnathotrichus. 
Poplar, oak, birch, beech, maple, and alder are attacked by species of Trypodendron, 
Anisandrus, Xyleborus, and Pterocyclon. 

The ambrosia-beetles do not, as a rule, attack sound trees in Canadian forests. 
They enter dying trees, or their parts, and recently felled logs and stumps, in which 
chemical changes have apparently rendered the sap more suitable to the growth of 
their fungi. With us their injury is only noticed in felled timber left out of water 
or in fire-injured stuff. 


RESOLUTION RE QUARANTINE MEASURE. 


“Whereas this Association at the annual meeting in Victoria last January did 
pass wnanimously a resolution introduced by the Inspector of Fruit Pests, requesting 
the Dominion Government to enact such legislation as would prevent the importation 
of fruit and other vegetablés from countries and Provinces infected with insect 
pests, bacterial and fungous diseases, not widely prevalent in this Province: 

“And whereas the Dominion Government has admitted that the legislation 
requested may properly be enacted by the Provincial Legislature, and has graciously 
signified its desire that a Quarantine Act, with such provisoes as may be necessary 
to meet the peculiar conditions of this Province and the wishes of the people, as 
voiced by the Boards of Trade, Fruit-growers’ Associations, Farmers’ Institutes, this 
Association, and other public bodies throughout the Province, may be speedily 
enacted : 

“Be it therefore Resolved, That this Entomological Society, in convention 
assembled at Vernon, B.C., in the month of July, 1913, hereby reaffirms its opinion 

at the legislation requested is necessary and expedient, and renews its appeal to 
the Provincial Government to bring down such legislation at the first meeting of the 
Provincial Legislature as will adequately protect the agricultural and horticultural 
industries of this Province from pests and diseases not widely prevalent in British 
Columbia.” - 
Moved by G. O. Day, seconded by Lionel E. Taylor. 


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PNGT SES UENO CEN) ele oye aveirere le yavern ate veka) eel ala whelouslel wTsisVolaiels. sre spel v dos)eie) seis ere-one wie wlsteneia 3 
JN EPG INT k6 codade GdeSStiht. 9 6 CORDULO DO Lb OR DODOLTO DE Gt an Som nDc a ron cco 45 
ANWUGES 6 onosnob06696 000d 500000000000 LOD ODUUUUCUs DOU UES UCURbUU OSU SOON 3 
ChiGaneset odpoocatsoounnr on cHD[n oA QHOobonoUDOe Dado OonoDHODOnUCoDODODOn 16 
Claviceps purpurea a ut 
(CloTA ABMS ER ee BA Sooo oO odd Oo Do oon Ban oman Doorn en Fr evéie a aneteherscsdecslosiocsiarets 9 
(CHG Nesp oey ATT ASS oe om Gao oaoc Foam DU OD eo COU Ob BOO Oat OUndomGoIaG vonmodeolo oc 7 
(Cpmimiby nai, Wh Qetacdiny) Eoopomdc.ce oy oncdcon COD Cone p emt ane one RoOSeOo oS on D4 
GUE WOLINS ope ciaioretarcravevencroussaicisvatotetors cle svorels oleye sie oie) sree Sle cise Se SF angieis sie Wise Ole 4) tm eiepeiche 36 
Da ME CELL OUTIL G mete retctet teted eater cievepatanstcesr <) staistaye sta ato] olcysislshsuvits ate) s ovatatsreqstavetenetens G 
MD AVIGSONS) ae CADET) DY) crereiclovereevs eva stsrere’« SOR SOAS OS CICOe CUO TOO Didia.c o> Ciro 5 
Ha) Saivwm Gram bam (OES UTED) Va) ite) oh sted sien ote tctierateten cieies skstairaietovsfoy sf ose) cl'sisis)s. cics"stayo’ suePsiousis¥sleletelsteheiers 29 
SCLC CLOTLUS tereyepste sai ctait= olan state rateteltetarenafeveitos ovate) eves fale svehci esi eiei sv attcre, evel rsa cienedueraeyed ateliotae , 

5 LCCRION CO De reerareteereratebe yon hater ats ctersvoisietscstairis) steers aici ce cia ctebetedetanepese rans rhe 42 

a etl LVS Paver avete, suey wher ave vel svevareotclescisreiaye oais-alei Srareaya vies. 4. we sus, edawerel sete et etere 42 

fs DLC VACOMISmeye erspder tener is fetet ever) tesa sel cchoy craton oneca:Siscs apere wtavchoheectss suapassesh Sete 42 

oO SLID LON arse ter teat tocsl ee wccekcnorekar celle) sv s\c\retel elie oun) o, cvocaicasi= (heretes on stevie cone cy tenons 42 

“6 DSCUG OES Sees rey ateteserelersnans Seeeva tae: bs avclseyevier alicag ate ube. settaal evats reli tees csuede suarene 2 

6) AO MEK ES 6.515 cig oF Os ONO COI Geo TEED ae Oia CSO IPO RE DOR a0 Oo, c.016 42 

rs EN SUMAN? gercecretn, suc syveqats lories a tay avers 6 Jay 6ire 6 lover oie, acenlp, vyeca sHatallanis) cveuayecd ansyaucshs 42 

‘i OTC RUNS Bir yeretcneyextienctcle rey arene: areivetsuevel Seite sc va. cysdaiiey a) oveptap reso Slenpensetelac, = gues ey acele fosters 2 

7 NPI WS | Conon do CopmOnODUeUGEOO Odo GHpeo DOS oa tote soUco tS o 42 
MCCOPLO PASTE AL US LOS U Syren er etreyciekoatect suv i aave cover erties ean Grads eevee gusus ses) acevo taxa totese ener 45 
COMO MN Ca OLIMULN OO Svat eres etrereteveerela ral crosayai‘oy s 2is 0 ia s0nis pashan sie see bao euch, = aca o, vere van eae 37 
Empoasca mali 9 
Empusa musce 6 
ES Oe CU STIS are Aceetoreve terete We rercl ls oie ences nls ieicle whe idvotsne Gldeatiew to’ ob theleuaelamereraere 7 
Gnathotrichus 43 
lsGinG way Iya Eb oe abe dads Bao o Oo OdmitS Tah monco Dom oot one rooaoc Ss 
EVLA SUL UI Sm OW SCUIIIS meverernicyoyat ores croye ice vs-ccote level eave. svats\eve Tatras) ave <ystiar's julovre lsya avevel/o¥e fenetetenctenetene 43 
UGS} soeo Sd on cao RG OH EAU COO CII RTE re ann es ae EP rE ie roi 42 
SBD ASAIO US were cepectevene telat sis v ene verey2. 01.5% eyer'cvove ah overchous)ayardenrd sreadiave, ol etbieiee erie ereier Maleate ke 42 
IIGEMEEL 615 pa good. 00 Os b At OOO OtoC SCete Geeta Senet e Oe eener econ ac tenon errs c AG 7 
GAN CH= CISC SC Mtreeetts eheyete rcs oss + <levelas aye ¥aye/o) oa (ojete) 01% ainyavevayeyavela a fol snisCelene Se ol sie Cicer a eS 48 
GUTH C= SU 7) AL Teme eeate evap ce eval e retiste sete aaccausieis cues esesoeale wow wig arate noveeeeeie ins vate retetets ste teotenate 18 
TG VELLE SAV Vets slim (Abe RTD TID Ya) ston ais ais crave ciate av~ cdi oeswic aver ar avaliaya Zieh AGPe rasasnen® ie Te Pua ane anete eeNOERIS 34 
Middleton, M. S. (Paper by) 30 
INGTEMIOIGS Go 6 beatae OOO COU OEM D OUT EE Teneo en Cane mance acto peaaicetan.c oo Ss 
Re eULITL CU ae we ram (O12 UTE TE DVN) os poscceirey reeves sav £1 eb s: «var elaeay vsusucaqs ove rabieceissvereyelelatatal cers eatchecebsrerane 31 
MEU cUUTURY CES re errsrerey ofits va Sevres le) chic ozs) aileron severe ss (eueie.die lonaiejc: dh jaceie 4 coves areysteseus dharaiestelests fee evans aeenele 5 
PEN OR OS LIL US Bate nets ere Fee ter suerel sve ie aiene, Svase save tov ache 2: avenavaveraiare svslare.e svowerans oiSiereusrelsc/aheespararetee 42 
MEHL O GEL DUS SULT UT IES Sr 25) sitaras ais woroysatshais, vfeleresa accra le gelctsve ate" ni ete arabes. "a “avs iehsta Toishokeretehelm.ete eles 43 
Fade VOT) MOUS keys shore ieveyate ioellers cones Gor cvere, 35%, liecala(Oyevs, ayeVera tae raicrayerera ketenes) axeyor el feeemeceters Pcerera 42 
AOU OT A TREATS STU CLP) CXLINASS ies ce raveyrer ys: cheers jcvevers fats iattele asi: ool aisxel ole felewe kaieteveroiar oversees nerereesue oper 42 
Pterocyclon 43 
President's address 29 
Pyrethrum 16 
Ruhman, Max H. (Paper by) 27 
NaAMNInoided EXITIOSA soci ss we cs eas Bt 


46 INDEX. 


PAGE 
SDPLAVS: COMPIMATLOME Bye ats c Sicce se fave: cusp oneedtey oreietons cuerclenorshetenererercveny seo hiekederedetereketeretenetsne 9 
Stinkhorn' LUNZUS! seis is Sie-svsnesevcus wisiader sicieileeneiese serehslioneustarsiovelere lever ters ci sie ener ene leteererke terete 5 
Swaine; J. M.(Baper Dy). iz ocs-cizcecspeseneyeds erate siebesas eters te:s0 erevousri nic io lete lols sanetalsteleyateverenene 42 
Taylor; 15:0: (Raper Dy): saz is.c-sicie stereos aueterers evereraresclovetate oi ere telefersioreksieloiointereietete 37 
FINO MNICUS) 25 sie:'s.'s sexepse are aes teicersseasoye ators o3s core te atedaterie’ MetedeseseiG ie sislets (eres) Syaueuensveie pene tokere eeterereyere 42 
Treherne; ARs Cs, (Baper® Dy) di<ccsievs sheave crete stele evercusttelsiciacal'ay sleia let ceheloucte eacversrcitchateters 21 
TV OG ENGL ON: ‘iiss e:e as ever sso: seieye ve/ave|oveyererskeneretey viet ede denuersiove hs: syexe) stews evens ielepsyrerenenohoepeneyers 43 
jMegetable caterpillar yc cio/s ests coyee scars js aecac te casvelche ome erehe: senocoroineseiiens otal once momocta 7 
Wilson; Hy Ws (Paper: Dy) sroysseccrer<ys oeay hove yn ose toreyepassle feiss evepovere bteverolevetekatederee oieeveler ete 9 
Walns1ow,: RS Ms (Paper IY)! eters mite. c ctevens=tetcreres cueteresela en evela version ekes cieteaeierelete iorcerverane 17 
ENSVTEDOIUS! | Sieyeys cvevefavie ab core rere ro apevn race genes Sxl ese isaey exe carevevelese gee PateaszenevTorenc eke le atone tone vetenee be relate 43 


VICTORIA, B.C. : 
Printed by Witt1am H. CULLIN, Printer to the King’s Most Excellent Majesty. 
1913. 


PROCEEDINGS 


wt 


—— 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCTETY, 


BRITISH COLUMBIA 


JANUARY, 1914 
NUMBER 4, NIS. 


Mactan, B.C. : 
Printed by Wittuam H. OvLLIn, o the King’s Most Excellent Majesty. 
ane 


PROCHE DINGS 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCLETY 


BRITISH. COLUMBIA 


JANUARY, 1914 
NUMBER 4, N.S. 


VICTORIA, B.C.: 
ULLIN, Printer to the King’s Most Excellent Majesty. 
1914, 


- TABLE OF CONTENTS. 


CGE UIT ELE A STINET S MOT OL G wevers, ccs rn0cs ets eh aac kairatone eee avs Geese, Shave iaiay Sic ar Ae eaten ; EA, 
PEPER A TUfal A eens ULECTL CLUE tara a iape cer cel crtte a Santen s]es Sts Scahe %, ann Rise aie Su) «leks o Maelo ety nan eae 6 
Monstituionaot the Parent» Socletyy. cer cesinsc.2 leet canes Oak rane oe eee 7 
By-laws of the British Columbia Hntomological Society... {css ccs ates ne eens 10 
Report from the Victoria District: Insect Notes of the Year—E. H. Blackmore 11 
Report from the Okanagan District: Insect Pests of the Year—W. H. Brittain 14 
Report from the Vancouver District: Insects of Economic Importance in the 

Power Wrasere Valley——n..@. TPreherne 5 :san vate 2 oot creln sie alee nae Sete 19 
Bee-diseases in British Columbia—F. Dundas Todd .......................8. 33 
The Tent-caterpillar in the Lower Fraser Valley—Tom Wilson .............. 36 
Note of Eriophyes on Apples, Plums, and Apricots in the Okanagan—W. H. 

ISR TI PGs clam pe OOH Gor GOR be ae tbeer ee Ten Oe eto aie rac er oes 3S 
AMUS SAS: HEU freer PEStS—— Wee EL. STICtAIMs (eyo cccrelieia sco er out whale yaks sioisiae at auulore Maverere 39 
APSO eH bl lA Oress—Gr Os Day, WBS Fe, casas bie cca cutee nlc terebals <suotare Rho ere mnotaneeee 39 
ANOLCSMOMEELYOniOmena——E)., Ei. BIACIKRMOLE? \. a2) chs. copeiste te acels elle = erobel eyenomeacieheilenesel skate 44 

: IplOod-Suckin 2 = DIptera——S- 9 ELACWOM os ee. c:6 ccdicis cca cpa-s-ctaterelcwip-lt,e ale) ove oles fe a/eknnalel ke 46 
The Preparatory Stages of Diacrisia kasloa—Arthur Gibson 5 airs enceua eaten peneea uate Ree 50 
SLO VELEN ECUS—— a he INVic eh OHI] Cotictiayo col «) si avecclisr ovals .o*allor fatiocommtose,opeiatetiale:-e ts eu) stedstetonenebebaae See dL 
The; Mating of Boreus californicus—J. .W. Cockle’ .. 6.2.52 2. ec ene ee nes 52 
Insects collected in Okanagan in 1918—E. M. Anderson .................... D+ 
EOE aT De VEOU Ta hea mAs s EL. BUSI ie cece cicisiers at avcpoi oso ioe cova: vince) Yoke /apehaytencllorelierte a aS 
Observations on Hymenoptera in the Okanagan—E. P. Venables ............ 61 
Report on the Jubilee Meeting of the Ontario Entomological Society—R. C. 

PUM CILSITIO TABI hagas yatta easy eISes se, svcd sz ale fo! Bact aint anevotiarete Nagel ciaveciseperaBenie soutien chou tema Ret 63 
Review of Applied Entomology in British Columbia—R. C. Treherne ........ G7 
Mites: Classification, Habits, and Observations on their Occurrence in the 

Okanagan—J. S. Dash ........... 222s cee eect ee eee eee tee eee n nese 71 
Un eS OTRO RY 1 Spain aig eye een eRe Bees Of atan OC IE eEED Gs Orin Gear odin e ent 73 
BOE La APACS E CO Todaal OL ee cet, rave cies Uta ateh cya, dee "S(sferersiate wis luvs: tapes! e/RV'alataae¥ol a Cia'el ovate? Se eral te fel ett 75 
Era LeOMa Neb LSsue. (BULMEStIMGNOL DS): 2 asi <(n ni-javelele clerac'ais |e afefe aims (oles ofshelainls 75 
MISH Of MEM DELS sci Secs cee ns Sere EC BOER Mer an cia map iewa eo 75 
Pear ee Oy mL Temes I LLC UU ae ue taleie taicae uate nn sVeaeh iste: fb, cious (ecslene sien Wie. Miarel ay aletenetenel leer 77 

79 


Index . 


BRITISH COLUMBIA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1914. 


HE Thirteenth* Annual meeting of the Entomological Society of British 
Columbia was held in the Provincial Museum, Parliament Buildings, 
Victoria, on January 23rd and 24th, 1914. The following. members 
were present: HE. M. Anderson, J. R. Anderson, E. H. Blackmore, 
J. W. Cockle, Thos. Cunningham, G. O. Day, L. A. Breun, D. Gavet, 
Dr. S. Hadwen, A. W. Hanham, W. Hugh, W. H. Lyne, E. H. 

Robinson, L. E. Taylor, R. C. Treherne, G. E. Wilkerson, Tom Wilson, and H. H. 

Whiting. Among the visitors were noticed: R. V. Harvey, R. Ellis, F. Kermode, 

C. Blackmore, and a few otliers. 

The meeting was called to order by the President, G. O. Day, F.E.S., of Duncan, 
at 10 am. on January 23rd. The day was divided into morning, afternoon, and 
evening sessions. Papers were also presented till noon of the following day, 
January 24th. 

The President: I notice I am to present my few annual remarks at a later 
stage of the programme, so, reserving what I have to say till then, I will now call 
on our Secretary, Mr. Treherne, to present his report on the finances of the Society 
and the correspondence of the year. 


SECRETARY-TREASURER’S REPORT. 
CORRESPONDENCE, 


Between forty and fifty letters have been received and answered incidental to 
the business of the Society during the past year. This does not include the mailing 
of bulletins (Nos. 2 and 3) and the issuance of the programmes of this meeting and 
of the Vernon meetings. Mr. W. H. Brittain officiated as Assistant Secretary during 
the past summer. The success and manipulation of the special summer meeting at 
Vernon Jast July were entirely due to him. Unfortunately we have lost him now, 
as he has gone to the College of Agriculture, Truro, Nova Scotia. 

The proceedings of the January meeting at this time last year were arranged, 
proof-read, and duly printed. Roughly, 1,200 copies have to date been distributed 
of the bulletin (No. 2). These were sent to various parts of the States to the south 
of us, to England, to Australia, to every member of the other Provincial branches of 
the Ontario Entomological Society, and, of course, to our members, as well as to the 
members of the British Columbia Fruit-growers’ Association as required them, A 
number of copies were left in the hands of Mr. R. M. Winslow, who distributed 
copies to the last members named. 

The results of the special Vernon meeting were very satisfactory and pleasing 
to all. The proceedings were duly reviewed by me and presented to the printers. 
Through the kindness of the Provincial Department of Agriculture, through our 
amiable Minister of Agriculture, we were permitted to submit the proceedings of 
this Vernon meeting to the hands of the King’s Printer, Victoria. The issue in due 
course appeared, 1,500 copies being printed, which have been distributed as before. 


* The last Proceedings, No. 2, N.S., 1912. recounting the proceedings of the annual meet- 
ing on January 9th, 1913, were wrongly entitled “the Thirteenth Annual Meeting.” Accord- 
ing to information now come to our hand, we are informed that “the first meeting of this 
Society was called on March 13th, 1902.’ Considerations for the commencement of the Society 
were begun in 1901. This would indicate that the present Proceedings detailing the papers 
presented before the Society on January 23rd and 24th, 1914, were on the occasion of the 
Thirteenth Annual Meeting of the Society. e 


- 


6 B.C. Exromoroceican Society. 


Our complimentary mailing-list includes the following at the present time :— 
Editor, Review of Applied Entomology, London, England. 

Journal of Economic Entomology, Concord, New Hampshire. 
Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C. 

Library, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 

Library, Division of Entomology, Ottawa, Canada. 

L. J. Newman, Entomologist, Perth, Western Australia. 

P. J. Parrott, New York Agricultural Exposition Station, Geneva, N.Y. 
H. F. Wilson, Entomologist, Corvallis, Oregon. 

A. L. Lovett, Assistant Entomologist, Corvallis, Oregon. 

Dr. Edwin C. Van Dyke, Berkeley University, California. 

Prof. J. C. Bridwell, Berkeley University, California. 

The Monthly Bulletin, Sacramento, California. 

The Fruit and Farm Magazine, Vancouver, B.C. 

Harry A. Smith, Parasite Laboratory, Sacramento, California. 

Le Roy Childs, Horticultural Department, Sacramento, California. 

W. H. Brittain, Agricultural College, Truro, Nova Scotia. 


Letters of congratulation on our recent publications have been received from— 

S. J. Neville, Cottonwood, Saskatchewan. 

Theo. D. A. Cockerell, Boulder, Colorado. 

John Dearness, London, Ontario. 

Prof. H. F. Wilson, Corvallis, Oregon. 

Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt, Dominion Entomologist. 

The correspondence of the Society is retained in a special book kept for the 
purpose and is open to all members for perusal at any time. 

Mr. Arthur Gibson, Chief Assistant Entomologist, Ottawa, has written asking 
our members to assist him in the collection of all moths and butterflies, in particular a 
the Arctiids. 

Prof. H. F. Wilson wishes to obtain all specimens of Aphididae that he can from 


the Pacific North-west, and has asked me to place his request before the members ae 
of this Society. 
Mr. J. D. Tothill, of the Division of Hntomology, Ottawa, is particularly inter- 2 ; 


ested in parasitic Hymenoptera and would be pleased to receive any specimens from 
the West. He wishes, in particular, to obtain the parasites of the tent-caterpillars. 

Mr. J. M. Swaine, of the Division of Entomology, Ottawa, again requests 
specimens of forest insects, and Mr. F. W. L. Sladen, of the same Division, renews ane 
his wishes for Aculeate Hymenoptera, bees and wasps. 

Respectfully submitted, 7 


aetee 3 


R. C. TREHERNE. a 
FINANCIAL STATEMENT. se 
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31st, 1913. 
Deicitrcarried= forwards << vete ws ois Plate iets $ 56 00 oe 
Printing Report No. 2; NiSi oo. ook sca eee ee 307 00 Br 
Printing programmes, 1918 summer meeting .... 8 00 < . 
Printing programmes, 1914 winter meeting ..... 11 50 
TEs Os) ra ¥e(ey aed hhh Syne So ey aoe Or a OLS CLO Mend OM Or 12 00 %: 
Provincial Government “grant ~.0 52 os. tae aes a $250 00 
By sale of copies of Report No. 2 ............... ae 3 00 ; 
Membership subscriptions received for the year = ae 
1914-15 to date, January. 23rd. ...........; ee 45 00 


$394 50. $298 00 
IDS Heh Een irene oldu apcteeeeseattonus eecrenrem $96 50 


-1 


. Procerepines, 1914. 


The President: It is unsatisfactory to feel that we have a deficit on our hands, 
but under the circumstances, and in view of the great strides our Society has made 
during the past two years, we cannot complain. It gives me a great deal of gratifica- 
tion to feel that this Society is attracting such widespread attention in other lands 
than our own. It is nice to think that we are making some headway and adding, 
possibly, a few iotas of knowledge to the entomological world. 

The next item of business that confronts us is the important discussion relative 
to the adoption of by-laws. As has been pointed out in our proceedings from time 
to time, this Society is a properly constituted branch of the Canadian Society of the 
ast, consequently as such we are bound to accept the constitution of our parent 
Society. I take pleasure in reading you and recording for our proceedings the 
constitution of our parent Society. You will remember that at this meeting of last 
year a resolution was passed asking the Advisory Board to draw up a system of 
by-laws to present to the special summer meeting that was arranged at Vernon in 
the month of July, 1918. The members present at this meeting were then asked to 
amend, if necessary, and present their opinions to this meeting for adoption. How- 
ever, owing to the fact that the Constitution of the parent Society was undergoing a 
change in certain particulars, it was thought inadvisable to draw up our own by-laws 
until these changes were made known and properly ratified. The parent Society 
held their meeting last August at Guelph. and the following Constitution, which 
appeared in a recent issue of the Canadian Entomologist, is the amended and adopted 
code. It is well that we fully digest this Constitution, as it is also the one that 
governs our Society. We are at liberty, however, to frame our own by-laws, and 
these our Secretary has arranged for discussion on the back of the programmes 
before the meeting, so, after the Constitution of the parent Society has been read, 
we will proceed with our own by-laws. 


CONSTITUTION OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO. 
INCORPORATED 1871. 


Section I.—Opsects AND MEMBERSTIIP. 


_ . 

1. The Society shall be called “The Entomological Society of Ontario,” and is 
instituted for the investigation of the character and habits of insects, the improve- 
ment and advancement of entomological science, and more especially its practical 
bearing on the agricultural and horticultural interests of the Province. The Society 
shall consist of not less than twenty-five members. 

2. The Society shall consist of four classes, viz: Members, life members, 
honorary members, and corresponding members. 

3. Members shall be persons whose pursuits, or studies, are connected with 
entomology, or who are in any way interested in natural history, and who are 
resident within the Dominion of Canada. 

4, Life niembers shall be persons who have made donations to the value of $5 
in money, books, or specimens (the two latter to be valued by competent persons), 
or who may be elected as such at the general meeting of the Society, for important 
services performed, and after due notice has been given. 

5. Entomologists residing outside Canada may be elected corresponding members 
of the Society, but such membership will not entitle them to the publications of the 
Society except on payment of the subscription to the Journal of the Society. 

6. Honorary members shall be members of high standing and eminence for their 

attainments in entomology. 

7. The number of honorary members shall be limited to twenty-five. 

8. The officers of the Society shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, a 
Secretary-Treasurer, and not fewer than three, and not more than five, Directors, to 
form a Council; all of whom, with two Auditors, shall be elected annually at the 
annual general meeting of the Society, and shall be eligible for re-election. The said 
Council shall, at their meeting, appoint a Curator. 


8 B.C. ENroMoLoGicaL Sociery. 


Secrion II.—ELecTION OF MEMBERS. 


1. All candidates for ordinary or life membership must be proposed by a member 
at a regular meeting of the Society and be balloted for; the affirmative vote of three- 
fourths of the members present shall be necessary for the election of a candidate, 

2. Honorary members must be recommended by at least three members, who 
shall certify that the person named is eminent for his entomological attainments ; 
the election in their case shall be conducted in the same manner as laid down for 
other members. 

5. Corresponding members shall be elected in the same manner as honorary 
members, 

4. Whenever any person is elected a member in any class, the Secretary shall 
immediately inform him of the same by letter, and no person shall be considered a 
member until he has signified his acquiescence in the election. 

5. Every person elected a member is required to pay his first contribution within 
one month of the date of his election; otherwise his election shall be null and void. 


Section ILI.—CoNTRIBUTIONS., 


1. The annual contribution of members shall be $1; all contributions to be due 
in advance on the first day of January in each year, the payment of which shall 
entitle the member to a copy of all the publications of the Society during the year. 
All new members, except those elected at and after the annual general meeting and 
before the following first of January, shall be required to pay the subscription for 
the year in which they are elected. 

2. Every member shall be considered to belong to the Society, and as such be 
liable to the payment of his annual contribution, until he has either forfeited his 
claim or has signified to the Secretary, in writing, his desire to withdraw, when his 
name shall be erased from the list of members. 

3. Whenever any member shall be one year in arrear in the payment of his 
annual contribution, the Secretary shall inform him of the fact in writing. Any 
member continuing two years in arrears shall be considered to have withdrawn from 
the Society, and his name shall be erased from the list of members. 

4. Life and honorary members shall be required to pay an annual contribution. 


Section IV.—Orricers. 


1. The duties of the President shall be to preside at all the meetings of the 
Society, to preserve good order and decorum, and to regulate debates. 

2. The duties of the Vice-President shall be the same as those of the President 
during his absence. 

3. The duties of the Secretary-Treagurer shall be to take and preserve correct 
minutes of the proceedings of the Society, and to present and read all communications 
addressed to the Society; to notify members of their election, and those in arrear 
of the amount of their indebtedness; to keep a correct list of the members of the 
Society, with the dates of their election, resignation, or death, and their addresses; 
to maintain the correspondence of the Society, and to acknowledge all donations to it. 
He shall also take charge of the funds of the Society and keep an accurate account 
of all the receipts and disbursements, and of the indebtedness of the members, and 
render an annual report of the same at the annual general meeting of the Society, 
in the manner required by the Act respecting the Board of Agriculture and Arts. 

4. It shall be the duty of the Curator to take charge of all books, specimens, 
cabinets, and other properties of the Society; to keep and arrange in their proper 
places all donations of specimens; to keep a record of all contributions of books and 
specimens, with a list of the contributors; and to oversee and direct any exchange 
of specimens. He shall also report annually to the Society on the condition of the 
specimens and cabinets under his care. 


ProceeDINGs, 1914. 9 


5. The officers of the Society shall form a Council who shall have the direction 
and management of the affairs of the Society. The Council shall meet once in every 
-quarter, the time and place of meeting to be appointed by the President, and notice 
to be given by the Secretary at least ten days beforehand. 

6. The Council shall draw up a yearly report on the state of the Society, in 
which shall be given an abstract of all the proceedings, and a duly audited account 
of the receipts and expenditure of the Society during their term of office; and such 
report shall be read at the annual general meeting. 


Section V.—MEETINGS. 


1. Ordinary meetings shall be held once a month, on such days and at such hour 
as the Society by resolution may from time to time agree upon. 

2. The annual general meeting of the Society shall be held at the place and 
during the same time as the Exhibition of the Agricultural and Arts Association is 
being held in each year, to receive and deliberate upon the report of the Council on 
the state of the Society, to elect officers and Directors for the ensuing year, and to 
transact any other business of which notice has been given. 

3. Special meetings of the Society may be called by the President upon the 
written request of five members of the Society, provided that one week’s notice of 
the meeting be given, and that its object be specified. 


Section VI.—BkRANCHES OF THE Socrery. 


1. Branches of the Society may be formed in any place within the Dominion of 
Canada on a written application to the Society from at least six persons resident 
in the locality. 

2. Hach branch shall be required to pay to the parent Society 50 cents per 
annum for each paying member on its list. 

8. Every branch shall be governed by the Constitution of the Society, but shall 
have power to elect its own officers and enact by-laws for itself, provided they be 
not contrary to the tenor and spirit of the Constitution of the whole Society. 

4. All members of the branches shall be members of the Society and entitled to 
all the privileges of members. 

5. No corresponding or honorary member shall be appointed by the branches, but 
such members may be proposed at general meetings of the Society by any branch as 
well as by the individual members. 

6. Each branch shall transmit to the parent Society, on or before the first of 
September each year, an annual report of its proceedings; such report to be read at 
the annual general meeting. 


Section VII.—ALTERATION OF CONSTITUTION. 


1. No article in any section of this Constitution shall be altered or added to, 
unless notice be first given at an ordinary meeting of the Society, or of a branch, 
and the alteration or addition be sanctioned by two-thirds of the members present at 
the next ensuing meeting; the Secretary of the Society, or of the Branch, shall then 
notify the Secretaries of all the other branches; when the sanction of all the 
branches has been obtained in the same manner, the alteration or addition shall 
become law. 

Section VIII.—SvupscrierTion PRICE OF MAGAZINE. 


The annual subscription price of the Canadian Entomologist shall be $2, postage 
included, payable in advance. Members of the Society who have paid their annual 
dues shall receive the magazine free of charge, as stated in section III., clause 1, 
of the Constitution of the Society. . 

_.. The by-laws of the Society were approved and voted upon, article by article, and 
are herewith recorded as passed by the Society in annual convention, January 23rd, 
1914. 


’ 


10 ; B.C. ENromMoLocicaL Socrery. 


BY-LAWS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA. 


TITLE. 


Article 1—-This Society shall be known as the ‘ Entomological Society of British 
Columbia,” being the British Columbia Branch affiliated with the Entomological 
Society of Ontario (hereinafter called “the parent Society ’’). 


RELATIONSHIP. 


Article 2.—This Society shall remain an integral unit in the entomological work 
of the Dominion of Canada, shall remain embodied in aims and endeavours with 
other branches of the parent Society, and shall continue in connection with and under 
the constitution of the parent Society. 


OBJECTS. 


Article 3.—The objects of this Society shall be— 


(1.) To endeavour to co-ordinate and unite the work, notes, and observations of — 


all those engaged in the study of insects, and to encourage those interested 
in the same study throughout and within the confines of this Province of 
British Columbia : 

(2.) To collect and study the insects of the Province of British Columbia and 
to render aid and assistance to the best of its ability, either through the 
members individually or through the Society in convention, to all students 
in the science of entomology in the Province: 

(3.) To obtain, by exchange with the parent Society and branches of the same, 
specimens of insects from all parts of the Province of British Columbia, 
the same to be the property of the branch, and to form a complete collection 
of the insects of the Province for the use and benefit of the members of the 
Society under the charge of a duly appointed Curator: 

(4.) To identify for and render aid and assistance, or cause the same to be done, 
to fruit-growers, farmers, gardeners, and private individuals, either through 
the knowledge or advice of individual members in their respective localities 
oer through the medium of the Society, its members and its publications, on 
all subjects relating to insect-life, economically affecting the household, farm 
crops, fruit, or live stock, or any other pertaining branch of Agriculture. 


SUBSCRIPTION. 


Article 4—The annual subscription shall be $1 (50 cents of which shall be sent 
to the parent Society to receive the publications of that Society), on payment of 
which, and on approval of three-fourths of the members present at the regular annual 
meeting, the individual becomes a duly accredited member. To obviate the necessity 
of paying the dues annually and in season, members shall be permitted to pay $5 for 
five successive years. ’ 

PAPERS. 


Article 5.—Papers bearing on entomological subjects only may be presented at 
any of the meetings of the Society, and the members are permitted to use and publish 
their own papers in any manner they choose, the Hxecutive also reserving the right 
to use and publish them as they deem fit. 


ANNUAL MEETING. 


Article 6—The regular annual meeting of the Society shall take place during the 
month of January in each year. 


ORDINARY MEETINGS. 


Article 7.—Ordinary meetings may be held at any time or at any place without 
the consent of the Executive by not less than five members, the results of such meet- 
ings being duly presented to the Executive at the time of the annual meeting. 


Procerepincs, 1914. 11 


SPECIAL MEETINGS. 


Article 8.—Special meetings of the Society may be held at any time or at any 
place, the time and the place being approved of and decided upon by the members 
present at the time of the regular annual meeting. At neither any ordinary. or 
special meeting may business of the Society be transacted relative to the altering of 
any of these by-laws or opposing the general tenor of the same. 


BRANCHES. 


Article 9—Branches of the Society may be formed in any place within the 
Province of British Columbia on written application to the Executive from at least 
six persons resident in the locality. 

Article 10—Each branch shall be required to pay to the parent branch $1 per 
annum for each paying member on its list, and shall be governed by the constitution 
of the parent Societies, but shall have power to elect its own officers and form its 
own by-laws. 

OFFICERS. 


Article 11.—The officers of the Society shall consist of a President, two Vice- 
Presidents, a Secretary-Treasurer, an Assistant Secretary, and with these not fewer 
than three and not more than five members to act as an Advisory Board. 


ALTERATIONS. 


Article 12.—These by-laws may be altered or amended only at the regular annual 
meeting of the Society by the approving vote of three-fourths of the members. Such 
alterations must be made by notice of motion, which shall have been sent to the 
Secretary, aud a copy of such be in the hands of the members at least one month 
previous to the annual meeting. Written votes by members upon subjects about 
which one month’s notice has been given may be accepted by the Society at the 
annual meeting in lieu of presence, 

The President: The next item on the programme will be the presentation of 
reports from the various districts, 


REPORT FROM THE VICTORIA DISTRICT: INSECT NOTES OF THE YEAR. 
By E. H. BLrackMorr, VICTORIA. 4 


I notice that the yearly reports from the different districts generally relate to 
the year’s economic conditions, but, as I am a systematic and not an economic 
entomologist, my report will have to be along the lines of the systematic collector, 
and as there are some of these gentlemen present this morning, I hope it will not 
be without some interest. I would like to mention here that during the past season 
my occupation has taken up the whole of my evenings, leaving me the days free, so 
that most of my observations and captures have been amongst the Diurnals and 
day-flying moths. 

There were fewer insects on the wing than usual this season, some of our 
commonest butterflies being very scarce, especially the first broods of P. rape (the 
common white), C. ampelos (the ringless ringlet), and FE. helloides (the purplish 
copper). Papilio rutulus (the common tiger-swallowtail) and P. eurymedon were 
fairly common at Goldstream in mid-June, although P. zolicaon was yery scarce. 
This is never a common species by any means; in fact, I only observed two specimens 
the whole season. Argynnis bremnerii (Bremner’s silver-spotted fritillary) and 
A. rhodope were not so plentiful as in former years, but, on the other hand, Brenthis 
epithore was fairly common, Hurymus occidentalis (the yellow sulphur) was to be 
obtained in early June, but mostly only males, the females being very scarce, which 
may account for the species not being very plentiful at any time. Its orange con- 
gener (2. eurytheme) was again absent, and I have not seen a specimen for ‘two 


a B.C. ENXroMOoOLOGICAL Sociery. 


years. There is another butterfly which seems to have disappeared, and that is the 
pine white (Neophasia menapia). I made a special trip after it at Goldstream the 
first week in September, but did not see a single specimen. I captured three in 
September, 1911, but have not seen one since. Hugonia californica (the California 
tortoiseshell) was scarce, and I did not see a red admiral (Vanessa atalanta) during 
the whole season, although I kept a sharp look-out for it, as I have only taken two 
specimens during the last three years. Vanessa cardui (the painted-lady) and 
V. carye I have not seen at all during the same length of time, although cardui is 
supposed to be fairly common. 

There is still another butterfly which I have been trying hard to get, and that 
is Gneis nevadensis, Feld (better known as gigas, Butler). It generally appears 
about June 10th, but owing to the wet weather which occurred at that time, I did 
not see a single specimen. ; 

Coming to the family of the Lyczenidswe (the hairstreaks, blues, and coppers), I 
found Uranotes melinus (the common hairstreak) and Thecla californica much 
scarcer than usual, the first brood of the first named being exceedingly so. On April 
1Sth I took eight Jncisalia mossi, six males and two females. The next three days 
it rained, and I went again on the fourth day, but did not see any flying about. As 
I wanted to get a few more, I made a careful search of the bracken over which 
they play, and found one male, but after that date I did not see it again. 

Behr’s eyed blue and Cyaniris ladon var. nigrescens were the first blues out, 
appearing towards the end of April, and they were fairly plentiful, but Hveres 
amyntula (the Western tailed blue), which came out two weeks later, was very 
much searcer, and Cupido se@piolus, which did not put in an appearance until June 
2nd, this year was scarcer still. The weather, which was very wet about this time, 
seemed to kill them off in a few days. The skippers apparently were made of sterner 
stuff, and they seemed to stand the vicissitudes of the weather better, as Thanaos 
propertius was very common in the spring and Thorybes pylades (the Northern 
dusky-wing) was more plentiful than it usually is, but unfortunately after the first 
few days they were entirely unfit for the cabinet. I am glad to be able to record 
the capture of one each of Thecla blenina (Hewitson’s hairstreak) and Hrynnis 
comma var. nevada, which two species are rather rare in this district, especially the 
first named. 

Turning to the Nocturnals, I found Smerinthus opthalmicus fairly plentiful from 
May 18th to 26th, hanging to the cables between the arc lights and the electriclight 
poles. On the first morning that I went around, in company with the lamp-trimmer, 
I obtained nine specimens of S. opthalmicus on one cable; on another I found five, 
four males and one female, evidently a case of double attraction, that of light and 
that of sex. In the same way I captured Sphinx vancouverensis, Deilephila galiii, 
Samia columbia, and several other good things, only in much smaller numbers. 
Diacrisia virginica (the Virginian tiger-moth) was extremely abundant from the end 
of April until the end of June, and I took one in perfectly fresh condition as late 
as August Sth. lity 

As I was unable to do any sugaring, I do not know what results were obtained 
along that line of attraction, but “sallowing” was very late this season. Owing to 
the cold wet spring the sallows were very late in blooming, and when they did 
bloom the weather continued so bad that a start could not be made until the bloom 
was nearly over. At the kind invitation of an entomological friend, I went to 
Quamichan Lake in April for a couple of nights ‘“ sallowing.”’ During the afternoon 
it had rained yery heavily and the evening was a little chilly, so that our expecta- 
tions were not very great. However, the ‘catch’ turned out much better than was 
expected, and from six trees visited that night we gathered eighty-six specimens, 


representing twenty different species, amongst which were Graphiphora ferrigera, 


Xylina ferrealis, X. torrida, NX. holocinerea, Calocampa nupera, and Buharveya 
carbonaria var. dives. 


Procrepines, 1914. 13 


The Geometridze with a few exceptions were rather scarce during the past 
season; out of a total of seventy-two different species taken from March to Noyember, 
there were no less than forty-four species of which I only obtained from one to three 
specimens of each kind. The exceptions were the genus Hydriomena and its allies, 
the Petrophoras and the Cleora group. I am pleased to record the taking of two 
specimens of that rather rare Geometer Zenophelps victoria, which was described by 
the late Rev. G. W. Taylor from two specimens taken in this city. I took them both 
in August, one on the 14th and the other on the 20th. 

I collected quite a number of Coleoptera during the season, which included 
several very interesting forms that as yet I have not had time to determine. I was 
fortunate in capturing three specimens of that very rare beetle Zacotus matthewsii 
in the garden attached to my house. I obtained two in July and one in August. 
I was on the look-out for tiger-beetles in the spring and early summer, but did not 
see any until the first week in September, when I took several specimens of Cicindela 
oregona at Goldstream. Appended is a list of the rarer moths captured during 1913 

‘and not included in the foregoing remarks. The numbers in front of each species 
correspond to those in Dyar's List. 


YEAR 1913. 


RECs ee NCODSla sPACKAT OL cs. ceria cccciele shualsiaie c/s olevelad le yehe July 22nd. 
848: Leptarctia-californice ........<...5....0.6-...ADril 2th: 
S4Sr. Leptarctia californiczee var. dimidata ..........4 April 29th. 
Bossa ACMISIaeU DLey evatavlcle satetotelo aterm ieaet ols; nicio es euciannstsle MM aya Ste 
Sion LlAby PLE Dla MVNO LATS a5)cyslshelcrs eucmwerce (om Wlereliele wicusi sake July Sth. 
Zee A LA gl Aa LOWMM Mel avedapo: sins slay agelavsen vate’ a cle\ clnyoxersrelepale June 3rd. 
IPA elev obistilais(hy £ hes osononosEapadpouooge Spatoc June 14th. 
ESN OCLUAMEOS AEA. lelets ater ato\o 6) af= Topaterote/<'ase) sfeyeraiae/eiage May 26th. 
EOS eee NOCEU AeA ITODIN ALIS = vale re siepeuera cies ekous eleval nit felwienern ete July 80th. 
HAIG 2 « NOCEUA ClAaMGeStina) <i ycts-)ctecs Povcke sneleyale’e chess ole) ch Sept. 17th. 
ASHE meV aMeS EE Ae WEMSUIS iclstecetelscicteictotelstcteie! a ciomuscalefefelers July 30th. 
LOOMS OX Vi Nae COSNAtA) tance Seta oclcres ots ave lal= US che Siete’ ’.. March 28th. 
1951-~ Nephelodes pectinatus. © 2.15). c..06 «esi «ows eine AUS. 4th, 
PDA MROTIMOSia LELEULIMOIGES Najsteisys « wlcierere + eiielelelere =, crele Sept. 20th. 
PAR DA eATITOLL ANA aM APP Ais si4\s apsis) che isyalciswie erie weve wvelone July 16th. 
LATE SA TILOLT AD MA COMBA Mts ctesatey el ofere the si cieteiesebeversyNecerere Sept. 7th. 
Bolt. AULOPTADNR COLEUSCA (oe cee eves mies ae eo Wie sn yaar July 380th. 
SU SIAS Eby pede CECOLATA fecieiecjetletersinr-1oloiciciletc in apetetedeiatale Oct. 2nd. 
sie eS CH AAT TIT COLITIS IE sa cacy eccyeie/apsicl = /ulehalcrabstcnehersiets) <rele June 11th. 
ose MOPS AE WEE CL AUN ta ots iate)oirte!<jatcralerarel stetevate elena May 4th. 
3294- Bupethecia coagulata ..............0.....+.... May. 9th. 
MApPethectarvCOlumMDiALAL se syn... afore stele safeiajsiale cieise Slovene July 16th. 
SSE ile Loja eeretig cs ao bOL bys it Lace cag cho.c AICO Cals Ode LiOKaO cero EG Oct. 20th. 
Satis MEL CLS INOM ANIL DUALS snot Water itacralctote aro aces sel opened June 19th. 
SRE IN COLONIA RV LTT cool siare, rons cele aieye 2, vi ete eheLaceraysiomrent Aug. 27th. 
Mesoleuca occidentata, Taylor ..........-..... July 28rd. 
Mesoleuca occidentata var. mutata, Taylor .... July 20th. 
Mesoleuca decorata, Taylor ..........2.ceeeesiee July 20th. 
3456a. Petrophora munitata var. labradorensis, Pack.. June 11th. 
SO, MOIS SICOLATIAN or. wis ite jel evel eneucrele OEIC IOS 9 Meath June 18th. 
BONO se SCLALTADMASTEDtATIG, \ov. rac vb eye aiccele atalesere a jsteralepels May 7th. 
SVC mm ETUDE VCE LUD Metclallazseiciave sie ce/eeheusirissasars) e/alatsyn cherie July 24th. 
Hnypia packardata, Taylor’ .......5.....%.-6.0 July 31st. 
aS AC Vw IKI CUCULA IAW ars ny fea v, cbaice?s etetor<ioysinler stat«heteleraie Aug. 20th. 
Cea VILE HLL ULE venera'c io reteict erate ters, avciabe ctqiaiete cakle wage Sept. 6th. 


eee ANEIS SULDLTITAILD ccs (s ls bie cunieceleis aula, s¥arw alan a) wrelele July 13th. 


14 B.C. EnromMo.ocicaL Socirery. 


ANS hc SBLeDHOS sINLANS? ses sows cacieine meee eeticls Mee weeare ena April 15th. 
= 4045. Callizzia amorata Aug. Sth. 
The following Geometers are new to the British Columbia List :-— 


Hupethecia mutatay We Carsall yc. nctipere esierente ee emeiaee = seeks July 18th. 
Dysstroma ‘citrata var. suSpectata ...:...0......00e ceed Aug. 12th. 
Dysstroma citrata var. punctum notata ............5..4 Aug. 20th. 
Hydriomena autumnalis var. crockeri, Swett ......... May 4th. 
Hydriomena speciosata var. taylori, Swett ........... July 38rd. 
Hydriomena edenata, Swett ....-......... SS ee IS: April 5th. 
Hrydripmena rata, “Swetltss... os csks stares woke cee May 7th. 
Petrophora defensaria var. amorata .............. os Nept. 24th: 


REPORT FROM THE OKANAGAN DISTRICT: INSECT PESTS OF THE 
YEAR IN THE OKANAGAN. 


By W. H. Brirrain, ProvinciaL ENTOMOLOGIST FOR NovA ScoriA (FORMERLY OF 
BRITISH COLUMBIA). 


The summer.of 1915 was not marked by any insect outbreaks of unusual severity. 
Most of the usual pests were present in greater or less numbers, while several 
interesting records were made for the first time. The following are some of the 
most important pests to receive attention during the year :— 


Bup-worm (Timetocera ocellana). 

This insect was found working in several orchards-in the Kelowna District, 
though not in sufficient numbers to do a great deal of damage. Three distinct 
species of moths were reared from laryze resembling those of the true bud-moth 
(T'metocera ocellana). This is interesting in view of the fact that the twig-boring 
habits of the bud-moth, which have been repeatedly observed in British Columbia, 
do not appear to have been noted elsewhere. It is possible that one of these other 
species is responsible for this work. 

THE ANTIQUE TUSSOCK-MoTH (Orgyia antiqua). 


The larvze of this insect were unusually numerous in the orchards this season, 
but it is of only minor importance as a fruit pest. 


CLIMBING CuTwoRMS (Noctuidie). 

These insects, of which we had nearly a plague last year, could hardly be found 
at all this season.. As we had no facilities for rearing these insects last season and 
they occurred in such small numbers in the spring of the present year, we do not 
know of what particular species they belonged. 


'TENT-CATERPILLARS (J/alacosoma spp.) 

These insects appeared in large numbers in the spring, but were practically 
wiped out before reaching maturity by their parasites and by a bacterial disease 
with which they were attacked. From the large number of larvie we collected for 
rearing no adult moths emerged. 


CopLING-MotH (Cydia pomonella). 

There was no further outbreak of this insect in the Armstrong District this year, 
the measures taken for its eradication having apparently proved successful. An out- 
break occurred at Kelowna, however, though not in the same orchards as last year. 


LESSER APPLE-WORM (Hnarmonia prunivora). 

This insect was unusually abundant throughout the orchards of the Okanagan 
this season, and many specimens reached the office from the different districts. From 
the letters that we have received, it would seem that this insect is on the increase. 
From its general resemblance in habits, life-history, and appearance to the codling- 
moth, it is frequently mistaken for this more serious pest. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1914. 15 


In going over a large number of apples attacked by this insect we found that 
about 60 per cent. entered by the side of the apple. Here the greater number made 
shallow borings just below the skin, the larva, in most cases, being visible from the 
outside. Some few bored right to the core and fed around it, somewhat after the 
manner of the codling-moth; others, again, bored aimlessty throughout the pulp in 
all directions. About 25 per cent. entered by way of the stem end of the apple and 
the remainder through the calyx end. 


THe Fart Wes-worm (Hyphantria cunea). 

The ugly webs of this insect were very much in evidence throughout the country 
this summer. They were commonest on the apple and the wild cherry-trees. 
ReED-HUMPED APPLE-TREE CATERPILLAR ((Jdemasia concinna). 

Very abundant and doing considerable damage locally to the foliage of apple- 
trees. 


YELLOW-NECKED APPLE-TREE CATERPILLAR (Datana ministra). 

These insects were present in unusually large numbers. In some of the young 
orchards they were responsible for the almost entire defoliation of a large number 
of trees. 


PEACH-TREE Borer (Sanninoidea exitiosa). 


This insect is a serious enemy of the peach in the southern Okanagan. A male 
and a female moth were reared this season from pupze collected and sent me by 
Mr. W. H. Lyne. The male emerged on July 80th and the female on August 4th. 

That we have the Eastern species in British Columbia is interesting, as else- 
where in the North-west a related species, Sanninoidea opalescens, is the common 
form. 


THe IMpoRTED CURRANT-BORER (Tgeria tipulformis). 
This insect was present and doing noticeable damage in a few places. 


PLUM AND APPLE SPHINX (Sphing drupiferarum). 

This large caterpillar will often strip all the leaves from a young tree in a very 
short time. They are very subject to the attacks of parasites, and for this reason 
never become numerous enough to do widespread damage. 


Cicapa (Platypedia putnami?). 
These insects appeared in large numbers this year and were responsible for ; 
certain amount of damage to the apple-trees by ovipositing in the twigs. 


CHERRY-TREE TortTRIX (Archips cerasivorand). 


A very common insect on the choke-cherries, but also found occasionally feeding 
on the leaves of apple-trees. 


FRvUIT-TREE LEAF-ROLLER (Archips argyrospila). 


This insect was present in fairly large numbers throughout the Okanagan during 
the past summer. They feed upon the foliage of the apple, first bending over the 
leaves and tying them together with silk. They also feed upon the blossoms, but 
their worst injury is done to the young fruit. This they tie up as they do the foliage 
and eat small cavities in the sides. Considerable loss was occasioned in some places 
by this work. 

OYSTER-SHELL Scare (Lepidosophes ulmi). 

This insect is rarely injurious in young or in well-cared-for orchards in the 
Okanagan. In old neglected orchards, however, it is frequently the cause of con- 
siderable loss. Not only is it of importance as attacking the twigs and limbs, but 
not uncommonly the young scales find their way to the fruit and there form their 
scale. Some bad cases of this were noticed this season. 


16 B.C. Enromouocicat Sociery. 


EUROPEAN SCALE (Aspidiotus ostreeformis). 
Specimens of this insect were received from Penticton and from Kelowna. Up 
to the present time it has not occurred in injurious numbers. 


APPLE-LEAF Hopper (Hmpoasca mali). 


The egg-blisters of this insect were abundant everywhere this spring in the new 
growth of the apple. Most commonly they were found in one-year-old wood, occas- 
sionally in two-year-old wood, and rarely in three-year-old. One or two eggs are 
found in each egg-blister. In examining a large number of these eggs this spring 
it was found that about 20 per cent. were parasitized by a small hymenopteran, 
which could readily be observed fully formed within the egg. The young hoppers 
began to emerge in the laboratory on May 9th, and a week later were practically 
all out. 

Two distinct broods of this insect occur in the Okanagan. Leaves attacked by 
the leaf-hoppers rarely become curled in this district, as has been described else- 
where, but such leaves are mottled over with whitish or yellowish spots. On the 
fruit the injury shows as small, white circular marks about 44 inch diameter. 


TARNISHED PLANT-BUG (Lygus pratensis). 


This insect was noted attacking a wide range of crops, but probably the most 
damage was done to nursery stock. Leaves that are attacked when young become 
wrinkled and curled. Sometimes small areas of the leaves become brown and die, 
subsequently dropping out and producing a “shot-hole” effect. Blossom-buds 
attacked are retarded in development, if not killed. Leaf-buds, when pierced at the 
base, frequently die and drop off. 


GREEN APPLE-APHIS (Aphis pomi). 

This insect, which is the most widespread and destructive of our apple-insects, 
was considerably less numerous than last year in most sections. In fact, the loss 
resulting from its attacks in the Okanagan was this year very slight. 


Rosy Apuis (Aphis sorbi). 

This insect was found for the first time this season in the Okanagan. Specimens 
were taken both at Vernon and Kelowna. It has not gained a very firm foothold 
in either district as yet, but may be expected to cause trouble in the future. 


THE WOOLLY APPLE-APHIS (Hriosoma lanigera; americana?). 


This insect seems to be upon the increase and to be growing in importance as 
a fruit pest. Very few young orchards are badly infested, but a number of the older, 
more or less neglected ones have suffered severely. The root form of this insect is 
sometimes found in the Okanagan. 


ELM-LEAF Louse (Hriosoma americana). 
The elm-leaves in the City of Vernon this summer were badly attacked by this 
insect. In some cases it caused partial defoliation of the trees. 
THE CURRANT-APHIS (Myzus ribis). 
This insect was very common on the currants everywhere. 
THE BLACK CHERRY-APHIS (Myzus cerasi). 
This aphis was fairly abundant in most sections. It is the most important insect 
of the cherry. 
MEALY PLUM-APHIS (JMylopterus arundinis). 
A common insect pest of the plum. 
CABBAGE-APHIS (Aphis brassicae). 
Common and injurious to cabbages and turnips. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1914. 17 


FRvI?-LEAF BEerLte (Syneta albida). 


A number of specimens of this beetle were sent in from Rand, B.C., where they 
were reported to be doing damage to strawberries and clover. In Oregon this insect 
is reported to cause serious damage to the foliage of fruit-trees, and no satisfactory 
control measures have so far been found. 


FLEA-BEETLES (Epitric subcrinita). 


These insects appeared in large numbers this year, and in some sections did 
a great deal of injury to tomato plantations. Potato-fields were in like manner 
attacked and damaged by the insects, which also fed freely upon the lamb’s-quarters 
and other weeds about the fields. 


BRONZE APPLE-BORER (J/agdalis a@nescens). ; 

This insect is very commonly found boring into the injured wood of apple-trees. 
Though I have not seen this insect enter an absolutely sound tree, it may sometimes 
be found boring from diseased wood into the healthy tissue. 


CLICK-BEETLES (Hlateridze). 

Though practically nothing has been written on the leaf-eating habits of these 
insects, they every year do considerable damage in the Okanagan by feeding upon 
the buds and tender foliage of apple-trees. Like the climbing cutworms, these 
insects prefer young trees, one-, two-, and three-year-old trees being injured worst. 
As no satisfactory remedy is at present in vogue, a knowledge of the life-history and 
early habits of these insects is very desirable. 

The most common and injurious species is Corymbites inflatus. This spring I 
found a very severe infestation at Short’s Point of Cardiophorus fenestratus. 

Other species taken from orchards in the Okanagan are: Corymbites morulus, 
C. fallaz, C. maurus, C. furtivus, C. conjungens, C. aeripennis, C. cruciata, C. 
triundulatus, Cardiophorus tenebrosus, Elater nigrinus, Dolopius lateralis, Limoniun 
pilosus. (infuscatus), L. discoideus, L. venablesi, L. canus, Cardiophorus tumidicollis. 


GREY LEAF-BEETLE (Glyptoscelis pubescens?). 
This insect is present in abundance in the spring, feeding mainly upon 
Balsamorrhiza sagittata, but it occasionally attacks apple-foliage. 


CURRANT FRUIT-FLY (Epochra canadensis). 
Considerable damage was done to the currants this season by this pest. 


RASPBERRY-CANE Maccor (Phorbia rubivora). 
‘ 


Though I have never taken this insect in the Okanagan, numbers of specimens 
have been sent in from other sections of the Province. 


ONION-MAGGOT (Pegomyia ceparum). 

Fairly common in gardens about Vernon. 
THe HyAcIntH-MITE (Rhizoglyphus hyacinthi). 

This spring my attention was called to an onion plantation at Vernon where a 
large proportion of the young onions were withering and dying away. On examining 
the roots and young bulbs, they were found to be covered by these mites, which in 
many cases had burrowed right into the root. If these mites ever become widely 
injurious, control will be rendered difficult by the fact that they have no respiratory 
system. 


THe Rep Spiper (Tetranychus bimaculatus) ANd THe Brown Mitre (Bryobia 
pratensis). 


Both these mites were common in the Okanagan this year, but the former was 
present in much larger numbers and responsible for more damage. 


18 B.C. Enromo.ocicaL Socrery. 


PEAR-LEAF BLISTER-MITE (Priophyes pyri). 
In a few isolated cases found this mite severely injuring pears. Have never 
: 2, 
found it attacking apple-trees in British Columbia. 


Tue “ Rusty-Lear” Mire (Phyllocoptes schlectendali, Nalepa). 


This species is widely distributed all over the northern United States and 
probably Canada. It has been recorded from Oregon by Prof. P. J. O'Gara. 

This mite feeds upon the upper surface of the apple-leaves. The symptoms 
exhibited by foliage so attacked varies greatly. In some cases the leaves present 
a red, rusty appearance which gives the mite its popular name. More often. 
however, at least in the Vernon District, the leaves have a decided silvery appear- 
ance. On this account, the work of this pest is almost invariably confused with 
the disease called ‘ silver-leaf.’ 

The two troubles differ from each other, however, in several important particu- 
lars. In the case of the silver-leaf the entire leaf is uniformly silvered, while in 
that of the mite-work it is usually more or less patchy. When a leaf attacked by 
the mite is examined with a lens,’ small islands of normal green tissue can be 
detected among the rest. The leaves of trees attacked by the true silver-leaf are 
characterized by a soft milky gloss, while those attacked by the mites have usually 
a decided metallic lustre. 

The prevalence of these two troubles, so similar in appearance, has caused a 
great deal. of confusion in the minds of fruit-growers and others, and something 
should be done to distribute in the fruit sections accurate information of how to 
distinguish between them. 

Several other species of mites produce a silvery appearance upon the Jeaves 
of the trees which they attack. A very bad attack of the common red spider 
(Tetranychus bimaculatus) frequently produces this effect on plum-leaves. Elm- 
leaves attacked by mites also frequently exhibit a decided silvery sheen. 


THE “ AppLe-scaB” Mitre (riophyes malifolie?). 

The work of this mite is very ubundant in the Vernon District on apple-foliage, 
and is aimest invariably mistaken for apple-scab. The presence of the mites was 
first pointed out to me by Mr. H. 'T. Giissow, Dominion Botanist, and the species 
was determined by Dr. Nathan Banks as probably Hriophyes matlifolia. 

The work of mites is characterized by brownish or black areas upon the leaf, 
convex on the upper side, concave on the lower. The mites themselves are found 
on the under-side, concealed by the pubescence of the leaf. When the mites are 
present in large numbers the entire leaf may be withered and brown. 


THE GARDEN MILLIPEDE (Julus hortensis). 

Though injury from millipedes is not common, reports of damage done, particu- 
larly to vegetables in gardens, are received from time to time. The remedy is to 
soak slices of turnip, carrot, etc., in lead-arsenate solution, 2 lb. of the paste form 
in a gallon of water, and to distribute this poisoned bait around the infested portion 
of the field. 

I append a list of captures for the Okanagan, mainly Coleoptera :— 


COLEOPTERA. 

ATOGUS {CrenaATUS? aa yau. cles ae emia sis neater ci stestie tye) cube oro re B.C. 
Hleodes pimelioides, Mann. 

Ppicauta wraculaitas MaDe crea score cie'cls! ot -im eiciel ole ene Swan Lake, B.C. 
Mleodes-opseuras “Mamie crete eters cher cst sseheterere Stele siecsipes tere Larkin, B.C. 
Corymbites mi ays: secrets io cpoisiel aca tayere sae ors eee Penticton, B.C. 
Trogositus virescens, Fal. (eating-apple) ......... + yaluarkin;, BG: 
Coryanbites “hieroglyph iGUs ys wWAyese orcrcteipsetotore sls spceial estate B.C. 


Alares melanops, Lec. ...... Barter rors Bic BS cigueserstenet Larkin, B.C. 


Proceepines, 1914. 19 


Blyphylla decemlineate, Lay. ..... Shiche ae Net eran ie Swan Lake, B.C. 
PMIONUS KGAlITOLMIGUS> ssc ares sk etek o1s | die ticis cies © ae Swan Lake, B.C. 
Pachyta spurred, Lec. (Sily, 1912) nF ti. oe ss. Swan Lake, B.C. 
Acanthocinus obliquus, Lec. .......... alana etapa Swan Lake, B.C. 
Clytus planifrous, Lec. ........ Rega atehns apsn beter arcsi nays Larkin, B.C. 
NSVIOEVECHUS HUNG UTA TUS AY ac cysrotersterers sleet svete ciel cia) oes Larkin, B.C. 
DD. Valens’ ys... Sho STDS DSL GH Or ae On aoe Swan Lake, B.C. 
MiptabApsCanacdenses. saps setev mre stee.sicsin as efewtels.t 0s Swan Lake, B.C. 
Tetropium velutinum, Lec. (cen fir, June Ist, 1912) Coldstream, B.C. 
Ascnum atrum, Esch (June 20th; 1912) .............. Larkin, B.C. 
Monohammus* scutellatus, Lay. 2.02. 0000.... 50005. Larkin, B.C. 
Glernsk Spheserus MAD ier. shes slavio steerer aout clare se repsels Larkin, B.C. 
RUHiColor (On roses DuMe sist, ALD). Sees chie emer yee Coldstream, B.C. 


Cicindela vulgaris var. obliqua, Kirby. 
Cicindela 6-guttata, Fab. 
Carabus taedatus near var. agassii, Lec. 
Platynus bogemanni. 
Adoxus obscurus var. vitis, Linn. 
Haltica bimarginata, Say. 
Luperodes varipes, Say 
Temnochila chloroida, Mann. 
Hydrophilus triangularis, Say. 
Cucujus clavipes var. puniceus, Mann. 
Hippodamia 5-signata, Kirby. 
Hippodamia convergens, Guen. 
Coccinella trifasciata, Linn. 
Coccinella transversoguttata, [lab. 
Coccinella 9-notata, Hbst, 
Cycloneda sanguinea, Link, 
Eleodes hispilabris, Say. 
Eleodes humeralis. , 
Coniontis ovalis, Lec. 
Helops regulus, Blaisd. 
Nemognatha dichroa, Lec. A 
Podabius tomentosus var. pruinosus, Mann. 
Cremastochilus pilosicollis, Horn. 
Epicauta puncticollis, Mann. 
Phytonomus punctatus. 
Nocholes torpidus, Lec. 
Silpha ramosa, Say. 
Dichelonyea vicina, Fall. 
Lacnosterna trista, Fab. 

« Monohammus confusor. 


LEPIDOPTERA. 


Pt ae a 


Sthenopis argenteomaculatus. 


REPORT FROM VANCOUVER DISTRICT: INSECTS ECONOMICALLY 
IMPORTANT IN THE LOWER FRASER VALLEY. 


By R. C. TREHERNE, Frecp OrriceR, DOMINION DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY, 
EXXPERIMENTAL FARM, AGASSIZ. 


The object I have in presenting this paper is to record, as best I am able, as a 
result of the past two seasons’ observations, the various insects occurring in the 
Lower Fraser Valley which are of greater or lesser economic importance to the fruit- 
growers and farmers. I shall endeavour to describe, for the benefit of all, the 


20 B.C. ENromonocican Socrery. 


various insects by their most distinctive larval and adult characteristics and their 
respective injuries to their host-plants, with brief notes on the life-histories under 
Lower Fraser conditions and remedies suggested for control. 


TREE-FRUIT INSECTS. 


THE Hye-sporred Bup-mMotu (T'metocera ocellana, Schiff) .* 

This Tortricid probably ranks first among the various insects attacking the apple 
in the Fraser Valley. It is destructive only in the larval (worm) stage. The winter 
is passed in the partially grown larval stage attached to the main limbs and trunks 
of the trees, securely covered by a silken web. ‘When the buds begin to burst in the 
spring, the young larvie cut through their silken coverings and commence to feed on 
the buds and developing leaves. The larva can be recognized by its colour. It is 
chestnut-brown, with head, legs, and thoracic shield black, smooth, and shiny. 
When full grown the larva is 4% inch in length, although in the spring and early 
summer the larva may vary from 14 to % inch. 

As all the eggs are not laid at one time and as the hatching from the eggs does not 
occur conjointly with all the individuals, consequently the larvie enter their winter 
quarters in the fall in various stages of growth, and, in turn, appear in the spring 
with the same variations. The result of this is that larvee continue feeding to all 
dates until the last days of July before passing to the next stage of its history, the 
resting stage, or the pupa. The moth is supposed to be single-brooded, no evidence 
yet being received to indicate even a partial second brood. On the other hand, 
pupz may be formed by the more mature larvee by the first week of June. The pupa 
may be recognized, in its turn, by its length and colour. It is chocolate-brown in 
general colour, with the abdominal segments somewhat lighter than the head, thorax, 
and appendages; each segment of the abdomen possesses two rows of numerous 
tooth-like processes, while the last segment possesses several hooked bristles used for 
the purpose of retaining it securely in its place of pupation.- Length, approximately 
% inch. Pupe of this description may be found in the dried curled leaves so 
commonly seen on apple-trees in the Lower Fraser during the summer. The pupal 
stage lasts from thirteen to twenty days and carries over from the first week of 
June until well into August. The adult moth, which is ashy grey and capable of 
expanding its wings about 5 inch, then appears from the resting pupa to lay eggs 
and again produce the destructive larvee. It is assumed at the present time that 
all of the eggs hatch and produce larve before fall. The eggs are very minute and 
are laid on both surfaces of the leaves. 

The main injury is caused in the early spring, when the young larve attack the 
developing buds, terminal and lateral, preventing the normal growth of shoots and 
forcing the growth of many side and lateral shoots in place of one, and by affecting 
the formation of blossom by the attack on fruit-buds. The most efficient remedy is 
the application of arsenate of lead in the form of a spray at the time of the bursting 
of the buds and previous to the formation of bloom. 


THE LESSER APPLE-WoRM (Hnarmonia prunivora, Walsh). 

The life-history of this Tortricid is very imperfectly known, as yet, under our 
local conditions. It is universally spread over our present fruit areas-of the Lower 
Fraser and Vancouver Island. It is commonly seen in the latter part of the summer, 
at the time of the fall fairs, on fruit in the orchards. For the reason that its nature 
of injury closely resembles that of the codling-moth, it was thought advisable to 
prevent confusion by a brief reference to its characteristics. 

The larva of the codling-moth (Carpocapsa pomonella, L.), another Tortricid, 
is when full grown about %4 inch in length, white or pinkish in colour, with a brown 
head and faint tubercles over the body. A great proportion of the larve of the first 


* The scientific and common names for the majority of the insects in this paper are 
Buse pe comauenaes by the American Association of Economic Entomologists in Circular No. 1, 
June, 09, 


ProceEpiInes, 1914. 2 


brood enter the apple through the calyx end, some enter at the stem end, and some, 
when apples are touching, enter through the side. The well-known excreta at point 
of entrance leaves a clue to the presence of the larva in an apple. The larva after 
entering the apple penetrates to the core and there remains until full grown, when, 
as a rule, it works its way by a different route to the side for the purposes of 
pupation. 

The larva of the lesser apple-worm enters the apples frgm either the calyx or 
stem end, and also on the side when apples are touching, in these respects resembling 
the larva of the codling-moth. The larvie of the former, however, feed to a greater 
extent on the surface of the apple, devouring the flesh around the calyx and stem 
basins to the depth of 1% inch. The larvie undoubtedly penetrate to the core, as do 
the codling-moth larvze, but usually only in well-ripened apples. The larva does not 
appear to form so definite a channel to the core as does the codling-moth larva, 
appearing to feed more or less continuously on the flesh of the apple en route. The 
greatest difference between the two, possibly, is the colour and shape. When full 
grown the larva is not more than half as long as the codling-moth larva and is more 
pinkish in colour. Furthermore, the terminal portion of the last segment is furnished 
with a small brown structure consisting of seven teeth. 

It may be readily assumed that an arsenate-of-lead spray applied in the spring 
and again in July would offer the best remedies. 


OLETHREUTES, SP. 


There is evidently a leaf-roller of the above genus at work in Lower Fraser 
orchards which closely resembles the bud-moth in habits. The adult moth is larger 
throughout, however, but of an ashy-grey colour. Its occurrence in the field is very 
local, and thus far has not been observed in great numbers. 

Mr. Arthur Gibson, Chief Assistant, Dominion Division of Entomology, to whom 
the adult was referred, believed it to be of the above genus and similar to the 
Pastern species nimbatana. 


THe FALL WeB-worm (Hyphantria cunea, Dru.). 


In 1903 the webs of this Arctiid were very conspicuous in British Columbia.* 
In recent years this insect has not been so common, but the well-known webs can be 
observed at times in the Lower Fraser Valley. 

The full-grown larvze are about 1 inch long, covered with long black and white 
hairs which project from numerous black tubercles. They feed on the foliage of 
fruit-trees and woodland shrubs, and are confined within a thick silken web and thus 
are readily distinguishable. Arsenate-of-lead spraying when the laryie are quite 
small in the middle of summer, or the removal of the webs when they are more 
mature, will prevent marked injury to the trees. 


THE TENT-CATERPILLAR (Malacosoma erosa, Stretch). 


Has not been prevalent during this past season. It is subject to years of preyva- 
lence and scarcity. It is apparent that parasites play an important part in the 
natural control of this insect. The following description of the larva is taken from 
Prof. H. F. Wilson’s report of the Division of Entomology in the Biennial Crop Pest 
and Horticultural Report, 1911-12, Corvallis Experiment Station, Oregon, relative to 
the species :— : 

“MW. Erosa—Whitish, irregular oval spots on middle of back on all but the first 
few segments. On either side of these spots and somewhat separated from them is 
a broad blue band bordered on either side by a brick-red line. Below that, on either 
side, and reaching to the legs, is a bluish space, characterized by one blackish dot 
on each segment marking the position of spiracles or ‘breathing-holes.’ Below the 


- * 1908. James Fletcher, Annual Report Experimental Farms, Canada, under H. textor. 
arr. | il \ 


99 
—— 


B.C. ENromMoLocicaLn Socrmery. 


eaterpillars are dark blue, with oval spots in median on all but first few segments. 
Over the whole of the caterpillars are numerous, fine, yellowish or cream-coloured 
hairs.” 

Insects of this species attack all orchard trees in the Lower Fraser with the 
exception of the pear, which apparently appears immune. The nature of the injury 
from these caterpillars is so well known that further reference is unnecessary. 
Suffice it to say that spraying with arsenate of lead in the early summer and the 
mechanical destruction of the larve are recommended in years of prevalence. 


THE APPLE FRUIT-MINER (Argyresthia conjugella, Z.). 


In 1898 Dr. Fletcher, the late Dominion Botanist and Entomologist, referred to 
this insect as one of the worst enemies of the apple-grower in British Columbia. 
Of recent years its presence has not been noted. 


THE PLuM-cuRCULIO (Conotrachelus nenuphar, Ubst.). 


It has been considered advisable to mention the characteristics of this insect, 
The adult is a thick-set snout-beetle about 14 inch long, and it lays its eggs in 
peculiar but characteristic crescent-shaped punctures on the skin of many orchard 
fruits, particularly the apple, peach, and plum. 

The female weevil first removes a portion of the skin of the fruit with her 
snout and in the cavity thus formed deposits an egg. She then, by instinet, cuts 
portions of the skin of the fruit in either direction from the point of oviposition, 
so that as the fruit swells and grows the pressure will not crush the eggs, the 
expansion being alleviated around the egg by the two latter formed incisions. Thus 
a characteristic crescent-shaped puncture is produced. These shaped punctures have 
been observed on some apple-trees for a long time neglected, growing at Agassiz 
this summer. Furthermore, verbal reports of the same have been received from 
Salmon Arm. No eggs, larve, or adults have been taken, but as this insect is 
regarded as one of the worst affecting the fruit orchardist in other portions of 
Canada, it is well that a sharp look-out be kept in British Columbia. 


THe CHerry Fruit-rry (Rhagoletis cingulata, Loew). 

“This imported insect was recorded by Dr. Fletcher in 1906. He received it 
from Mr. W. R. Palmer, Victoria, B.C., where it was injuring some cherries. This 
was its first recorded appearance in Canada, and Mr. Palmer stated that he first 
noticed the holes in cherries in 1904.”* 

No further records appear to have been received during recent years regarding 
this insect and it is hoped it will not appear again. The adult is a fly and it lays 
its eggs just beneath the skin of the cherry during the summer. Maggots about one 
quarter inch long may be found in the flesh producing a rot of the fruit. 


THe WooLty APPLE-APHIS (Schizoneura lanigera, Hausm.). 

This aphis is probably the commonest-known insect.of its class to the fruit- 
grower in the Fraser Valley. Its conspicuous white flocculent clusters in cracks and 
crevices of limbs and in pruning scars at once indicate its presence. Root-forms 
also occur, forming swellings and scars on the finer roots of the trees, but as these 
forms are hidden from view their importance is lost sight of. The secondary injury 
caused, allowing fungous disease access to the tree, is as important as the attack on 
the tree by the aphis itself. 

During the winter, on the stems will be found masses of the dead bodies of the 
summer's generations, but underneath, protected from the effects of temperature, 
may be found several small aphides of a brown colour. If these survive the winter, 
as many probably do, in the milder parts of this Province, they commence to migrate 
to the tiew wood of the past summer, when the buds begin to open. They begin to 


* Pxtract Annual Report, Dr. C, Gordon Tlewitt, Dominion Entomologist, March 31st, 
1911. Experimental Farms, Canada. 


Procerpines, 1914. 23 


feed by inserting their beaks into the wood and produce a white waxy excretion as 
they grow. These all prove to be females, and each one is capable of producing 
young, which, in turn, produce more young, and so on until early in the fall, when 
winged forms are produced. These winged forms are black to the unaided eye, with 
distinct black nerved wings. At this point there appears to be a certain amount of 
doubt at the present time as to the next step in the life-history. It is supposed that 
some of these winged forms migrate to the elm and there produce several male and 
female aphides, which in turn produce eggs. 

The actual life-history under Lower Fraser conditions has not, I believe, been 
studied; consequently we cannot do more at the present time than regard the 
researches of other investigators as approximate to our own. 

The aphides on the stems can best be controlled by a weak dilution spray of 
kerosene emulsion or by summer-strength lime-sulphur with an addition of Black 
Leaf 40. Where root-forms are known to exist, these same sprays applied to the 
roots may be used, allowing the liquid to reach the aphides by partially removing 
the soil around the tree. 


THe Rosy Arnis (Aphis sorbi, Kalt). 


This aphis occurs in the Lower Fraser, but its presence and the injury caused 
is probably not associated to the average grower. The fruit is not attacked, but 
by the indirect influence of the aphis attack on the fruit-bearing spurs and adjoining 
leaves, the fruit becomes knarled, irregular, and misshapen. These clusters of poorly 
shaped fruits are commonly to be seen in any orchard of the valley, but we have 
no definite idea, as yet, on its prevalence or degree of injury in comparison with 
the attack of other aphides. It is altogether probable that we will find this species 
the most serious aphis pest of our apple-trees unless due regard is paid to its 
control. 

The life-history of this insect is, like the woolly aphis, only imperfectly known. 
Colonies may be found on fruit-spurs and in the curled leaves adjoining the blossoms 
in the spring. These colonies have sprung from an over-wintering egg laid the 
previous fall and are wingless. Several generations occur during spring and early 
summer. At Agassiz, at the latter part of June and during early July, winged forms 
appear and they migrate in numbers from the apple-leaves to some unknown host- 
plant. All efforts to trace the secondary host-plant failed this past summer. Accord- 
ing to Prof. H. F. Wilson, of Corvallis, Oregon, this spring migrant ‘is in general 
colour black, abdomen brown, with black markings and a black dorsal square-shaped 
spot. The antenne are about as long as the body and brown to black. Along each 
side of the abdomen is a series of dentate tubercles.” Later in the year, about 
September, winged females return again to the apple, giving birth to several forms, 
which in turn produce eggs. 

The knarled appearance of the fruit in the clusters and the absence of any 
assignable cause, by the migration of the summer forms is liable to confuse the 
grower, who may expect an explanation of the condition of his fruit. 

The remedy suggested has proven itself very efficient, and referring again to 
Prof. Wilson’s work in Oregon, for want of any local experience of our own, we 
quote: ‘“ Lime-sulphur should be used, winter strength, and Black Leaf 40 added at 
the rate of 1 part to 900 parts of the diluted lime-sulphur. It is very essential for 
success that this spray be applied just as the buds are opening into leaf. When the 
leaves commence to curl, spraying cannot be accomplished with proper results.” 


Tre EUROPEAN GRAIN-APHIS (Siphocoryne avena, Fab.). 

This aphis occurs commonly on the apple in the Lower Fraser, being often found 
associated in the colonies of Aphis sorbi in the spring on the leaves. Apparently the 
life-history resembles that of Aphis sorbi in the general details, with the exception 
that more is known of its hosts. It uses the apple as the host in the spring and 
fall, migrating to small grains and grasses during the summer. At Agassiz, during 


24 B.C. ENromonocicaL Soctery. 


the past summer, these aphides under observation migrated to young wheat-plants in 
the latter part of June. The remedies recommended are similar to those for the 
rosy aphis. 


THe APPLE-APHIS (Aphis pomi, L.). 

This common green aphis is present in all orchards, and is universally recog- 
nized by its habit of clustering in great numbers on the new shoots and under the 
fresh green leaves of the apple. The shiny black eggs are also common sights to the 
orchardist during the fall and spring on his apple-trees. The same remedies as 
before suggested are again of value in controlling this pest, an early application being 
again necessary. It might be mentioned that the eggs are not amenable to practical 
treatment. 


THE CHERRY-APHIS (Myzus cerasi, L.). 

This black aphis may be found throughout the summer in the curled leaves of 
the cherry-tree. The lime-sulphur and Black Leaf 40 spray is again of benefit in 
the early spring. 


THE OYSTER-SHELL SCALE (Lepidosophes ulmi, L.). 


This Coccid is very common on all classes of trees in the Fraser Valley. The 
moist, humid climate of the immediate coastal region is particularly well suited to 
its life and reproduction. The scale can be recognized from its well-known shape, 
such as its name implies, and is known to all orchardists. In a general way the 
seale is not dangerous, as the methods of orchard-culture tend to retain its numbers 
within reasonable bounds. Branches of trees, however, and, in rare cases, whole 
trees in neglected orchards or woodlots may be killed by the effects of this scale 
alone. At certain points in the Fraser Valley wild crab-apple trees may be seen 
standing dead by the roadside. Undoubtedly the oyster-shell scale and the tent- 
caterpillar have combined forces to cause their death, but while we do not mourn 
the loss of these wild crab-trees, yet they stand as examples of what might happen 
in the orchard if proper precautionary measures are not taken. 

The female seale is about 4 inch in length, usually dark brown in colour. In 
the spring a few may be grey, but this is apparently the result of winter or old age. 
The male scale resembles that of the female in shape and colour, but is considerably 
smaller. Eggs are laid in the fall under the scale of the female, and if one of these 
scales be removed during winter, numerous small white eggs (from 40 to 100) will 
be noticed. 

In the spring these eggs hatch, producing some very minute yellowish insects 
which are comparatively active soon after hatching. In time each individual will 
settle down, insert its beak into the plant and commence to suck the sap. At this 
time the insect is free of any covering or “scale.” However, as it grows and molts 
a waxy excretion covers the body, forming gradually the characteristic “ oyster-shell 
scale.” The female scale remains at the one point throughout her life and becomes 
full grown in from two to three months. The male scales continue their stationary 
feeding until full grown, when they develop two very minute and delicate wings, 
fertilize the female, and die. The female insect then, in turn, produces eggs under 
her scale and dies, and the eggs pass the winter as such, awaiting spring before they 
hatch. Thus the scale is single-brooded and only capable of producing up to 100 
individuals per individual during the season. 

As regards remedies, it has been found that the lime-sulphur spray has little 
effect on the eggs during winter, except perhaps a number of old scales and eggs 
may be loosened and washed from the tree, but is very efficient against the young 
insects hatching in the spring. Watch should be kept to determine when this hatch- 
ing takes place, but as a rule it occurs after blossoming. In the Lower Fraser Valley 
apples begin to bloom the last days of April, and they bloom for a month; conse- 
quently one might spray summer-strength lime-sulphur the second week of May or 
thereabouts. As a general rule, it will not be necessary to spray every year for this 


Procerepines, 1914. 25 


insect, but as often as the careful discretion of the grower would warrant. It should 
be remembered that this statement refers only to this insect. In cases where trees 
have become very badly encrusted with scales, mosses, and lichens, it would be well 
to apply a dormant winter spray of either a 3-per-cent. caustic-soda solution or 1 Ib. 
of Gillett’s lye in 4 gallons of water. ‘This procedure is better not followed more 
than one in four or five years, as it has a tendency to hidebound the trees. 

The scale is heavily parasitized in the Fraser Valley. 


THE RED-HUMPED APPLE-TREE CATERPILLAR (Schizura concinna, 8S. & A.). 


The name of this caterpillar is obtained from a prominent red hump on the 
fourth segment of its body. Specimens of the larvze of this species may at times 
be met with devouring the leaves of apple-trees. A simple spraying of arsenate of 
lead will effectively control them. 


THE CIGAR-CASE BEARER (Coleophora fletcherella, Fernald). 

At every orchard in the Lower Fraser visited during the past two years this 
insect has been found to occur. It cannot, however, be classed as one of the 
important insects of the orchard. The grower may recognize the species when a 
small cigar-like case is seen standing erect on the surface of a leaf. This case con- 
tains a small caterpillar which feeds on the surface of the leaf. The winter is 
passed as the larva in its case attached to stems and twigs. Migration to the leaves 
occurs in the spring, and the adult moths appear in July, giving rise to the next 
season’s generation. Arsenate of lead applied either before or after blossoming will 
control this species. 


THe Pear-stue (Hriocampoides limacina, Retz). 


A smooth slimy-looking slug may often be met with on the leaves of cherry, pear, 
and plum. This is the larva of a sawfly. The adult is about 4% inch long, black. 
somewhat shiny, with four wings, rather dusky in appearance, which are folded over 
the abdomen when at rest on a leaf. 

Adults have been observed flying in the Fraser Valley during May and early 
June, depositing eggs. Small blister-like areas may be seen on the upper leaf surface, 
indicating that an egg has been deposited there by the female. Minute lary (slugs) 
have been observed on the leaves during the second week of June. The first brood 
of laryse evidently commences about this time. From the middle till the end of 
July the period of pupation is in progress, as but few slugs can be found on the trees. 

During the last days of July and early August adults may again be seen flying 
and depositing eggs, so that during August and September larvie are quite common 
again. Thus this insect in the Lower Fraser is double-brooded. The first larval 
brood of June may cause injury to the tree, but by arsenate of lead or pyrethrum 
powder they can be combated. The second brood of larve in August can almost be 
classed as a benefit to the tree, for the attack by defoliation checks the growth and 
assists the tree to ripen its wood for winter. 


CLICK-BEETLES (Hlaterid@). 


During the month of May in the Fraser Valley, when the apples are in bloom, 
large numbers of elater or click-beetles may be seen clustered around the blossoms 
and developing buds. Several species appear to be involved at the one time. By an 
experiment, performed to find out what damage was caused, it was shown that these 
large black beetles were cutting off the pistils and stamens of the blossoms, devouring 
the calyx-cup and the petals as well as developing leaves of the tree. 

There is no question at all that a large number of prospective fruits are 
destroyed by the destruction of the blossoms and the calyces. Furthermore, the 
depredations of these beetles are continued during the summer upon leaves and young 
fruit. Portions of the epidermis and pith of the apple will be devoured. These 
areas heal over, but fruit attacked in this way, later in the year, show brown and 
depressed areas on its skin, greatly injurying the marketable appearance of the fruit. 


26 B.C. Enromonocican Socrery. 


This form of injury is, so far as known, practically unrecorded ; consequently we 
are unable to advise any definite course of remedy. Arsenate of lead applied in the 
spring might have the right effect so long as the blossoming period and the setting 
of fruit were not interfered with. 


THe Frurt-rree LEAF SyNeEtTA (Syneta albida, Lec.). 


This is another species of beetle found in early spring attacking the blossoms 
of apple-trees. Its comparative economic importance is not known. 


THE BRONZE APPLE-TREE WEEVIL (J/agdalis anescens, Lec.). 


Is present in Lower Fraser orchards, and appears to be secondary and asso- 
ciated with the canker of the stems and trunks of apple-trees. The egg-chambers 
may be recognized in the bark by a series of minute punctures closely congregated. 
The adults may frequently be seen in the spring in the vicinity of blossoms and on 
the new leaves. We have no evidence as yet that this insect is of sufficient economic 
importance to warrant attention. 


THE PEAR-LEAF BLISTER-MITE (Eriophyes pyri, Pagnst.). E 

This Arachnid is to be found in every orchard visited in the Lower Fraser 
Valley. Its work can be recognized by the rusty, rough, blister-like appearance of 
the under-surfaces of the leaves. The mites are microscopic in size and can only 
just be seen with a lens; consequently the orchardist may account for the apparently 
unassignable cause for the appearance of his leaves. The mites pass the winter in 
the egg stage in the buds, hatch in spring, and migrate to the leaves when the buds 
are expanded. Here they burrow between the two surfaces of the leaf and feed 
and set up an irritation which produces at first the rusty-brown colour on the surface, 
which later becomes black. 

To control these animals great care is required. Lime-sulphur or Bordeaux mix- 
ture, or any of the oil emulsions, applied in the fall or spring, under pressure, will 
be found quite efficacious as remedies. 


THE APPLE-LEAF Hopper (Hmpoasca mali, LeB.). 

Causes the peculiar white specking of apple-leaves. Caustic or soap sprays 
applied in the spring, with special attention being paid to the under-surfaces of the 
leaves, will retain these insects within reasonable bounds. 


SMALL-FRUIT INSECTS. 


THE STRAWBERRY-ROOT WEEVIL (Otiorhynchus ovatus). 


The larva of this weevil is a small white grub which when full grown is about 
34 inch in length. It is commonly found in the soil of a strawberry plantation 
among the roots of the plants, which it devours readily and causes, in so doing, 
rapid deterioration of the field. The adult is a small dark-brown almost black beetle 
about 4% inch long. It feeds during the night on the leaves, forming irregular feed- 
ing areas on the edge of the leaf. In the adult stage it has not proven destructive, 
and the appearance in houses during the summer and in fall is not indicative of any 
harm. In the larval stage it is of great economic importance, and as such is the 
worst enemy of this class of fruit. The eggs are laid during June, July, and August 
in the soil to the depth of 4% inch. The larve feed lightly on the roots until fall 
and pass through the winter without causing untoward injury to the roots. In the 
spring the larvee continue feeding ravenously until the pupal stage is reached in May 
and June. From these pup which are formed in the soil, from 1 to 3 inches deep, 
the adults emerge to continue the generation. In the Fraser Valley the weevil is 
single-brooded and in habit inclined to be gregarious, which means that, provided 
sufficient food and shelter is at hand, they do not move very much and remain con- 
gregated in infestation areas. From these considerations it has been found that 
plantations suffer more each succeeding year of growth, it frequently happening that 


ProcerpinGs, 1914. 27 


the third season of growth is rendered unremunerative in yield of fruit. All efforts 
to control this weevil by artificial methods or spraying have proven more or less 
unsatisfactory. However, by judicious management of crops, by rotation, thorough 
cultivation, by the use of chickens, and the growth of suitable varieties, the depre- 
dations of the weevil will be much alleviated. 


Tue BLAcK VINE-WEEVIL (Otiorhynchus sulcatus). 

This species is similar in habits to O. ovatus. It is larger throughout in all its 
stages. It is found in strawberry plantations to a minor degree as compared to the 
smaller species. This species may be mentioned as being more troublesome to garden 
and greenhouse plants than to strawberries. 

SPITTLE-INSECTS (Cercopide). 

Are frequently met with in strawberry-fields and in grass and garden plots, and 
may be recognized by the objectionable saliva-like substance that surrounds them. 
The amount of their injury, beyond rotting the fruit it may be in connection with, 
is not very extensive, and no control measures have been proven essential. Should 
such be required, however, kerosene emulsion applied with pressure will be of use. 


THE CurrANT-BorER (.2geria tipuliformis, Clerck). 

The adult insect is a moth. It is probably not known to the average grower 
in the Fraser Valley as the cause of injury to his currant-bushes. Local observations 
on this insect indicate that the moths are flying the second week of June. On any 
bright, sunny day at this time of year, by carefully watching the currant-bushes and 
surrounding vegetation, the moths may be seen darting rapidly about in the air. 
resting at times on the leaves of plants. On dull days they are not so active, for 
it would seem that the bright, warm days of summer are more in accord with their 
nature. If one of these moths bé captured, it will prove to be one of the most 
beautiful of the many insects of the orchard. It is a clear-winged Sesiid about 14 
inch in length, with a body of a steel-blue lustre with several bright golden bands 
around the neck and across the abdomen, while on the last segment is a prominent 
tuft of long scales. 

At the latter part of June the female has deposited her eggs; in one case, 
under observation, eighty eggs were laid by a single moth. The eggs were very small 
and yellowish in colour, and were tucked away under corrugations of the bark of 
the bushes in axils of buds and under the edges of lichens which grow so frequently 
on the stems of shuts and trees in the valley. On July 1st the larvee had hatched 
from the eggs and had penetrated to the pith of the stems, small amounts of cast- 
off material indicating the point of entrance. The larvie feed on the central pith of 
the currant-bushes and they become half-grown at the approach of winter. The 
following spring feeding and growth is continued uninterruptedly until May. The 
full-grown larva is about % inch long, yellow, with a brown head. The pupa is 
then formed in the pith, and it remains dormant about fifteen days until the adult 
moth is ready to emerge. When ready, the pupa forces its way through a hole to 
the outside of the stem until it protrudes nearly its whole length from the stem. 
The anterior portion then breaks open and the adult moth appears ready to com- 
mence the generations again. 

Affected bushes will show a slight yellowing of the leaves and a general dwarfed 
appearance of the plant. The insect is very common in the Lower Fraser Valley on 
currants, and no evidence has as yet been given where bushes die from the effects 
of this moth alone, although in severe infestations such may prove the case. The 
remedy is comparatively simple. Prune out all the old wood in the early spring or 
in late fall and burn the cuttings. The standard form of bush should also be 
avoided. 


THe Currant Fruit-rry (Epochra canadensis, Loew.). 


Dr. Fletcher in 1901 reported this insect injuriously prevalent on Vancouver 
Island and in the Lower Fraser Valley. It is probable that it is still present in 


2 B.C. ENromMoLoGicaL Sociery. 


the immediate Coast regions, but not in sufficient numbers to attract attention from 
fruit-growers. The dryer portions of the Province appear to suit this insect, for 
from there it is reported recently of economic importance. In short, the adult is a 
small fly with a fine tapering abdomen. In the early summer the female fly will 
deposit her eggs just beneath the skin of the fruit and the maggots will devour the 
pith and seeds. When ready to pass to the pupa, the maggot burrows out of the 
berry and will drop to the ground, where it pupates just below the surface. 
Chickens and cultivation will assist in controlling this insect. 


TRUCK-CROP INSECTS. 


THE Potato FLEA-BEETLE (Lpitrir cucumeris, Harris). 


This insect is common to the Fraser Valley and may be seen as minute black 
specks on the surface of potato-leaves during the summer. The adults devour 
portions of the epidermis of the leaf, and when disturbed hop freely to great dis- 
tances. The larvee and pups are found in and around the roots of the plants in 
the soil. Reports of injury from this insect have been received from the Coast 
since 1901.* 

The adults are very minute, being only about 1/16 inch long, jet black, with 
yellow antenns and legs. They are mainly destructive in the early spring, but can 
be controlled by the use of arsenate of lead. The arsenate can well be mixed with 
the Bordeatix mixture which is used to offset the ill effects of blight and fungous 
diseases of the plants. Nicotine sprays are believed to be equally efficacious. 


Tue ReD TURNIP-BEETLE (Hntomoscelis adonidis, Fab.). 


This beetle has been reported at Hazelton and points north of Lillooet, B.C., 
and from as far north as Dawson, Y.T., as destructive to cabbages and turnips.7 
During the past summer a report, without specimens, was received from Fort George, 
probably referable to this insect. It would appear that arsenate of lead would again 
prove applicable for control. 


THe CABBAGE-MaAGGor (Pegomya brassice, Bouche). 


This insect is by far the most serious and important one attacking cabbages, 
radishes, turnips, cauliflowers, celery, rape, and the various wild cruciferous plants 
in the Lower Fraser Valley. It yearly exacts a toll from gardeners and farmers 
far exceeding any other insect of its class. More requests for satisfactory control 
measures are yearly answered about this insect than any other in the valley. It 
must be admitted, however, that we yet await a satisfactory and practical remedy 
applicable, in particular, to field conditions. ; 

The adult is a small fly, smaller but resembling the common house-fly. It 
appears in April in the Fraser Valley, ready to lay eggs on young cabbage and 
other plants. F 

The eggs are laid against the plant-root on the surface of the ground. They are 
white and thus readily distinguishable to the unaided eye. Small footless white 
Inaggots emerge from the eggs and penetrate the root. Here they continue to feed 
and grow to approximately 144 inch long before passing to the pupa in the soil. 
From the pupa the fly eventually emerges, giving rise to further individuals. The 
entire individual life-history carries over approximately two months, and two and 
probably a partial third brood occurs during the summer. The life-history under 
strictly local conditions has not yet been properly studied; consequently we are 
unable, as yet, to state exactly what occurs at the latter part of the season. Larve 
in cabbage-roots have been taken in December at Agassiz. 

The control of this maggot has been experimented with at Agassiz during the 
past summer, and while it is not proposed to give the results at this juncture, a 
few significant points may be stated, and judged accordingly as passing results. 


* Dr. J. Fletcher, Annual Report, Experimental Farms, 1901. 
7 Dr. J. Fletcher, Annual Report, Experimental TVarms, 1905-1906. 


ProceepinGs, 1914. 29 


It is proposed to continue the investigations during the next and future seasons. 
The main mixture experimented with was the carbolic emulsion. This mixture is 
made by dissolving 2 Jb. of soft soap in 2 gallons of warm water, to which is added 
2 pints of crude carboliec acid. This stock solution is then diluted 1-20 and applied 
at the rate of 5 oz. to each cabbage. 

It was figured that 10 cents’ worth of the diluted mixture would treat 100 
plants once at this rate, not including the cost of labour. It was necessary to 
treat each cabbage seven times between the end of May and the middle of July: 
consequently the cost per 100 plants was approximately TO cents, exclusive of 
labour. 

The past summer’s work indicated that the above mixture applied seven times 
only held a balance in favour of treatment of 33 per cent., covering a great many 
varieties of cabbages. There is undoubtedly much variation in the degree of resis- 
tancy between the various varieties of cabbage; consequently it is not fair to judge 
the 33 per cent. with too great a degree of detail. It is merely wished to point out 
that the carbolic emulsion, which is the most recommended mixture for control, has 
not offered perfect results from treatment. 

A greater benefit than maturity was noticed under the above treatments in 
the individual coniparative weights of the cabbages harvested. Without going into 
details again with the various varieties, it was found that, covering the whole 
experiment, a net increase of approximately 2 lb. per individual cabbage was figured 
in favour of the treated cabbages over those left untreated. Quicker maturity of 
the treated plants also resulted. 

The diluted mixtures did not harm any cabbage, not even those in the seed- 
bed, when treated while growing. Dipped plants at transplanting were apparently 
checked somewhat, but in the main survived. The eggs were not affected by treat- 
ment by either carbolic or kerosene emulsions. 

In a large turnip-field experiment performed at Agassiz two significant points 
appear to have been demonstrated: (1.) The net results in weights of turnips 
harvested on equal proportions of an acre from roots treated with solutions of kero- 
sene and carbolic emulsions over untreated roots do not warrant the time, labour, 
or expense of liquid treatment of the roots. (2.) That thinly seeded rows possess 
more eggs and maggots per root than thickly seeded rows, and that the process of 
“thinning” the roots in the row again affects the infestation per individual. Conse- 
quently, from the past summer’s experience, it would seem advisable to seed heavily— 
roughly, sixty to eighty plants to the lineal foot—and follow this by “ thinning” in 
the month of June. 

Experiments performed by others in the past have indicated that good success 
may follow the use of thin felt-paper tarred disks placed around the neck of cabbages 
and cauliflowers flush to the ground; that radishes may be screened against the fly; 
that the old cabbage-stalks and refuse left around the field had best be destroyed 
as soon as the crop is harvested; and that rotation of land be practised as far as 
possible. 


Tue IMporTED CABBAGE-WoRM (Pontia rape, Sch.). 


According to the late Dr. Fletcher in his Annual Report of 1901-1902, this insect 
was first recorded at Kaslo in 1899. It proved very troublesome in 1901, having 
spread over the entire Province. During the summer of 1900 it reached Vancouver 
Island. This insect of recent years, though present, has not attracted very much 
attention from gardeners and farmers. The white butterflies are noticed early in 
the spring and are known to all. The caterpillars feed on a number of plants of 
the cruciferous family. They are green in colour and over 1 inch in length when 
fully mature. 

Arsenate of lead applied before the cabbages “ head out” will be found the best 
remedy. 


B.C. ENromonocican Socrery. 


THE CurtworMs (Peridroma saucia, Hbn.; Hupsephopoectes procinctus, Grt.). 

Are both recorded for the Lower Fraser Valley. These troublesome insects are 
known to all, and at times, in years of prevalence, become very destructive. They 
can be controlled when their damage is observed by the use of a mixture of bran, 
molasses, and Paris green. The “worms” as a rule only feed at night, so if this 
mixture is placed near the plants in the evening many eutworms will suffer from 
the effects of the arsenic. 


THe Onton-MaAcGor (Phorbia cepetorum, Meade). 


Is a species very similar to the cabbage-maggot in characteristics and habits, 
and can be controlled the same way, with the addition that affected plants can be 
pulled up whenever seen during the season. 


GREENHOUSE AND GARDEN INSECTS. 


THe CHRYSANTHEMUM LEAF-MINER (Phytomyza chrysanthemi, Kowarz). 

This insect is very common in and around the City of Vancouver. It is princi- 
pally destructive as a greenhouse insect, attacking white daisies and chrysanthemums. 
It is believed also to breed in the leaves of wild plants in the open. 

The adult is a very small black fly, somewhat sluggish in its movements. It 
lays its eggs just beneath the epidermal layer of the leaf, and the larvee mine and 
feed between the two surfaces. Pup are formed in the leaf and can be observed 
to have punctured the epidermis of the leaf to render the escape of the fly somewhat 
easier, and possibly also for breathing purposes. From the pup the fly eventually 
emerges, to again begin the cycle of life. The generations appear to be very rapid, 
especially under the heated conditions of greenhouses; consequently a continuous 
watch must be kept for the fly and the larve. 

It is believed that the nicotine extracts would prove beneficial as a control for 
the laryie and pups within the leaves. Hand-picking of the affected leaves is of 
yalue, but is troublesome. Both measures followed closely by sulphur or hydro- 
eyanic-acid. gas fumigation to prevent the flies from depositing eggs would probably 
reduce the numbers of the insect effectively.” 
Tur TARNISHED PLANT-BuG (Lygus pratensis, L.)- 

This Capsid has been reported and observed destructive to dahlias, carnations, 
and chrysanthemums in British Columbia greenhouses. From its proven omnivorous 
habits it probably attacks many more plants than observed. The adult is about 4 
inch long, somewhat shield-shaped in outline, brown in colour, marked with black, 
red, and yellow. The displacement of the colour and markings is variable. 

Unlike the majority of insects mentioned throughout this paper, which pass from 
an egg to the larva, to the pupa, and thus to the adult, this Capsid passes from the 
egg to the nymph, which grows and moults several times before attaining the size 
and appearance of the full-grown adult. Consequently we may find stages of the 
nymphal period all at work on our plants conjointly with the adults. 

Messrs. F. H. Chittenden and H. O. Marsh, in the Journal of Economic Ento- 
mology, Vol. 8, 1910, claim that the eggs of this species are laid on a variety of plants, 
among them being the kale, turnip, and mullein, on the upper side of leaves, in 
petioles of leaves and in the stems of plants. From these eggs the nymphs hatch 
and commence to suck the juices of the host-plants. This insect, while being of 
economic importance to the farmer, has become a nuisance to the greenhouse 
gardener. It will attack the young developing buds and flowers of the plant, suck- 
ing the juices from one side, so that as the bloom opens up it will be found to have 
developed on one side only, or malformations in a variety of ways takes place, 
which hinders the market value of the cut bloom. 

As a control in the greenhouse, kerosene emulsion or one of the nicotine 
extracts sprayed in weak dilution, perferably as early in the morning as possible, 


Procerpincs, 1914. 31 


owing to the fact that the bugs are less active at this time of day, will retain the 
insects within reasonable bounds. For further efficiency spraying had best be carried 
on more or Jess once a week. 

THE GREENHOUSE THRIP. 

It is popularly supposed among florists in Vancouver that this Thrip is 4 more 
economic pest than the before-mentioned tarnished plant-bug to bloom in the green- 
house. It is claimed that injury to chrysanthemums is different to the injury caused 
by the “bug”: that the bud is attacked at an earlier stage by the Thrip, and that 
the entire bud is destroyed and “thrown blind.” We are not in a position to state 
definitely the actual state of affairs without further study. The main injury by the 
Thrip is caused to the leaves, which it readily attacks, with attendant loss to the 
plant. The injury to the bloom is questionable as yet, there being a certain con- 
fusion in the respective attacks of the “bug” and the Thrip. 

The same control measures as applied for the “ bug” will apply to the Thrip. 


Toe Burp-mMire (Rhizoglyphus hyacinthi, Boisd.). 


This mite is considered from many shades of opinion. Some of the most promi- 
nent entomologists of the United States claim great damage due to the mite, and 
claim no infected bulbs should reach the planter; others acknowledge the undoubted 
and primary injury to bulbs by the mites, but their universality and habits prohibit 
satisfactory quarantine measures, inspection, or control; while others, again, con- 
sider the mites as secondary in importance and injury. This mite is present in 
British Columbia to-day, but we can offer no data as to the extent of its actual 
injury. Specimens of this mite arrive every year from Europe and Japan, and 
it is doubtful whether any consignment of bulbs can be considered free. The mites 
so commonly seen in onions and decaying roots, cabbages, or vegetable matter are 
probably referable to the same species. There is no doubt that these mites are 
capable of being the primary injury to sound bulbs, but from their usual association 
with injuries caused by rots and other insects in roots and bulbs, it is probable that 
more often their presence is secondary. 

The economic status of this animal is only recent in study; consequently no 
control measure can be considered. 


Narctssus-Fty (Merodon equestris, F.). 

Mr. Priestly Norman, of Victoria, in the Proceedings of this Society for 1911, 
has published as extensive a paper on the habits and-prevalence of this insect 
in this Province as we have for reference. Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt, Dominion 
Sutomologist, in his Annual Report for 1911, refers to this insect under British 
Columbia conditions, as follows: “In British Columbia it is now a serious pest of 
bulbs, and Mr. A. BE. Wallace reported it as attacking narcissus and daffodil bulbs 
near Victoria, B.C., about 50,000 bulbs having been destroyed in the year.” 

We gather, therefore, that this insect is 2 most serious one on Vancouver Island. 
Mr. Norman believes it was imported into British Columbia about 1904 on bulbs 
and has been allowed to increase. On the Mainland, in and around Vancouver, this 
insect is most decidedly gaining in importance and prevalence. From reports from 
owners of gardens in the City of Vancouver and from personal observations, it would 
appear there has been a decided gain in the numbers and injuriousness of this insect 
within the city. No special endeavour has been put forward up to the present to 
instruct people in regard to this insect, and, as mention of it has been spontaneous, 
we are safe in assuming that the insect is gaining ground and liable to become a 
serious pest. 

Mr. Norman, in referring to this insect, desires it to be known that he has only 
judged this insect somewhat impersonally, and that the following life-history notes 
are merely opinions gathered from the practical association with bulb-growing. 

7 The adult is a fly resembling a horse-fly, and may be seen from the end of March 
till September. It is more commonly observed in May. The point of egg-deposition 


32 B.C. Enromonocican Soctery. 


is in the crown at the surface of the ground. The “grub” or larva then finds its 
way to the heart and here feeds, grows, and sets up a rot in the bulb. The larva 
will then remain in the bulb until the following February, when it vacates the bulb 
and changes to the pupa state about % inch below the surface of the ground, and 
from there hatches to the fly. “The true narcissus type is most susceptible to 
attack, then come the intermediate season daffodils. Iecurvus and Barii conspicius 
are most subject to attack, while ‘Henry Irving,’ ‘Golden Spur,’ and ‘ Princeps’ 
are almost free as are the late daffodils.” 

Quoting the report of Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt: “The method of eradication which 
has been found most simple and efficient in Europe is the annual lifting of the bulbs 
and the destruction of all those which are found to be attacked by the maggots as 
can readily be seen.” 4 

Consequently, in the spring and fall, when bulbs are planted and dug, care 
should be taken in selection and bulbs found infested should be destroyed. The grub 
can be detected by pressure of the bulb, indicating a softness within, or by an 
examination of the root-crown, where infested bulbs will show a point of entrance. 
The grub may vary in length, but it attains a growth of % to 1 inch in length and 
is broad in proportion. Bulbs should not be left in the ground throughout the 
summer. 


RosE-LEAF Hopper. 


Frequently rose-bushes and other garden plants will exhibit their leaves finely 
speckled with minute whitish or yellow dots. Later the dots form areas of 
discoloration which are white or yellow at first, but later may become brown. On 
the under-surface of the leaf minute yellowish green insects which hop freely when 
disturbed will be found. They are the cause of the mischief. It is believed that the 
winter is passed in the egg stage under the bark of the new wood. In the spring 
these eggs hatch to form small active nymphs which are at first wingless, but 
gradually grow by successive moults to the fully winged hopping individual. These 
adults will have developed by June. 

The best remedies are the soap emulsions, kerosene emulsion being particularly 
satisfactory applied in the form of a spray during May. Particular attention should 
be paid to forcing the spray to the under-sides of the leaves. 


THE OBLIQUE BANDED LEAF-ROLLER (Archips rosaceana, Harr.). 


This insect is common in Vancouver and is the cause of much disappointment to 
the amateur rose-gardener. The larva is generally light green in colour, with a 
dark-brown or black head, and is found in a curled portion of a leaf. It readily 
devours the leaf, clustering several leaves together, making the bush unsightly. 
When disturbed, the larvee become very active, wriggle away, and drop from their 
nest by means of a thread. 

The most annoying injury caused is to the young blossom-bud in the spring. 
When the rose finally blooms it will be found to be riddled and perforated by a 
number of feeding areas, totally spoiling the appearance. Frequently the entire bud 
will be destroyed. When the larva has become full grown the pupa is formed, being 
light to dark brown in colour and about %4 inch long. Later from these pup the 
moths appear. In Vancouver they fly the first days of July, being attracted in great 
numbers to electric lights. In general colour they are brown. It is believed that a 
second brood of laryze appear in August and September. 

As a control, arsenate of lead at the rate of 1 oz. to a gallon of water at once 
commends itself as an efficient remedy for the larvze, applied in the form of a spray 
at the early part of the Spring. Trap-lights set in pans of water will also catch 
many moths in July. 


ProcEEDINGS, 1914. 3D 


In summarizing the essential times for spray application te 
Fraser Valley, we deduce the following :-— 


apples in the Lower 


_ Insect. Spray. With what. 
PSU IMO Lc are .e iota owen, PASM te tere eyrarevotaneyn Arsenate of lead. - 
Lesser apple-worm ....| In April and in July ..| Arsenate of lead. 
Woe@at-OllSI == .35/4\0) «velar sie In April Arsenate of lead. 
Fall web-worm ........ In July Arsenate of lead. 
Tent-caterpillar ....... l Bradt UD ECS hes a eich acho Arsenate of lead. 
WVOOllyapiSis ayaa In April and June ..... Kerosene emulsion. 
Cigar-case bearer ...... In April or June ....... Arsenate of lead. 
POAL=SLUSY, teresa csosvec/oe Tan SUM OMA ctcye eetersarc haze Arsenate of lead. 
Click-beetles* << <.'..: 3.=. STAND PN recat cove ieraioc ate rcc avs Arsenate of lead. 
ROSY (APNIS ie rocesvas as wel TAT Py cr avaa ortyete cave fateite Lime-sulphur and Black Leaf 40. 
Auropean grain-aphis ..| Im April .............. Lime-sulphur and Black Leaf 40. 
The apple-aphis ....... AmMBA TIS ee size cree eee oe Lime-sulphur and Black Leaf 40. 
Oyster-shell scale ...... V6 ai fibtol eas Snare ease .-.. | Lime-sulphur. 
Pear-leaf blister-mite ..| In April or September .. | Lime-sulphur. 


From the above it will be seen that the two essential mixtures are lime-sulphur 
and arsenate of lead. Black Leaf 40 is also of use against aphides. These three 
ingredients can be mixed together satisfactorily without injury to the relative 
effectiveness of any one. It will be seen also that the first spraying on apple-trees 
is required during April or at the time when the buds are breaking and previous to 
the formation of blossom. The second spraying should take place in June or after 
the blossoms have fallen. The third or midsummer sprays will only be required 
during exceptional cases and relative to special insects. The same applies to the 
fall sprays and winter spraying. The first two sprayings are necessary, one year 
with another, in every orchard in the Lower Fraser. The later sprayings are 
optional to the grower, and need only be applied in special cases of severe infestation 
and as specially directed remedies against special outbreaks. It should be borne 
strictly in mind, however, that these spray recommendations can be considered only 

’ from the standpoint of the insects. The various fungous diseases are probably more 
serious to the apple-grower than any existing insect attack, and these diseases have 
to be fought by special methods and at special times. From information at our 
disposal, we are informed that three sprayings a year are necessary in the majority 
of orchards in the valley. ‘The first two coincide with the first two insect sprays— 
viz., in April and in June—and the third takes place in the fall, in September or 
October, depending on climatic conditions of the year and as to whether the tree is 
in fruit or otherwise. The lime-sulphur may be used in the spring sprayings against 
the fungi as against the insects. Bordeaux or lime-sulphur may be applied in the 
fall, according to the preference of the grower. 

The following insects are believed to be present in the valley, but further records 
are necessary before further reference is made: The raspberry-cane borer; the 
raspberry-root borer; gooseberry-borer; several blossom-beetles; Teras minuta; 
apple-bucealatrix; Archips argysopila; apple-scolytids; apple-sawfly; flat-headed 
apple-borers; round-headed apple-borers; apple-leaf miner; Aspidiotus ostreforniis ; 
Pulvinaria innumerabilis; Chionaspis furfura; ved spider; clover-mite; Vanessa 
antiopa; Plodia interpunctella, with several others of lesser importance. 

BEE-DISEASES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA. 
By F. DunpAs Topp, AprArY INSPECTOR, LOWER FRASER VALLEY. 

Once upon a time, it is said, a learned gentleman was called upon to prepare a 
paper for a natural history society upon the subject of “Snakes in Ireland.” He 


disposed of the whole matter in one sentence, ‘There are no snakes in Ireland.” 
3 


34 B.C. Enromouocican Socrery. 


While not posing as a learned gentleman, I have been asked to write for this 
Society a brief paper on ‘‘ Bee-diseases in British Columbia,” with the solemn 
warning from the Secretary that I must limit my verbosity to the reasonable 
duration of fifteen minutes. But in one respect I can emulate the brevity of the 
learned gentleman who was posted on snakes, and say: “So far as I know, there 
are no serious bee-diseases in British Columbia.” Understand, please, that we are 
not without worries, for if the chiefs of our Agricultural Department had not luckily 
inaugurated hive-inspection at a most opportune moment, we in British Columbia 
would to-day be probably fighting a rearguard action against a most insidious foe. 
Three times in three years foul-brood, the most deadly of all bee-diseases, has broken 
out in the Province, but thanks to the all-pervading system of apiary-inspection in 
force, each outbreak has been discovered and so terminated before it had a chance 
to spread from the centre of infection. British Columbia, so far as I know, is the 
only part of the world where systematic inspection of every hive is the rule, and 
the results of the past three years demonstrate the wisdom of the procedure. 

The first discovered case of foul-brood was introduced from Ontario by a settler. 
The second case as the result of the bringing-in of a colony of bees from England by 
a rancher, who had a warm spot in his heart for the kind of bees he had handled 
in the Home-land. The third case was found in an apiary that had been imported 
from Oregon. The most noticeable feature of the last case lies in the fact that the 
germs apparently lay dormant for three years at least, for the disease did not 
develop until the hives had been in their new location for that period of time. 

There is a report of a possible fourth case. One bee-keeper reported to me that 
several of his colonies had been affected and that he had traced the infection to an 
empty honey-can that had been thrown outside by a neighbour. The honey came 
from Ontario, a Province where foul-brood is so widespread that sixteen Inspectors 
are unable to make headway against its ravages. The bee-keeper at once destroyed 
all infected combs and apparently eliminated the disease, but with the delayed 
development that happened in the Oregon case before us, you may be sure this 
particular apiary will be closely watched in 1914, 

Outside of foul-brood, there are many minor bee-diseases which have been loosely 
classified as “ pickle-brood.” In 1912 there were hundreds of cases of pickle-brood 
in the district of the Lower Fraser Valley, so many that I had considerable anxiety ; 
so about half a dozen samples were submitted to the Bacteriological Department at 
Washington, D.C., where special investigations on the causes of the bee-diseases have 
been conducted for many years. It is comforting to know that in every instance 
they reported that the ailment was not of a serious nature. 

The trouble reappeared in 1913, but in a very mild form, and in greatly 
diminished number of cases. By the end of 1912 I had come to the opinion that 
the very variable weather of the spring and summer was the cause of the trouble. 

During the ‘* building-up” season, when nectar is coming in, the unsealed honey 
is naturally first fed to the larvie. . Should this become exhausted, then the sealed 
stores are brought into requisition. Given a week of warm weather in spring with 
a free flow of nectar, the colony will expand the brood-nest and induce the queen 
to lay freely. Then let a few days’ rain occur, with a consequent stoppage of nectar, 
the natural result is that the unsealed honey is all used up and the bees must uncap 
the old stores. 

This takes time, but the work of the hive has been organized on the basis of 
easily reached food-supply. As a consequence, many larvie are sealed up for the 
pupation period with insufficient food-supply, and consequently die of starvation. 
This particular form of pickle-brood is really starved brood, and therefore not 
infectious. Until I came to grasp the real facts of the situation there was naturally 
an anxious time for me. 

By deciding to quarantine all imported bees at the point of entry, the Province 
has practically eliminated the possibility of introducing foul-brood along with 
settlers’ effects, but unfortunately we are unable to completely attain immunity. 


Proceepines, 1914. 35. 


We are very seriously threatened all along the International Boundary-line, for in 
many parts of the. State of Washington, to the south, foul-brood is rampant, 
especially in the Seattle and Tacoma districts. Eyery dead cedar-tree is a possible 
home for a swarm, and so we must look forward to the time, and that not very far 
distant, when the trouble will reach British Columbia by the dead cedar route. 
IT have seen at least a hundred bee trees in my territory, so I am led to expect that 
there are more wild bee colonies than those under control in the valley of the Lower 
Fraser. Since man has but little influence over bees in trees, a long Wearisome 
fight will have to be waged while the increasing population is clearing the land. 

The danger from infested honey is ever imminent, for every jar of imported 
honey is a possible menace. I am in hopes that in a few years this particular form 
will be materially lessened, as the Bee Inspectors, in giving instruction in apiculture, 
have materially brought about an increase in the honey-production. It is now 
evident that there is in existence at the present time in British Columbia sufficient 
hives of bees to produce as much honey as we import, provided all of them are as 
intelligently managed as are the most efficient. There has been a widespread 
opinion among bee-keepers that our Province was not a good honey country, but 
the Inspectors have been able to devise methods for each locality, so that the more 
enterprising men have got enough of a honey-crop to encourage them to put more 
time into the study of apiculture, feeling that the monetary returns will more than 
justify the effort. 

After all has been said and done, the most efficient corps of Foul-brood Inspectors 
will ultimately consist of efficient and successful bee-keepers. To produce these is 
the chief aim of the Bee Inspectors of the Province of British Columbia at the 
present. time. 


The President: You have heard this very interesting paper by Mr. Todd. It 
is to be regretted that he was unable to be present with us to-day to say these things 
in person. However, if there are any present who would like to say a few words 
on the subject, I am sure we would be glad to hear them. 

Mr. Treherne: It is unfortunate Mr. Todd, in his paper, has not been more 
definite in his reports of the foul-brood cases. I presume he refers to the Lower 
Fraser Valley alone. 

Mr. Robinson: I am sorry Mr. Todd is not present also, as I would like to ask 
some questions. 

Mr. Day: I notice Mr. Todd was a little indefinite in reporting the occurrence 
of foul-brood in the Province. Are there any specific cases determined and reported 
in British Columbia? 

Mr. Robinson: For myself, I do not know whether any exist or not. Two 
supposed cases occurred at Vernon last year. Our official reports on the subject 
are too vague for correct diagnosis. 

Mr. Treherne: To what extent does American foul-brood occur in the State 
of Washington? 

Mr. Robinson: I have no records with me, but I fancy there is quite a good 
deal of it. 

Mr. Day: And it can be carried by bees in flight? 

Mr. Robinson: Certainly. 

Mr. Treherne: How close is it to the border? 

Mr. Robinson: We do not know. I would like to say, in discussion on Mr. 
Todd’s paper, that in my opinion the present quarantine regulations which force 
bees to be held for ninety days at the border is not only not humane, but not an 
efficient safeguard to the Province. The bees will die from worry or from starvation, 
and the danger of an infected colony confined at the border is no guarantee that the 
disease is held in bounds. For a complete safeguard I would like to see a complete 
and efficient quarantine against all imported bees and bee products of the hive. 

- Honey is one of the prime causes of infection and distribution of foul-brood, and the 


36 B.C. ENrToMOLOGICAL Socrery. 


case mentioned in Mr. Todd’s paper, in his Oregon case where the disease, if it 
proved to be, held over for three years, is quite possible. Empty honey-tins of 
imported honey may also spread the disease. 

(A long and interesting discussion on the above lines proceeded for some time, 
in which all the members joined. In the evening session the discussion again began 
regarding the possibility of introducing foul-brood, with the result that a resolution 
Was moved -and passed relating to the issue. This resolution will be seen on 
page 74.) 

Mr. Taylor: While we are on the subject of bee-diseases, I would like to bring 
up the question of the possibility of the germs of fire-blight (Bacillus amylovorus) 
“carrying over” in hives during winter. I may say that at a recent meeting at 
Kelowna a discussion on the above subject was begun and it caused quite a stir. 
The growers thought that the disease was spread from the hives to the trees in the 
spring, and if this was so it meant another way of combating the disease which 
during the last year has been very destructive to our orchards in the Okanagan. 
I told the meeting in Kelowna that I would bring the matter to the attention of the 
entomolegists in session in January to determine what was known in the matter. 
Can any one offer any suggestions? 

Mr. Lyne: I would like to remark that there is an excuse for the growers in 
their supposition that there is a possibility of carrying over the disease in wax or 
honey in bee-hives. It is well known, of course, that the bees are the active agents 
in the spring for spreading blossom-infection; consequently it may be so as they 
suggest. I am not prepared to say. The question may prove to me a scientific 
problem which may be of use. 

Mr. Taylor: I may say that I asked Mr. Brittain when he was with us in the 
Okanagan, and the question was new to him. I placed my bees at his disposal, but 
he had no time. At any time I should be glad to place my bees at the disposal of 
any who would care to work out the problem. 

Mr. Robinson: I have no data on this point, neither have I heard the question 
asked before. I can offer no suggestions on the point beyond the fact that, if this 
disease you mention can be carried over in bee-hives during winter, the same treat- 
ment as D. A. Jones some thirty years ago applied to foul-brood colonies may be 
applicable. In this case germs are carried over and all attempts at disinfection 
were useless. The starvation cure, however, proved successful. This consisted of 
shaking the bees into new hives and starving them. When some dropped it was 
supposed the germs or spores of the disease were killed. The bees were then 
returned to their quarters. 

Mr. Taylor: In view of the disconnected knowledge on this point I believe some 
kind of investigation would be in place. I will therefore place the following resolu- 
tion before you. (This resolution will be found on page 73.) 

Mr. Day: We will now adjourn for lunch, meeting here at 2 p.m. this afternoon. 


THE TENT-CATERPILLAR. 
By Tom WILson. 


The species of tent-caterpillar that we have with us in the Lower Fraser Valley 
is probably that known as Malacosoma erosa, which we are informed is only a 
variety species from J. disstria. Its appearance in the valley is periodical. It is 
subject to years of ups and downs in the matter of prevalence. The same occurs 
with a great many insects, and this periodical occurrence of insect-life, in abnormal 
numbers or otherwise, is, of course, influenced by natural causes, climate, fungus, 
bacterial diseases, or insect parasites being the main causes. 

The study of the real and actual causes under strictly local conditions and 
relative to this species of tent-caterpillar has not up till now been proceeded with, 
and I do not propose dealing with these issues in this paper. Suffice it to say that 
the tent-caterpillar, a familiar insect to all of the farmers in the valley, varies in 


PROCEEDINGS, 1914. 3 


its centres of infestation one year following another. One year it will be very 
troublesome on the Delta, and another year at Agassiz, and so on. It is therefore 
with the purpose of detailing the centres of infestation, such as I have notes on, each 
succeeding year, to demonstrate the trend and the migrations of these insects, that 
is the main reason for this paper. 

In 1896 the caterpillars were very prevalent in the Lower Fraser Valley from 
Agassiz down to the mouth of the Fraser Valley; that is, the entire valley was 
severely troubled by the presence of these insects. 

In 1897 the caterpillars were again present throughout the valley, with a slight 
increase in numbers in the Chilliwack District and a lessening or easing off through 
the Delta. 

In 1898 Chilliwack, Langley, and Surrey were the centres of infestation, while 
there was a lessening in abundance on the north shore of the Fraser and a practical 
disappearance on the immediate coast. : 

In 1899 only a few caterpillars were observed in the valley this year, which 
indicated that some disease coupled with its own insect parasites had been active 
during the fall of 1898. This remarkable disappearance of the insect in injurious 
numbers is worthy of note, for this condition of almost freedom continued until 1907. 
a period of nearly ten years. I do not wish to advance any theories on these happen- 
ings, as they are beyond my ken, but I merely wish to record the dates and the years 
when these caterpillars were troublesome to the farmer. The points or centres of 
infestation already mentioned ‘were severe infestations, the caterpillars causing 
serious injury to the foliage of orchard as well as to ornamental or forest trees. 

In 1908 the caterpillars appeared again during the summer, evidently from eggs 
laid the previous fall. They evidently had come up from the State of Washington 
from the south, as they were very destructive from the International Boundary-line 
through the Delta, Surrey, and Langley Districts. They appeared in slight numbers 
in the Chilliwack and Agassiz*Districts and only lightly on the north shore of the 
Fraser. This 1908S infestation was severe and covered a great deal of territory, and 
when it is considered that in the year previous (1907) there was a practical freedom, 
with the exception of a slight infestation somewhat heavier than elsewhere in that 
year about Maple Ridge on the north shore of the river and at Langley on the south, 
it seems the more remarkable. 

In 1909 the infestation had increased to a great extent, about the same territory 
as in 1908 being still the worst infested. It may be practically said that the infesta- 
tion was doubled at each point as compared with the year previous. 

In 1910 the moths had evidently flown up the river towards Lytton, for during 
this summer a few caterpillars were observed at this point. Hope, Ruby Creek, 
Agassiz, Chilliwack, Harrison River, and Dewdney were evidently the centres of 
infestation, while there was also a continuance, but possibly to a lesser degree, in 
the Langley, Surrey, and Boundary Districts. -It was apparent the infestation was 
moving eastward. 

In 1911 only a few caterpillars remained at Chilliwack and Surrey. I have no 
notes on the country east up the river, but judging from the migration route it would 
appear possible that the Lytton District: was the centre of infestation. 

In 1912 only a few remained up the river, while the Fraser Valley was fairly 
free. 2 

In 1913 there were no caterpillars in the Lower Fraser Valley, but the country 
about the Pemberton Meadows and as far up the Fraser River Valley as Quesnel 
were very severely infested. An account of this infestation I have included in 
another part of this bulletin under the heading of “ Insects for the Year.” 

This present winter (1914) I have been on the search for egg-masses, but I have 
been forced to consider that we are not likely to be again visited by the caterpillars 
this coming season. If there is such a thing as recurring seasons, and any detinite 
rule on which Mother Nature works, it may be possible that we will not again be 
troubled by a serious outbreak, such us the ones I have mentioned, for possibly ten 


38 B.C. ENromonocicaL Sociery. 


years. It will be very interesting to see when and from where the next infesta- 
tion comes, but in the meantime I wil! not dare to set my brains to work to offer 
suggestions as to the controlling influences in the universe, to predict when the next 
outbreak occurs. 

So far as Vancouver Island is concerned, my notes extend back only as far as 
1908, in which year the caterpillars were very numerous and destructive in the 
neighbourhood of Victoria and up the line of the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway 
to all points where there was a preponderance of crab-apple trees. 

In 1909 it was again very prevalent about the same points and through as far 
as Alberni. 

In 1910 there was a distinct lessening of the attack at all the above points on 
the Island. I have notes to show that a great deal of parasitism took place this 
summer, which must have been very effective, for in 1911 they had practically 
disappeared, and thus far have not appeared again. 

Here again, as on the Mainland, it is gratifying to note the scarcity of egg-masses 
in most of the districts which have been subject to the heaviest attacks in the past, 
both in orchard and forest. 


PRELIMINARY NOTE ON THE WORK OF ERIOPHYES SP. UPON APPLES, 
APRICOTS, AND PLUMS. 


By W. H. Brittain, B.S.A., PROVINCIAL ENTOMOLOGIST. 


The first specimen of the work of this mite to come under my notice on some 
young apples was sent in by Mr. Chas. Holt, of Balfour, B.C., on July 3rd, 1912. 
Since that time I have had samples sent in from all parts of the Kootenay and 
Okanagan Districts. The correspondent nearly invariably stated that the trouble 
attacked the same trees year after year and did not seem to spread rapidly through 
the orchard. Nearly always it was confined to a few varieties—Wealthy, Duchess, 
and Yellow Transparent. 

Affected fruit has a peculiar spotted or blotched appearance. The injury varies 
from slight elevations or blisters upon the skin, of about 1 m.m. diameter, to large, 
slightly raised blotches, which may involve one-quarter to three-quarters of the 
surface of the fruit, the cells below the surface being also affected to some extent. 
The raised patches vary considerably in colour, some appearing dark green or water- 
soaked; others dark red or reddish-brown; and others, again, a dark yellowish- 
brown. ‘The smaller blisters are in most cases red or reddish. In some cases the 
blotches are not raised at all. 

Where the injury is very severe the fruit may be dwarfed or stunted. The death 
of the cells and underlying tissues sometimes results in the formation of brown 
sunken spots or even cracks upon the fruit. The fruit may reach its normal size, 
but more often it drops prematurely. 

Where the mites are active a clear, slightly yellowish fluid will sometimes be 
detected oozing through the skin. Later the fluid may become cloudy, or whitish in 
colour. On examining this exudate and the tissue beneath, the adults and eggs of 
the mites were found in abundance. The exudate was first noticed on July 10th; 
and hundreds of samples of such fruit were examined at intervals throughout the 
season, the mites being present in each instance. 

On August 15th a number of apricots were sent in from Naramata, covered with 
reddish and brownish-yellow unraised blotches. Examination revealed the presence 
of the mites and their eggs. Similar specimens obtained from different parts of the 
Okanagan, obtained at the packing-house of the Vernon Fruit Union, showed the 
apricots to be affected by the mites. 

On August 19th Mr. Wm. Middleton, Jr., sent in a box of plums from Penticton. 
These plums were covered with raised russet spots and beads of a clear fluid. From 
these specimens were also obtained mites and their eggs. ; 


r 


Procerpincs, 1914. 3f 


An attempt was made to transfer the mites from diseased to healthy fruit. 
Though negative results were obtained in most cases, the typical mite-blisters were 
produced in a few instances and the mites again recovered from the inoculated fruit. 
From this it would seem that these mites are probably responsible for the foregoing 
symptoms on apples, apricots, and plums. 

From inquiries which we have received, and from notes taken regarding the 
distribution and destructiveness of the “‘apple-blotch mite,” there seems to be no 
doubt that this pest is one te be reckoned with by fruit-growers in all parts of the 
Province, 

A number of correspondents claim to have exhausted every means of control 
without effect. A careful study should undoubtedly be made of the life-history of 
the mite, and experiments conducted with a view of obtaining some satisfactory 
method of control, 


ANTS AS FRUIT-TREE PESTS. 
By W. H. Brittain, B.S.A., PROVINCIAL ENTOMOLOGIST. 


I first noticed the work of these ants. which were determined by Dr. Wheeler 
as Formica rufa, Linn., subs. obscuripes, upon peach-blossoms at Penticton on May 
3rd, 1912. The ants were boring into the nectaries of the blossoms, destroying the 
pistil and feeding upon the nectar. In some cases small round holes were eaten in 
the petals, and in a few instances the young tender foliage was injured in a similar 
manner. 

In an orchard at Summerland on May 10th, 1913, I noticed a Morello cherry-tree 
in which 75 per cent. of the blossoms were destroyed by these ants, which swarmed 
over the tree and ate out the pistil of the flower to get at the nectar. 

At Kelowna on May 12th, 1912, Mr. Lionel Taylor, of the Bankhead Orchards, 
called my attention to apple-blossoms injured in the same manner as above. 

In no case where I have seen this injury has there been any aphides present 
on the trees. It is conceivable that herein lies the explanation for this strange 
behaviour of the ants. In a German paper (Vosseler J. Verhinderung des Fruchtan- 
satzes bei Coboea durch Ameisen. Zeitschr. Wiss. Insectenbiol. 11, 1906, pp. 204-206) 
mention is made of an ant boring into the blossoms of Cobwa scandens to get at the 
nectar. 

Though this species is an abundant one everywhere in the North-west, little 
seems to be known of its habits and life-history. I have only one note on the habits 
of the species, taken at Vernon on June 15th, 1913. <A large number of the ants 
were swarming around the base of the apple-tree, busily engaged in destroying and 
carrying off the cutworms which were abundant in the soil of the orchard. Though 
the insect is a very small one, it seemed capable of handling a cutworm considerably 
larger than itself. 

PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. 


(G. O. Day, F.E.S.) 


Gentlemen,—When I was casting about in my mind for a subject for an address 
this evening, it appeared to me that a review of the study of entomology in the 
Province would be suitable and useful and perhaps acceptable to our members, 
especially to those who have joined our Society in recent years. On mentioning the 
matter to our Secretary, Mr. Treherne, I found that he had already written a paper 
covering much the same ground that J had intended to deal with, and supplementing 
the information contained in Mr. Tom Wilson’s address in 1911. 

I urged Mr. Treherne to read the paper himself, and I would content myself with 
a few general remarks on other matters. However, with great generosity he placed 
the results of his labours at my disposal. So you must please understand that the 
following is a joint production. -I feél extremely reluctant to appropriate another 
man’s work for my address to-day, but as Mr. Treherne was down on the programme 
to read another paper, and also because I am confident that the notes he has gathered 


. 


AY) B.C. EnromoLocicaL Socirery. 


together will form an interesting record for future reference, I have put my hesita- 
tion at using them on one side. 

All records point to one man, the late Rey. George W. Taylor, F.R.S.C., F°.Z.8., 
as the first active entomologist in this Province. He settled on Vancouver Island in 
about the year 1877 and studied for the ministry. In 1881 he was made a Fellow 
of the Royal Society of Canada, obtaining this honour largely through his interest 
in entomology. During the next few years Mr. Taylor proved himself an active 
collector and a keen student in the order. At the annual meeting of the Entomo- 
logical Society of Ontario, held in London, Ontario, October 15th, 1884, he presented 
the Society with a collection of Diurnal Lepidoptera through the medium of Mr. 
James Fletcher. 

In 1885 a record is found on the ‘‘ Entomology of Vancouver Island; Notes 
on Seventy-six Species of Cicindelidze and Carabidze collected near Victoria, Van- 
couver Island,” by George W. Taylor, Victoria, B.C. In the remarks on this paper, 
Mr. Taylor says: ‘“ The beetles enumerated were all taken by myself in the neigh- 
bourhood of Victoria during the past few seasons. . . . A large number (40) of 
those I now record are new to the Canadian fauna, that is as far as my knowledge 
of the same goes, and some of these additions are very interesting ones.” Mr. Taylor 
adds further in the same paper: ‘I have added to the list two species taken on 
the Mainland of British Columbia by Mr. James Fletcher (of Ottawa) in 1883 and 
very generously given to me.” 

A demand for entomological knowledge was evidently beginning to be felt within 
the Province at this time, for in 1S87 Mr. Taylor was appointed Honorary Provincial 
Entomologist for British Columbia. 

The next evidence of activity is in 1893, when in a bulletin of the Natural 
History Society of British Columbia, which was printed under the auspices of the 
Government, we find a ‘‘ Report on the Entomology of British Columbia,” prepared 
by Messrs. W. H. Danby and C. De Blois Green. In the text of this report we 
receive light on the status of entomology at the time. A “ Preliminary Check List 
of Lepidoptera collected in British Columbia” is included therein. This list contains 
the names of ninety species of Diurnals and seventy-one species of Heterocera, all, 
with the exception of one species of butterfly, given on the authority of the two 
authors, Messrs. Danby and Green. There is also included a plate illustrating seven 
new species, viz., Humelia danbyi, Xylomiges candida, Rancora strigata, Pleroma 
apposita, Xylomiges putchella, Xylomiges cognata, and Taeniocampa ferrigera. 

Working Lepidopterists here this evening will form a judgment from this list 
of species recorded as new in 1893 how little collecting had been done before that 
date, for, with the exception of the last two of the species mentioned, the rest are 
now known to be more or less common. The list does not include any of the 
Geometridie nor any of the Microlepidoptera. In explanation of the omission, the 
following note is recorded: ‘The names of species belonging to the Geometrina 
cannot be included in this report, for the reason that to get them named by competent 
authorities takes considerable time, in consequence of the great care necessary to 
avoid mistakes.’ The report further states: “No great work was done (in 1892) 
in collecting Coleoptera, with perhaps the exception of capturing that rare beetle 
Ulochates lconinus, which is one of the few short-winged species of this family in 
our fauna, a single specimen being taken at Alert Bay, and a few other rare species 
being collected in Victoria, names of which have yet to be recorded. Many Diptera 
were collected, names unknown, with the exception of Anisopogon ludius, n. sp. nam. 
ed., by Mr. D. W. Coquillet, Los Angeles, Cal., which was captured at Goldstream 
on Mount Austen. Amongst the Arachnida very little was achieved, the species 
taken being collected more for friends than for study. However, a few specimens 
were kindly named by Dr. Nathan Banks, of Washington, D.C., amongst them being 
new species of Pardora and Coriaractine, also a variety of Bpeira insularis, Wentz.” 

No entomological work of importance seems to have been done in the Province 
between the date of this bulletin (1893) and 1901. the year in which the British 


Procerepincs, i914. 41 


Columbia Entomological Society was inaugurated. Before dealing with the forma- 
tion of the Society, it would perhaps be well to touch upon the literature applying 
to the insects of the Province available to students prior to 1901, and also noticing 
some of the works published since. 

At that time it is doubtful if local collectors had access to any illustrated books 
of any great use to them on any orders other than Lepidoptera. Most of the 
material had to be sent away to specialists for identification and naming. I may 
remark, in passing, that this necessity still exists, unfortunately, though to a lesser 
extent. Comstock’s “* Manual for the Study of Insects” was published in 1895. But 
this book, excellent though it is, so far as it goes, comprises all the orders of insects, 
and of necessity cannot treat the separate orders more than in a brief manner within 
the space of a single volume. 

When our branch of the Entomological Society of Ontario was formed, the 
Smithsonian Institute of Washington, D.C., presented it with a number of works 
relating respectively to most of the orders of insects. <A list of these books is given 
in the British Columbia Entomological Society’s Bulletin No. 5, and the works are 
still in our library. 

British Columbia collectors laboured under a further disadvantage, because most 
of these publications related to United States insects, and it was only in cases where 
the same insects occurred in both countries that our entomologists could obtain from 
books the information they wanted. 

On Lepidoptera the most generally accepted work was the “ List of the Lepidop- 
tera of Boreal America,” by John B. Smith, Sc.D., and others,, published in 1891. 
This. list was merely a list, and, moreover, did not contain a good many of the 
British Columbia species, but it was the only foundation students had to work upon 
at that time. It is therefore little wonder that the study made slow progress. 
A more ambitious and more comprehensive work on the same lines was published 
by the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, in 1902. The title of this is “ A List 
of North American Lepidoptera and Key to the Literature of this Order of Insects,” 
by Harrison G. Dyar, Ph.D. This catalogue, which found greater favour than 
Smith's, was in general use in the Province in 1903, and without doubt gave a 
great impetus to the systematic recording of moths and butterflies by our local 
entomologists. 

Other works which were, and still are, of great service to collectors in British 
Columbia are Mr. W. J. Holland’s “ Butterfly Book,” published in 1898, and the same 
author's “ Moth Book,” published in 1903. These two volumes contain coloured 
illustrations of most of the better-known species of Lepidoptera found in America 
north of the Rio Grande of Texas, and include many British Columbia insects. The 
price of these two books is within the reach of most of us. A more expensive work 
on the butterflies had previously been published, for in a preface to his “ Butterfly 
Book” Mr. Holland states: ‘A few years ago the preparation of such a work as 
this at the low price at which it is sold would have been an utter impossibility. 
‘The Butterflies of North America,’ by W. H. Edwards, published in three volumes, 
is sold at $150, and, as I know, is sold even at this price, below the cost of 
manufacture.” 

Another book useful to British Columbia collectors, but covering much the same 
ground as Holland’s, is W. G. Wright's “ Butterflies of the West Coast of the United 
States,” published in 1905. 

In 1904 Mr. August Busck, of the United States Department of Agriculture, 
published an account of the “ Tineid Moths from British Columbia, with Descriptions 
of New Species.” In the preface to this work the author honours, among others, 
Messrs. J. W. Cockle, of Kaslo, B.C., and Theodore Bryant, of Wellington, B.C., for 
assistance rendered in the work. 

In 1904 Dr. Harrison G. Dyar again publishes a valuable work on the “ Lepidop- 
tera of the Kootenai District of British Columbia.” In this work again the 
experience of Mr, J. W. Cockle is often referred to. 


42 B.C. ENromoiocicaL Sociery. 


In 1904, again, largely resultant from the impetus given the science of ento- 
mology in the Province by Dr. Dyar’s “ List of Lepidoptera,’ and founded directly 
on that list, Mr. Francis Kermode, Curator of the Provincial Museum, Victoria. 
assisted by Mr. E. M. Anderson, also of the Museum, published a “Catalogue of 
British Columbia Lepidoptera” from cabinet specimens in the Museum. 

This list was revised and enlarged in 1906 by the officers and other members 
of the British Columbia Entomological Society, and published by the authority of 
the Legislative Assembly from the Provincial Department of Agriculture. 

I will now go back to the point where I broke off to speak about the literature 
available to students in the Province. 

In 1901 we read of the formation of the British Columbia Entomological Society, 
of which the Rev. George W. Taylor naturally became the first President. The 
following account records the initi» ception proceedings, and the subse- 
quent occurrences relative to the Society, in the words of Mr. Tom Wilson when 
Vice-President in 1911: “In 1901 the late Dr. Fletcher had occasion to visit British 
Columbia in connection with the work of his Department. During his stay in Van- 
couver I had the opportunity of introducing him to Mr. R. V. Harvey, of the city, 
who was then Principal of Queen’s School. In discussing matters in connection with 
the entomological work in British Columbia, the idea was suggested to form a 
Society whose special object was to unify the work of those particularly interested 
in the study of insects in the Province. The idea came to maturity and the Society 
was formed. For two years we had a live Society here in Vancouver, with sueh 
members as Messrs. G. W. Taylor, Sherman, Bush, Dashwood-Jones,* Ed. Wilson, 
Draper, Marrion, Bryant, L. D. Taylor, Hanham. and myself in more or less regular 
attendance. . . . Regular meetings were held in Vancouver and reports were 
issued semi-monthly on matters of interest. These reports took the form of letters 
which were forwarded from one member to the other by the members themselves.” 

The first meeting of this Society was called on March 13th, 1902, in Queen’s 
School, Vancouver. Biannual meetings appear to have been held from this date 
until February 6th, 1905. The records of such meetings are preserved in a minute- 
hook, no attempt being made to print them for permanent distribution and record. 

Great credit is due R. V. Harvey, M.A., for his earnest endeavours in maintain- 
ing and recording the minutes and transactions of the Society. These same are 
being retained on the shelves of the Society to-day, and as they contain many 
notices of important captures and worthy resolutions, they will long be referred 
to by students in entomology. In fact, next to the late Rev. G. W. Taylor, I think 
we are mostly indebted to Mr. Harvey for the continuance of the Society as a Society 
from the commencement in 1901 until 1908, during which period he acted as Secre- 
tary, for when he gave up active interest in entomology, principally, no doubt, on 
account of increased professional responsibilities, not only were the bulletins (to be 
mentioned) dropped, but the meetings of the members ceased temporarily. 

This is not to be wondered at when it is remembered that most of the articles 
appearing in the bulletins were from Mr. Harvey’s pen. The bulletins contain much 
interesting reading and I cordially recommend them to your attention. Copies are 
to be found in the library of the Society. 

The first quarterly bulletin was published in March, 1906. In the opening 
paragraphs we find the following words: ‘‘ Ever since our Society was formed 
we have laboured under a difficulty which has severely handicapped our work— 
namely, the distance which separates individual members. . . . Attempts have 
heen made to meet this difficulty by sending round MS. notes, but here the neglect 
of one member has thrown the whole system out of gear. . . . Last December 
the Secretary approached the Provincial Department of Agriculture to obtain aid 
in printing a regular bulletin of our proceedings and work. This assistance has 
heen promised for one year, and it rests with us to prove to the Department the 
value of our work. The bulletin will be published in March, June, September, and 
- December, and a copy will be sent to each member.” 


Procerepincs, 1914. 45 


These bulletins contain reports of annual meetings, articles on breeding, collect- 
ing, etc.; on the “ Distribution of Insects in British Columbia”; on the * Captures 
and Lists of British Columbia Insects”; besides much other readable matter. It is 
refreshing to see that it is not only the order Lepidoptera that is dealt with, but 
that there is much information on other orders, especially Diptera and Coleoptera. 
The whole series of notes contained in these pamphlets represent good basal work 
for students in the Province for the future. 

The bulletins, ten in number, continued to be issued until June, 1908S, when, in 
the final number, the last record of an annual meeting of the Society, which took 
place at Duncan at the residence of Mr. G. O. Day on Thursday, April 16th, 1908, 
is found. 

Thus for so long—from March 13th, 1902, until April 16th, 1908—the Society 
was active and strong, but after this date no further regular meetings appear to 
have been held, until the Society was resuscitated later, on December 9th, 1911. In 
the words of Mr. Tom Wilson, Vice-President of the Society: ‘‘ Interest gradually 
waned—not, let it be understood, in entomologieal work, but rather as a Society.” 

On March 29th, 1905, a circular letter was sent out by the Secretary, Mr. Harvey. 
duly authorized by the Society, stating that the British Columbia Entomological 
Society had been duly affiliated as a branch of the Entomological Society of Ontario, 
and that the subscriptions of members, $1 per annum, would cover all the privileges 
attaching to both Societies—namely, the receipt of the Canadian Entomologist 
monthly and the monthly list of records circulated among the local members. This 
arrangement has heen carried out ever since that date, with the exception that the 
monthly list of records ceased. 

In addition to the literature already mentioned and the lists, notes, ete., in the 
‘quarterly bulletins, the Canadian Entomologist, issued mouthly, contains from time 
to time many notes and records for the Province of British Columbia. 

I will not deal with the review of the economic phase of the subject. as I am 
leaving this to Mr. Treherne, but before closing I would like to say a few words to 
bring the history of the Society up to date. & 

It is no doubt in the recollection of all of you that it is entirely owing to the 
energy and enterprise of Mr. Treherne that the Society has been made active again. 
He called a meeting in December, 1911, at Aberdeen School, Vancouver, at which 
seventeen regular members were in attendance and various papers read. 

The next meeting did not take place until January, 1913. This was held in the 
Botanical Room, Parliament Buildings, Victoria, kindly placed at our use by courtesy 
of the Minister of Agriculture, and the attendance of members was very satisfactory. 

A new departure was made by a proposal to hold a special summer meeting at 
Vernon, B.C. The meeting was duly held on July 18th and 19th, when hetween 
fifty and sixty persons were present at the various sessions. The papers read were, 
by a generally accepted arrangement, chiefly devoted to such subjects as injurious 
insects and spraying. The meeting proved most successful, the papers preseuted 
being instructive and valuable contributions to the science of economic entomology 

‘in connection with fruit-growing. 

Owing to the liberality of the Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Price 
Ellison, the Society has been enabled to print and publish full reports of all the 
papers given, and by the energy of our Secretary copies have heen widely distributed 
throughout Canada. ‘ 

Looking back upon the work of the past year, I think we have every reason to 
feel satisfied at the activities and progress of our Society, and be greatly encouraged 
to look forward to further usefulness and a continuance of interest in our particular 
study. 

Speaking for myself, I would like to say that I have felt much honoured in 
holding the office of President for the past year. Besides being an honour, it has 


44 B.C. ENvomcLocican Sociwry. 


been a great pleasure to me to help forward the subject of entomology in the Proy- 
ince, and incidentally to meet so many men interested in the realm of insects 
injurious or otherwise. 

On completing my year of office as President, I wish to thank you most cordially 
for your attendance and support and for all the time you have devoted to the study 
of entomology. 

May I be permitted to express the hope that your interest will not be allowed 
to wane, and that our Society may continue to show its vitality by giving evidence 
of good work accomplished, and may further justify its existence by fostering a 
feeling of mutual help, encouragement, and incentive among the members, and that 
as individuals we may each derive benefit from our association and co-operation as 
a body. 

Before I sit down, there is another matter I wish to mention, and that is the 
aid and recognition the Society has received and is receiving from the Government 
through the Department of Agriculture, of which the Honourable Mr. Ellison is the 
head. I, for one, fully realize the importance and value of the support given, and 
I think it is our bounden duty to pass a formal resolution at this meeting, which 
can be done in its proper place later in the session, expressing our thanks and 
appreciation of the assistance rendered by grant of money and by the printing of 
our Report, and, not least, of the encouragement and personal interest in the Society 
by the Honourable Mr. Ellison himself. 


NOTES ON SOME OF THE VARIABLE SPECIES OF THE GENUS HYDRIO- 
MENA AND ITS ALLIES OCCURRING ON VANCOUVER ISLAND, 


3y E. H. BLackMoRE, VICTORIA. 


As I have been “giving special attention to the genus Hydriomena and its allies 
during the past season, and in addition have had my material determined by a 
well-known specialist, I thought that a short note on a few species and varieties of 
this group would be of some use to the science of entomology in the Province. This 
winter while classifying and rearranging the species belonging to the Hydriomena, 
collected during the past season, I was struck by the remarkable variations occurring 
in some of the species, and in some instances the constancy of the variations was 
particularly noticeable. As many of these forms were new to me, I compared them 
with several local collections, and was surprised to find them listed under one or the 
other of two names. However, I was convinced that they were different species, or 
at least good varieties. I separated them into as many series as their variations 
would allow and submitted the whole.to L. W. Swett, of Boston, Mass. He has been 
to a great deal of trouble to get some of them determined, necessitating several trips 
for comparison with large collections in the New York and Cambridge Museums, and 
IT am greatly indebted to him for his determinations and‘also for a great deal of 
information given me in his replies. 

The first species I wish to take up is the one listed as Jesoleuca truncata, 
Hufnagel, in Dyar’s List No. 3379. In the catalogue of British Columbia Lepidoptera 
issued in 1904 it is listed under that name, with the words “very variable” after 
it, and in the Check List of British Columbia Lepidoptera, published two years later, 
Mesoleuca immanata is listed in addition to truncata, which is No. 3880 in Dyar’s 
List. Now, Jf. truncata and M. inmanata were very badly mixed up until Mr. L. B. 
Prout, of England, worked them out, giving the synonymy and varieties in the 
“Transactions of the City of London Entomological Society” in 1908. He showed 
that truncata is strictly European, and though closely allied to our form here is not 
the same. The form we get in North America is citrata, Linn., and described by 
him in 1761 from a specimen taken in Scandinavia, and is quite different from 
truncata, The chief difference lies in the extra diskal band beneath the hind-wing; 
in truncata it is rounded all the way, whereas in citrata it ends in a sharp angle as 
it reaches the base. On the primaries above, the projections in truncata are more 


ProceEepinGs, 1914. 45 


rounded aud less toothed than in citrata. My. L. B. Prout has resurrected the genus 
Dusstroma, which was a synonym of Hydriomena, and in it he has placed truncata, 
citrata, and their varieties, making truncata the type. Speaking of varieties, in 
Europe alone truncata has seven and citrata thirteen named varieties. which, in 
addition to five or six varieties of the latter which occur in North America, makes 
it no easy matter to separate them. Dysstroma citrata, Linn., occurs in the eastern 
portion of this country and does not occur in the West at all, although we have four 
of its varieties occurring on Vancouver Island—yvyiz., immanata, Haw.; suspectata, 
Mosch.; mulleolata, Hubst.; and junetwn-notata, Haw. 

T will now try and describe the differences between these varieties as briefly as 
possible. (I have with me specimens of typical insects and the varieties, and also, 
through the kindness of Mr. Swett. a specimen of the Eastern citrata and one of the 
European truncata.) 

The normal citrata is grey, with a solid grey central band and no red or brown 
markings whatever. The variety immanata has the median band black instead of 
grey, and the rest of the primaries brownish. /Junctum-notata has the central 
portion of the mesial band white, and in general appearance is very much like the 
true truneata, but can always be told by the differences in the extra diskal band 
beneath the hind-wing. he variety swspectata has no white in the mesial band, is 
orange-red towards the apex of the fore-wing, and has the median band more toothed, 
and in the upper part of the same band has a slight projection which does not occur 
in the other varieties. The fourth and last species, mulleolata, which Dyar lists as 
a synonym of truncata, is much larger than the other varieties; the hind-wings are 
darker and the projections on the median band are more rounded. 

In summing up the above changes and additions, we will have to drop the 
names of Wesoleuca truncata and immanata from our British Columbia lists and add 
the following, which is how this species stands at present :— 

Dysstroma, Linn., var. immanata, Haw. 


“ aS suspectata, Mosch. 
= 3 mulleolata, Hubst. 
x ef junctum-notata, Haw. 


3efore leaving the genus I would like to remark that in all our local collections 
I have seen Mesoleuca vasiliata, Gue., var. nineifascia, Hubst., is listed wrongly as 
Mesoleuca vasiliata, Gue. The variety has a white band which is entirely lacking 
in the typical vasiliata. Of course, the true vasiliata may occur here, but all the 
specimens I have seen so far are the variety nineifascia. 

Coming to our genus Hydriomena, we find another name has to be dropped from 
our list, and that is taniata. Now, Hydriomena taniata, Stephens, is a strictly 
European species and does not occur in North America; the form which takes its 
place in the East is basaliata, Walker, which Dyar lists as a synonym of teniata. 
It is not a synonym, but a good species. 

We have another form here on the Pacific Coast called grandis, which Dyar 
erroneously placed in the genus Lucymatoge, Wub., but there is no doubt that grandis 
is the Western form of Vasuliata, the median band being a little different in outline 
and there are other minor differences. I have also taken a variety of grandis both 
in Victoria and at Dunean, V.I., which is a little different in markings, being of a 
warm brown colour. This species is as yet undescribed, but it will probably be 
described some time this year. Both basaliata, Walker, and grandis, Hubst., along 
with a few others are being taken out of the genus Hydriomena and placed in 
the old European genus Larentia, thus reserving Hydriomena for the true forms, 
such as californiata, witumnalis, furcata, ete. Our species therefore will stand as 
Larentia grandis, Hubst. 

The next species on my list is I/ydriomena californiata, Packard, which is our 
commonest and at the same time the most variable species of this genus that occurs 
on Vancouver Island. I have seen three and in one instance four different species 
listed under this one name. As far as is known, it only occurs on the Pacific Coast 


46 B.C. EnromMonocieaL Socrry. 


and is the Western representative of H. autumnalis, Strom., differing from this latter 
species in having red shadings to lines and mesial space. Strange to say that, 
although californiata has no described varieties of the Hastern form occurring here, 
there is one which is generally listed under the name of Hydriomena autumnalis, 
Strom., var. crokerii, Swett, which has the green shadings of the typical form 
replaced by yellow and has an intensely black, irregular median band, which 
separates it at once from any other variety. It was described by Swett in Can. 
Hunt. XLIT., page 275, 1910, from specimens sent to him by Mr. A. J. Croker, of this 
City (Victoria, B-C.). 

The other one is Hydriomend autimiunalis, Strom., var. columbiata, Taylor (Can. 
Int. XXXVIII., page 399, 1906). It is easily distinguished by its much larger size 
and its narrow mesial area, which is shaded with dark cinerous where the typical 
species is white. 

There is also another species like californiata occurring here, and that is 
Hydriomena irata, Swett. These two species are separated chiefly by the length 
of the palpi, which in irata is short, not exceeding 1 mm. in length, and is moderately 
long in californiata, and also by the time of their emergence, irata flying early in 
May, while californiata does not appear until the end of June. There is generally 
a period of from six to seven weeks between them. 

Hudriomena edenata, Swett, is another species which has in some cases been 
labelled as californiata, but is easily distinguished by the wide black bar at the base 
of the inner margin, and by its much larger size, my specimens being 35 mm. in 
expanse. Its early appearance would also separate, as it emerges towards the end 
of March, and is, I believe, the first species of this genus to appear. 

Hydriomena speciosata, Packard, which occurs here fairly plentifully, varies but 
very little, but there is a distinct colour variety of it which is much scarcer, and 
was first taken by the late Rev. G. W. Taylor at Departure Bay in 1908. It is a 
very pretty variety, and differs from the normal speciosata in having all the pea- 
green areas of the typical form replaced by olive-brown. It was named H. speciosala, 
Packard, var. taylori, by Swett, who described it in Can. Hnt. XLII., page 277, 1910. 

This concludes my remarks on the more variable species of this genus. There 
are a few other species I would like to have touched upon, but lack of time prevents 
me on this occasion. 


NOTES ON THE LIFE-HISTORIES OF BLOOD-SUCKING DIPTERA OF BRITISH 
COLUMBIA, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE TABANIDAE. 


By Spymour Hapwen, D.Y.Scr., AGAssiz, B.C. 


Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,—fFirst of all, I intend to give you a list of the 
species of Tabanids which are known to me to occur in British Columbia, I wish 
to refer to the pioneer work of Mr. R. V. Harvey, who was the first to do any 
systematic work on this important group of insects, and who published the first list 
of species. Most of my collecting has been done on the Lower Fraser and on 
Vancouver Island, and there are doubtless a number of up-country forms yet to 
be recorded. The determinations of Harvey’s specimens were made by Professor 
Hine, as were also some of my own. Others I sent to the British Museum. This 
has led to a little confusion in one or two species. For instance, Professor Hine 
names one of the species Tabanus insuctus, O. S.; whereas the authorities at the 
sritish Museum refer to it as an Atylotus. Hine’s Tabanus fratellus, Wills., the 
British authorities name 7’. patullus, Walk, Hine also gives priority to 7. captonis, 
Martin, over 7’. comastes, Wills. ) 

T shall now give you a list which Mr. Harvey gave me of the Tabanidie in his 
collection. T have collected all these forms myself, and in addition have found three 
more species which I am adding to his list. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1914. 


List oF TABANID IN THE COLLECTION or KR. V. Harvey, Victoria, B.C., 1914. 


Speci- 


Name. aeTist Locality. Dates, | Collector. 
Pangonia fera, Wills. ... ap Raens a aru mee oie B July Sthy 1895\.2..:.... |G. Vis Piper: 
Silvius gigantulus, Loew.| 3 Vancouver «..!....- July 3rd, 15th, 1903, Harvey. 

1 Grouse Mt., 4,000 ft. July 9th, 1907 ..... Harvey. 
|acek Hope Mts.. 4,000 ft. July 15th, 27th, 1906 Harvey. 
Chrysops frigidus, O. S..) 2 Pope Mist i gaeiree July 27th, 1906 ....| Harvey. 
if Ope nNEES A ABavtrciese.s July 17th, 1908 .... Bush. 
Chrysops proclivis, O. 8S.) 3 GrOUSAS MET. us vclenot |\June 24th, 1907 ....)| Harvey. 
| July 9th, 1907 ..... Harvey. 
|July 3rd, 1904 .....| Harvey. 
al Shawnigan .oe eee ldsuly 24th, 1904 ....| Harvey. 
Pee AS OAT eae ois. 0herctoe July 22nd, 1901 ....| Osburn. 
Chrysops excitans, Walk.) 2 Waneauvenir: ..se%Grs.: ts June J1th, 1905 ... Harvey. 
1 Goldstream ........| Aug. 10th, 1902 ...| Harvey. 
lepeeaaa Ne Colume Re te cece July 11th, 1906 ....) Harvey. 
Chrysops noctifer, O. S..) 2 VWaneouver ......:. May 13th, 1907 ....| Harvey. 
June 19th, 1903 ....| Harvey. 
Per GROUSCHIV Ute be oteccteipes |June 24th, 1907 ...| Harvey. 
af Cheam Mt., 6,000 ft.) Aug. 10th, 1908 ...| Bush. 
fi Goldstream ........|July 4th, 1908 .:../ Harvey. 
all FV opes Mite een eer July 16th, 1906...) Harvey. 
Tabanus wgrotus, O. S.. 1y | Mt. Finlayson, 1.500, x 
} [een tafe en aiel teceleys helene’ July 18th, 1904 . Harvey. 
| or (Wellington, .-):./.".% lig eae ahora Rey. Taylor. 
Tabanus affinis, Kirby...| 2 .|Victoria~.......... July 20th, 1902 ...) Osburn. 
I SiiGoldstreams 4)... .... July 20th, 1902 ...|Osburn. 
1 \Wancouver ......2. July 25th, 1907 ...) Harvey. 
er Grouse Mites cece ys cr-rs July 9th, 1907 ....)| Harvey. 
2 Similkameen ...... Ising AM soe ota mee | Bush. 
Tabanus fratellus, Wills.| 1 |Port Renfrew .....) . 10th, 1902 ...| Osburn. 
3) )Hope Mts. :...-. y 18th, 25th, 1906, Harvey. 
Tabanus sequax, Wills..) 4 |Grouse Mt. ....... | July Ist, 1904 ..... | Harvey. 
| | July 14th, 1903 ....| Harvey. 
| | |June 25th, 1907 ...| Harvey. 
holes Gheam* Mt-s.2522-.: Aug. 11th, 1903 ...| Harvey. 
| 1 |Similkameen ...... July 24th, 1906 ....| Harvey. 
Tabanus sonomensis, O.S.) 3 Wie COUVEIE c recciatfete July 18th, 1903 ....| Harvey. 
| -|July 7th, 1906 ..... | Harvey. 
\2°5°_|Grouse. Mt. “.¢...- ‘July 9th, 1907 ..... Harvey. 
Tabanus comastes, Wills.) 

(=T. caponis, Martin), 1 arouse (Mit .....%. July 19th, 1903 ....| Harvey. 
Welles iG@heam Mts. a. ssc |Aug. 5th, 1903 ....| Harvey. 
ee Lulu ‘Island -....... | June 16th, 1906 ...| Harvey 
Heil EEL ODEM NLS lise) eet at ays July 26th, 1906 ....| Harvey 

Tabanus. septentrionalis, | 
MOE Weta aaar cuties ooaye: fenton cys ene ASIAN oii Miele ay ots, ae July 22nd, 1901 ...| Osburn. 
Tabanus osburni, Hine..| 17 | Vancouver ........ June 15th, 1907 ...| Sherman. 
WarS Pen Meld rir cnyoseterce a5) kn barren eee EON Mameiamars 
| 4 ELOp CIES ee creel sic July 14th, 20th, 1906) Harvey. 
Hi eek 24 Similkameen ....... July 24th, 1906 ....|) Harvey. 
Tabanus hirtulus, Bigot... many |Mt. Lehman ......00 0 «- ees Hadwen. 
Mabanus*nivosus, ©. S-:| 5 |Mt. Wehman-......| © ...... Hadwen. 
Tabanus insuetus, O.S. .| many (eit; iuehman: Sacral Sy sel eie Hadwen. 


7 Male. t Females. 


SEASONAL PREVALENCE OF THE DIFFERENT SPECIES. 


Chrysops noctifer, O. 


recorded it as early as April 80th (1910). 


S., 


is invariably the first to make its appearance. 
Its season is at its height by the end of 


I have 


May; its numbers then diminish gradually, and by the middle of June very few are 


to be found. 
serious pest at times. 


This fly bites cattle and horses on the flanks and shoulders and is a 


48 B.C. Exromonocican Socrery. 


Chrysops proclivis, O. S. This fly appears about the middle of May, is a pest in 
June, and becomes rare towards the end of July. Its biting habits are much the 
same as those of C. noctifer. 

Chrysops frigidus, O. S. This is a comparatively rare species. My best catch 
was of nine specimens on July 15th, 1912. On the 25th of the same month I caught 
only two. In other years also I have captured only a few specimens. 

Tabanus hirtulus, Bigot. This is invariably the first of its genus to appear. It 
comes in the latter part of May. Its season is at its height in June, and it dis- 
appears about the middle of July. It is undoubtedly the worst pest of cattle on the 
Lower Mainland. It bites on all parts of the body, but is frequently seen on the 
teats. 

Tabanus affinis, Kirby; Tabanus captonis, Martin. These flies appear a little 
after T. hirtulus. They are at their worst in July. They bite cattle and horses 
mainly on the shoulders and face. It seems that animals are very helpless against 
flies which rest on their faces, especially when they are in the field. In the bush, of 
course, it is a different matter, as they can simply rub their noses against the bushes, 

Tabanus sonomensis, O. S. It appears about July 15th and continues up to the 
middle of August. It is the most annoying fly after 7’. hirtulus, and bites on the 
neck, face, shoulders, and flanks. Its bite appears to cause a good deal of pain and 
himorrhage. 

Tabanus insuetus, O. S., appears in the middle of July and has a short season. 
It is not a serious pest in those districts where I have collected it. Most of the flies 
I have caught were biting on the abdomen. 

Tabanus fratellus, Wills. It only occurs in the hottest weather, not before July 
15th. This fly is a bad pest; it bites exclusively on the abdomen and might easily 
be overlooked by the casual observer. Its habits are sluggish; it crawls slowly over 
the hairs and can easily be taken by hand. 

Tabvanus nivosus, O. S. Only seen twice; five specimens were caught. 

Tabanus sequar, Wills. Only a few captured. 

Silvius gigantulus, Loew. Appears in July in limited numbers. It bites the 
neck by preference. 

Tabanus aegrotus, O. S. Taken only on Vancouver Island; occurs in the Dry 
Belt, but I have not taken it in the Lower Fraser. This is the largest of all the 
species described. It occurs in July. Considering its size, it seems to cause animals 
surprisingly little annoyance. 


NOTES ON OTHER DIPTERA. 


It may be of interest to the members for me to give a few notes on other Diptera. 

Stomorys calcitrans.. This fly appears with great regularity about the middle 
of April. In three different years its first appearance has been recorded, twice on 
the 20th and once on the 22nd of April at Mount Lehman, Chilliwack, and Agassiz. 

Hematobia serrata, the horn-fly, and the black-flies, Simuliidze, appear about the 
same time, though I cannot give the exact dates. Mosquitoes seem to return each 
vear at almost the same dates, which shows that the seasons must be very similar. 
In 1910-11 I took careful notes which illustrate this. They were as follows :— 


Culicine (Notes taken at Mt. Lehman, B.C.). 


1910, March 16th; 1911, March 12th. Biting-animals. These were ragged- 
looking insects and had no doubt survived the winter. 

1910, April 21st; 1911, April 25th. First larve. 

1910, May 18th. Larvee and egg-rafts found in water-butts. 

1911, same period. Not so plentiful. 

1916, July 5th. Mosquitoes scarce. 

1911, July 5th. Mosquitoes very numerous. 

1911, July 5th. Mosquitoes came from the flooded lands of Sumas prairie, which 


PROCEEDIN 


are about fifteen miles distant from Mount Lehman; they came in on a north wind 
and took about three days for their journey. 

Some of you may wonder how some of these results have been obtained. How- 
ever, the solution is comparatively simple. With many insects it would appear, I 
imagine, to be very difficult to determine when their numbers were actually on the 
increase or decrease, since they have several hosts. But in this case with biting- 
flies the hosts are limited to domestic animals. As an example of my method of 
determining the comparative numbers of the different species, I give the records 
for July Sth, 15th, and 25th, 1911 :— 


July 5th. July 15th. July 25th. 

GPOMLO CHL VISE icpecn suenetchem clovs A stapes cysts chews, ote! ees are 25 7 2 
EEL ATOMS Scr « wre) stele’ anc) cle Risteivie is salvistnas& o #lerc vate fs 50 bs 
Eien YETHTU Spey pest oe arevsystavree/t oeistern Seale Miaciere noe! ee Orie alls 5 9 : 
A CATLOUIES eye wicterovekatern Vere trsiei stu’ Sheie. s auchar nena Welle 1s 8 16 V7 
MP ETON ose spss fete acre ts cis cheveraie Coueta cosa fase vsievela ae 21 19 1 
PISPRIDEVOSUIS: cleyst ee Caletstosscni eet stoves ose ees ea aNs. e,8yers | ws 4 1 
Pe sinsuetus is. 2 Wie soso ek sete seals Reals Mayers) sins) PMs | 1 5 iG 
UGE IES ee PIOUS 9 oe aitl a ch ecaeee crete tue s¥er. cw acciarehe’s | 3 4 
(SET SONS EEDA II Ss tute act aw Raves atten acalivess ace | oh 9 2 
Meet SOMOWMETISIS ges crs speseteicdei crs. eusiote acsy wowre.sleshee(ere,4.8 one $y ae 1 
(OPEN OCLIL EL dee tarersn. ster tee choi lasts disease alee | af 

ER OUHISHOLSMICSH GA USE vate. ese siavere tare Sidhe ecoresele | 64 101 39 


Since I have been living on the Lower Fraser River I have made many attempts 
to find the breeding-places of the Tabanidw, up to the present time without success. 
‘The country is a difficult one to work in owing to the amount of water, both stagnant 
and running, and the heavy timber. The place where most of my observations were 
made was at Mount Lehman. This is a heavily wooded place, surrounded by hills. 
During the whole time I was there I was never able to capture a male, and the 
thought struck me that perhaps the flies did not actually breed there. There was 
one field in which the flies were always plentiful during fine weather. I did my best 
to find out where they went in wet weather, but without success, although I beat 
the bushes round the field a number of times. In speaking about this to entomolo- 
gists in the Province, they one and all agreed that males were more frequently 
encountered in the mountains, so it appeared to me that there was a possibility of 
the warm rocks attracting the females also, during the cold weather. There is a 
crying need for work to be done on the Tabanidze in Canada. As far as I know, no 
life-history work has ever been seriously undertaken. The Tabanidie are insects of 
great economic importance, and if their life-histories were known it is quite possible 
that something could be done to reduce their numbers. 

In closing, I have to record a new fly for the Province, Hypoderma lineatum. 
I was successful in breeding this fly from the larvie last summer. I had already 
taken the larva of this species, but there were no records of the adult fly in our 
proceedings. 

Your President requested me to say something about tick paralysis for the 
benefit of the members who had not read my paper in “ Parasitology.”’* 

I shall conclude my address by expressing the hope that the members of this 
Society will devote more attention to this important group of blood-sucking flies than 
has been accorded to them hitherto. 


*This information, being already published, is not included in this paper—Srcrerary. 
4 


50 B.C. ENroMoLoGicaL Sociery. 


THE PREPARATORY STAGES OF DIACRISIA KASLOA, DYAR. 


3y ARTHUR GIBSON, CHIEF ASSISTANT ISNTOMOLOGIST, DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY, 
Orrawa. " 

In 1900 we received at Ottawa specimens of a reddish arctian which we placed 
under the name Antarctia rufula, Bdv. These were collected at Kaslo, B.C., by 
Mr. J. W. Cockle. Two years later (1902) Mr. Cockle sent us eggs of the moth, and 
notes were taken by me on the preparatory stages. In 1904 Dr. Dyar described the 
moth as new and gave it the specific name kasloa;* one of the co-types was deposited 
in the Division collection. In the same year the same author described the egg and 
larval stag ! 

As the notes which I made on the preparatory stages of the species are different 
in many respects from those published by Dr. Dyar, it seems advisable to present 
them. They are as follows :— ; 

The eggs were received from Mr. Cockle on June 19th, 1902, probably laid on 
June 12th; hatched June 20th. 

Bgg.—O0.8 mm. in diameter, 0.6 mm. high, shaped like that of Thymelicus etna, 
Scud.; semi-ovoid; at first pale creamy, changing to a dirty white before hatching; 
setw plainly visible at this time; shining, smooth, except under a microscope, when 
the surface appears slightly roughened. 

Larval Stage J—Length at first 2.2 mim., colour white, the tubercles giving the 
body the appearance of being striped transversely with black lines. After feeding 
the larvee are pale green, the skin shining. Head 0.4 mm. wide, pale brown, ocelli 
black. Thoracic shield concolorous with head, paler in centre, S-haired. Tubercles 
greyish-black, shining, i small, ii large and rounded, iii and iv smaller than ii and 
elongate, about same size, v slightly smaller than iv. Tubercle iii, 2-haired, others 
single. Sets long and slender. Between tubercles ii and iii and iv and va series 
of reddish-brown blotches are present. Spiracles minute, black. Thoracic feet 
slightly darker than venter; prolegs smoky exteriorly. 

The young laryie were given sorrel, dock, dandelion, lamb’s-quarters, timothy, 
and lupin, and fed on all of these. : 

Stage I7.—Length 4 mm. Head 0.6 mm. wide, in some specimens wholly pale 
brown, others pale brown with a smoky patch near vertex of clypeus. Body pale 
green. The whole skin is now more or less splashed with crimson, quite intense in 
some specimens, the larger blotches in a line with tubercle ii. Tubercles black, 
shining, the dorsal series bearing mostly black bristles, and the lower lateral series 
silvery bristles. A very faint whitish dorsal stripe is present, dividing the thoracic 
shield, which is reddish in some larvre and black in others. Feet all concolorous 
with venter, but bearing blackish plates. 

Stage /I//—Length 6.5 mm. Blackish larvee, having a pale-brownish head, a 
pale-blue dorsal stripe, and bearing slender blackish bristles. Head 1 mm. wide. 
After one day’s feeding the larvre lose their blackish colour; under a lens the skin 
appears green, and the whole body is splashed and marked as before, but the blotches, 
are not now so intense in colour, being more of a dark brownish-red, the larger 
blotches being near tubercle ii, as previously. Tubercles black, shining, i about one- 
fifth the size of ii, iii as long but not so wide as ii, iv and v smaller than iii. 
Spiracles very small, black, and immediately above the anterior edge of tubercle iy. 
Bristles as before, faintly barbed. Thoracic shield blackish. Thoracic feet con- 
colorous with venter semi-translucent, bearing dark plates; prolegs dark smoky. 

Stage 1V.—Length 11 mm. Head 1.4 to 1.6 mm. wide; yellowish-brown,. or 
yellowish-brown with a large dark-brown patch near apex of clypeus. Blackish 
larva with black bristles on dorsum and upper portion of sides, and yellowish or 
rust-red bristles along the lower portion of sides. Dorsal stripe yellowish, in some 
specimens faint. Vhe ground colour of the skin is greyish-green, but the whole body 


eS.7 


* Proceedings of Entomological Society of Washington, VI.. p. 18, January, 1904. 
7 Proceedings of Entomological Society of United States National Museum, XXVII., p. 794. 


) Procerepines, 1914. 51 


is mottled and marked with black. Tubercles i and ii wholly black, iii, iv, and v 
black with a whitish centre, others black. Tubercle iii is widely circled with the 
ground colour of the body, and in most specimens on the posterior four or five 
segments. This is tinted with orange. Bristles from tubercles i and ii mostly black, 
from iii and lower tubercles nearly all yellowish or reddish. Spiracles light yellow 
ringed with black. Thoracic feet black at apex, reddish towards base; prolegs 
outside upper two-thirds black, shining, lower third pale, sete on feet pale reddish. 

Stage V.—Length 16 mm. Larvie in general appearance much as in previous 
stage. Head 2 mm. wide, same colour and marked as in Stage IV. Under the lens 
the skin of body is greyish-green, varying in intensity of these colours, marked with 
splashes or blotches of black, principally on dorsum. Dorsal stripe yellowish or 
whitish and faint. Tubercles i and ii black, shining; other tubercles whitish. 
Bristles faintly but distinctly barbed, from i and ii mostly black, remaining ones 
yellowish or rust-red. Bristles from iii and lower tubercles yellowish or rust-red 
and black, the reddish ones greatly predominating. Spiracles yellowish, rimmed with 
black, close to upper anterior edge of iy. Tubercle iii on four posterior segments is 
rather widely margined anteriorly with orange. Many of the tubercles also bear 
long, slender, silvery bristles. ‘Thoracic feet pale reddish. 

Stage VI.—Length 24 mm. Head 2.5 mm. wide, somewhat quadrate, slightly 
indented at vertex, flattened in front; yellowish-brown excepting front, which is 
dark reddish, almost blackish in some specimens, shining; anteclypeus, labrum and 
antennze yellowish-white, mandibles dark reddish, setze yellowish, long and slender. 
Skin of body almost wholly black, i.e., greyish-green ground colour densely blotched 
and marked with velvety black, or very dark purple. The dorsal stripe has 
disappeared in most specimens, in some it is only present on anterior segments. 
Tubercles large (i about one-third the size of ii), in some individuals all whitish, 
but in most specimens tubercles i and ii are black, the remaining ones whitish. In 
some larvie tubercles iii, iv, v, vi, vii, and viii are black at base, whitish at summit; 
in others tubercles vii and viii are wholly black. The bristles from the tubercles of 
most specimens are as in Stage V., but in a few examples all of the bristles from all 
tubercles are of a pale rust-red colour. Spiracles pale yellowish, black-rimmed. On 
segments 6 to 13, inclusive, a red patch occurs before tubercle iii, very conspicuous 
in some specimens, particularly on posterior segments. ‘Thoracic feet reddish, prolegs 
also reddish, but paler, darkened exteriorly. 

On July 18th one larva began to spin its cocoon, and by July 21st had changed 
to pupa. The cocoon, which is thin, was spun between the leaves in the bottom of 
the breeding-jar, the pupa being plainly discernible. 

Pupa—tLength 15 mm., width at widest part 6 mm., dull reddish-brown; 
abdomen coarsely punctured; wing-cases and thorax wrinkled; spiracles pale yellow, 
black-rimmed; cremaster short, blunt, bearing 12 short, capitate bristles of varying 
lengths. 


SNOW-INSECTS. 


By J. WitiiaAM Cockle, Kasro, B.C. 


The collecting of entomological specimens is usually associated with the warm 
months of summer, when the ever-changing hues of gorgeous butterflies, the whir 
of beetles, the singing of the mosquito, and the hum of bees and flies presents an 
ever-changing scene before the collector’s eye. But allow me to draw your attention 
for a few minutes to what may be found on a winter day, when the thermometer 
is down to near freezing-point and the snow lies thick on the ground. 

First let me introduce to your notice the snow-fleas of the genus Aphorura, 
Passing over the common black species of this genus, which may be seen in abundance 
on the melting snows in the spring, and which frequent water-holes and other damp 
places during the summer months, breeding in soft humus, we next come to one 
species which is only known to exist at Kaslo. Dr. Folsom has given this species. 
which is closely allied to A. siberica, the name of A. cecklii. It is a beautiful 


5D, B.C. EnromMo.Locican Sociery. 


golden yellow and is found at a low altitude having a southern exposure on the 
banks of Kaslo Creek. They congregate in millions, and when at the height of 
their emergence completely cover several square yards of snow, turning it to a golden 
patch. They exist only a few days, and, unlike their black brothers, die in the 
rivulets of water running off the melted snow. How and when they breed is 
unknown, and how they contrive to reach the surface of the snow from a depth 
of 2 or more feet is also wrapped in mystery. I haye been unable to devise any 
suggestion of the whys and wherefores of their presence. I have in my collection 
specimens of four species of this genus, the golden one only being named, a black 
species found on melting snow, a smaller black species which breed in hotbeds, a 
white species found under a flower-pot in the house. None of these are yet identified. 

We next come to a larger insect of the genus Podwra. These may be also 
eollected on the winter snows when the temperature is near freezing. They are 
very active, and when disturbed spring away several inches and wriggle themselves 
into any crevasses in the snow. They are about 0.05 mm. in length and dark grey 
to black in colour. 

But possibly the most interesting find of a snow collecting trip are the snow- 
fleas proper of the family Boreus. They may be seen on freshly fallen snow, usually 
singly, and resemble minute grasshoppers. They are presumed to share the 
characteristics of the order to which they belong and to be carnivorous in their 
habits. The late Dr. James Fletcher suggested that they probably fed on the genus 
Aphorura and Podura, but of this we have no evidence, Their leaping-powers 
are great, and I have often observed one jump 6 inches. Their usual mode of 
locomotion, however, is by walking. The most curious fact about them is that 
they are so little affected by cold. They will walk around when the temperature 
is several degrees below freezing, although they are most active when the mercury 
rises to 35-40 degrees. 

In the Canadian Entomologist for March, 1908, I published a short paper on 
the peculiar mating habits of this insect, and more recently I prepared another 
article which more fully describes the extraordinary method of copulation, which 
I now ‘take pleasure of presenting to this meeting of our Society. I have in my 
collection two species of these insects, B. californicus and another species which 
can only be identified from fresh specimens; The latter has a brown stigmatal 
fold, the wing-coverts black, and the species generally is more hairy. The 
difference in the colour of the stigmatal fold disappears after drying, so that the 
disparity cannot be cited as applicable to cabinet specimens. 

I have many specimens of Diptera and other orders of flies which I have 
collected during the winter and have recorded. The capture of Tortricids, Tineids, 
and Chrysopha found under the bark of dry standing trees during the winter 
months, and as a systematic collector I am inclined to treasure my winter captures 
rather than the profusion of forms which are to he found everywhere in the 
summer. > 


THE MATING OF BOREUS CALIFORNICUS. 
By J. W. Cock ie, KAsto, B.C. 


Whilst on the hunt for snow-insects to-day, February 9th, and having been 
successful in securing several specimens of Boreus, I was returning home when I 
discovered a pair in copulation. The temperature, which had been below freezing 
all day, had just risen, and at the time was about 83° Fahr. It is well to state 
here that I have found these curious insects hopping about on the snow when the 
thermometer showed several degrees of frost, but they are usually most active 
just after a snow-storm, when the temperature is from 35-40 degrees. Wishing 
to know how copulation was possible with these curiously formed insects, I lay down 
on the snow in order to be able to use the small pocket-lens for observation. The 
female was perched on the back of the male, her front legs folded up so that she 


: ProceepiNcs, 1914. 53 


knelt on his back; the second pair rested on the male’s back, whilst the longer 
back pair hung down beside the body of the male. 

Then the most curious fact presented itself, that the male was holding the 
female with its wings, which were hooked over the femora of the front legs. What 
appeared to be the ovipositor of the female was thrust down perpendicularly into 
the organ of the male. In this Jatter observation T subsequently discovered I was 
at fault, as on February 23rd I again had an opportunity of studying these insects, 
and instead of being the ovipositor I found that it was the lower half of the 
ovipositor-shield; the upper portion of the shield remained in a normal position. 

The fact of the male using his aborted wings to hold the female during 
copulation was new to me, as it had never occurred to me to imagine that wings 
could be placed to such use. My recumbent position on the snow being very 
unpleasant, I removed the pair to a box, but as they immediately separated TI 
was unable to make any further observation. On February 27th I again had the 
good fortune to find a second pair mating, and in order to verify the observations 
I had made on the previous pair of these insects, I proceeded to lift them on a 
sheet of snow with the aid of a piece of bark. Having done this successfully 
without disturbing them, I was able to observe them more leisurely. The female 
in this case had the front pair of legs crossed underneath the body, whilst the 
other two pairs were folded close against her sides. None of the legs were touching 
the male at any point. She was held by the male in the same way as in the first 
pair observed, by the wings of the male being clasped over the femur of the front 
legs. Both the large bill and antenne of the female were folded back between the 
wings of the male. In the case of the first pair observed, I thought that the 
ovipositor was thrust down into the male organs; this was incorrect. The lower 
half of the ovipositor-shield is thrust down and is firmly held by the claspers of 
the male, and the reason I overlooked the male organ is that it is transparent, 
and viewed against a background of snow is invisible. I pushed the female away 
from the clasp of the male’s wings, but he immediately snapped them together, 
catching one antenna; upon my releasing this, he commenced to run off, the female 
being unheld except by the claspers, and such is the strength of this hold that he 
was able to run around holding the female in an upright position by this support 
alone. Whenever the legs of the female touched his back, his wings shut like a 
rat-trap over them; this movement of the wings was repeated at short intervals 
Whenever the legs were removed from this clasp. 

I brought them home and was then able to observe the genital organ of the 
male, which, as I previously stated, is transparent and is directed upward in the 
inside shell of the ovipositor-shield. This shield opens laterally nearly at its centre; 
the upper half is stationary, whilst the lower half is capable of being deflected at 
an acute right angle downward; the tip of this portion which is held by the claspers 
is armed with short spines and hairs. 

The wings of the male, which are less than half the length of the abdomen, 
are curyed downward and are armed on the costal edge with a row of sharp horny 
spines; there are a few spines on the lower margin. ‘These no doubt add materially 
to the holding-power and prevent the femora of the female from slipping along the 
wings. The suggestion is made that, the male being capable of supporting and 
carrying the female by the hold of its Claspers, an examination of these might add 
to the knowledge of the structure of these insects and the reason why such a 
support is possible. Upon reaching home I placed the specimens under a glass 
for further observation; the female, being unheld and having regained her feet, 
was able to tow the male around on his back; this she continued to do for two 
hours, but during the first portion of the time the male made frantic efforts to 
regain his feet, and also to snap his wings over some appendage to the female, 
but in this he was unsuccessful; it was all fo no purpose; she dragged him to death, 
or very near it, and it was only when I pinched her with my forceps and rendered 
her partially paralysed that separation from the male took place. When tliis 


54 B.C. ENTroOMOLOGICAL Society. 


occurred I was able to fully observe the transparent male organ. I am not aware 
how far the mode of holding the female may be practised by other insects haying 
a like structure to this, but this record can stand as to what extraordinary use the 
wings may be put and their adaptability for the purpose for which they were 
created, 

February 27th. I went out to-day on a special hunt for Boreus, armed with 
vials of ether and alcohol. The first pair I discovered I dropped into the yial of 
ether, but they separated instantly. The second pair I decided to try to freeze, 
so lifted them and transferred them to a box of snow. The male released his 
wing-hold and ran around with the female in an upright position, holding only by 
the claspers. The female made no effort to extend her legs, but kept them in the 
previously described position, folded close to the body. The male made repeated 
efforts to regain his wing-hold by jerking the abdomen upward, thus throwing the 
female forward within reach of his wings, which snapped together at every such 
effort. I left them quiet in the box of snow and the male soon regained his wing- 
hold. Upon my pouring a little ether on the snow and closing the box in the hope 
of reducing the temperature to a sufficiently low degree to render them comatose, 
the male again released his wing-hold. It seemed thus impossible to kill them in 
the desired position. I transferred them to the vial of ether. I think the female 
can release herself even at the instant of death, and it remains yet to be seen if 
I can succeed in freezing them in the desired position by the aid of a freezing 
mixture applied outside to the box in which they are enclosed. 


INSECTS COLLECTED IN THE OKANAGAN VALLEY, 1913. 


By KE. M. Anprrson, PrRovinctaL MuseuM, VICTORIA. 

Parly in April, accompanied by an assistant, Mr. C. B. Garrett, I was detailed 
by the Department to collect birds and mammals for the Provincial Museum, 
Victoria, B.C. Although my work was chiefly confined to collecting and preserving 
birds and mammals, we managed to secure ahout 4,000 entomological specimens. 
A large number of very interesting forms of insect-life fell to the net, many 
specimens still awaiting identification, mostly in Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, and 
Diptera. 

From my point of view, the Okanagan Valley offers to the entomologist one ‘of 
the best collecting-grounds in British Columbia, and I feel certain that, with a 
season’s systematic research, an enthusiastic student would add many species to 
the British Columbia list, which is far from being complete. 

The’ weather during the early part of April was very unsettled, still keeping 
cold and wet, and nothing much in the insect line could be found save a few 
heetles, crickets, and a small scorpion under bark. After collecting a week at 
Penticton, we moved camp south sixteen miles to Shuttleworth Creek, a distance 
of about two miles from Okanagan Falls. On arrival at the creek things began 
to look brighter, the sun was shining, and we observed a number of insects on the 
wing. Here we camped from April 15th to 20th, taking at intervals a series of 
the early blue Cyaniris nigrescens, Incisalia eryphon and I. iroides, Pontia sisymbri, 
P. occidentalis, Synchle creusa, Ausonides, and Sara, the beautiful orange-tip. <A 
few Noctua were collected at light, the nights still keeping cool; nothing but an 
occasional Xylomiges simpler, or common Geometer, made their appearance. 
Drasteria crassiuscula and Leptarctia californiata were common about the camp 
on sunny days. 

On April 20th we moved camp to Schoonover Cabin, an old trapper’s home in 
the mountains at an elevation of abont 3,500 feet. With an early start, accom- 
panied by Charlie Shuttleworth and two pack-horses, we started on our way up 
the mountain-side through a drizzling rain, which shortly afterwards turned into 
sleet and snow, this making travel slow over the slippery mountain-trail. We 
travelled about five hours, arriving at the cabin about 1 p.m. ‘The horses, tired 
out, were immediately unpacked, a camp-fire made, and after a meal of hot coffee 


\ Procrrpines, 1914. D5 


and beans we were soon warmed through and felt fine after our tramp of about 
ten miles, 

The weather was anything but promising for insect-life during our stay of a 
week, amidst continual sleet and snow falls, only seeing the sunshine for an hour 
or so at a time. Nevertheless, it was remarkable how much insect-life could be 
found as soon as the sun made its appearance after a snow-storm. Pontia 
occidentalis, P. sisymbri, Synchloe ereusa, Thecla eryphon, T. mossi, and Buclidea 
euspidea were fairly Common Close to the cabin in a sheltered clearing in the woods. 
Several small day-flyers and a few specimens of Hymenoptera and Coleoptera were 
also taken. 

We departed from Schoonover Cabin at 1 p.m. on April 26th, arriving at 
Shuttleworth Creek about 5 p.m. VThecla iroides and Lycena nigrescens were 
common in spots along the mountain-trail. With the use of a lantern we collected 
every fine night in camp, but with little success, only a few Cucullia and Geometers 
being attracted by the light. Being disgusted with our previous catches, ve decided 
to try our luck in an orchard a short distance from the camp. 

On the night of May 5th moths were found in countless numbers feeding on 
cherry and peach hlossoms. By spreading a blanket under the tree and shaking 
the branches carefully, a dozen or more moths would fall intoxicated to the ground, 
and with the nse of a lantern and forceps the desired specimens were quickly 
placed in killing-bottles and pinned and labelled the following day. We collected 
long interesting series of JZamestra, Nylina, Xylomiges, Graphiphora, and other 
early moths mentioned in list of captures in the following pages. About 1,000 
moths were taken in two nights. 

The most undesirable of insects during April and May were the ticks, which 
were so abundant in the grease-wood benches in the vicinity of our camp that 
Mr. Garrett and I were both badly bitten, and at times the jaws of ticks were 
found well buried under the skin, and had to be removed with a lance, absolutely 
refusing to release themselves when coal-oil or the lighted end of a cigar or 
cigarette was applied (a method frequently used by settlers). 

On May 16th another camp was pitched at Vaseaux Lake, seven miles south of 
Okanagan Falls. Camping close to the roadside and lake-shore, we were situated 
in an ideal spot for collecting. We managed to find time to collect daily during 
the heat of the day, taking scores of Papilios, Lemonias, Pontias, Synchlas (orange- 
tips), skippers, and blues. and many others too numerous to mention. 

A second trip to Schoonover Mountain was made with the aid of pack-horses 
on June Ist, returning to Vaseaux Lake on June 6th. The trip over the mountain 
was a pleasant one, and instead of encountering rain and snow, as in April, the 
weather was at its best, trees and wild flowers were in splendour, and nature 
seemed at peace with all the world. In crossing Schoonover prairie, insects were 
found in thousands—blues, skippers, Hrcebias, Brenthis, Alypias, ete-—and many 
small day-flyers hovered all round us as we wended our way through the tall 
grass. The prairie is a beautiful grassy plateau at an altitude of about 3,000 feet 
on the south side of Schoonover Mountain. 

Returning from the mountain, we camped from June Gth to July Sth at Vaseaux 
Lake, Dog Lake, Okanagan Falls, and Penticton. Considerable rain fell in June; 
nevertheless, we took advantage of all the fine weather and added a large variety 
of insects to our collection. It was remarkable to note the disappearance of certain 
species of Lepidoptera after a heavy rainfall of two or three days’ duration. Some 
insects quite Common previous to a wet spell were entirely wiped out of existence ; 
this was noticed principally among the blues and Vheclas. The skippers and other 
forms seemed to survive all weather conditions throughout the season. 

T shall endeavour to make a list of the most important captures. There still 
awaits a number of insects to be classified and arranged in the Museum collection. 

Before concluding, I wish to thank Mr. C, B. Garrett for his valued assistance 
in the field, and also for his careful and painstaking methods in the preseryation 
of the specimens. 


56 


B.C. EnromouoGican Socrery. 


LEPIDOPTERA (BUTTERFLIES ). 


Papilio daunus. Common, May and June, Vaseaux Lake. 

Papilio eurymedon. Common, May and June, Vaseaux Lake. 

Papilio rutulus. <A few taken at Vaseaux Lake, May 20th to 380th. 

Papilio turnus. Vaseaux Lake, Schoonover Mountain, May 15th, June 6th. 

Papilio zolicaon. Common, Okanagan Falls, May 10th; Schoonover Mountain, 
June ist to 6th. 

Pontia beckeri. Osoyoos, May 28rd. 

Pontia sisymbri. Okanagan Falls, April 12th, May 15th. Common. 

Pontia occidentalis. Okanagan Falls, April 12th, May 15th. Common. 

Pontia rape. Okanagan Falls, April 12th, May 15th. Common. 

Synchloe creusa. Okanagan Falls, April 12th, May 15th. Common. 

Synchloe ausonides. Okanagan Falls, April 12th, May 15th. Common. 

Synchlwe sara. Okanagan Falls, April 12th, May 15th, and June 6th. Common. 

Eurymus eriphyle. Vaseaux Lakke, Okanagan Falls, May 20th to June 20th. 
Common. 

Eurymus hatfordii (?). Okanagan Falls, May 25th. 

Eurymus occidentalis. Vaseaux Lake, May 18th; Osoyoos, May 25th. 

Brenthis freija. “Schoonover Mountain, common, June Ist to 6th. 

Brenthis bellona. Schoonover Mountain, common, June 1st to 6th. 

Brenthis epithore. Schoonover Mountain, common, June 1st to 6th. 

Lemonias cooperi. Okanagan Falls, Vaseaux Lake, June 1st. 

Lemonias palla. Vaseaux Lake, June 1st to 10th. 

Lemonias whitneyii. Vaseaux Lake, June 1st to 10th. 

Lemonias baroni (?). Vaseaux Lake, June 12th. 

Phyciodes pratensis. Okanagan Falls, June 11th. 

Phyciodes mylitta. Vaseaux Lake, June 10th. 

Eugonia californica. Schoonover Mountain, June 1st. 

Buvanessa antiopa. Okanagan Falls, April 15th. 

Basilarchia archippus. Vaseaux Lake, May 14th to 30th. 

Basilarchia lorquini. Penticton, June 380th. 

Cercyonis charon. Vaseaux Lake, June 15th. 

Erebia epipsodea. Vaseaux Lake, Schoonover Mountain, June. Common. 

Coenonympha elko. Vaseaux Lake, Schoonover Mountain, May 15th and June. 

Anosia plexippus. Vaseaux Lake, May 15th to 30th. 

Uranotes melinus. Okanagan Falls, May 20th. 

Callipsyche behrii. Vaseaux Lake, June 26th. 

Incasalia iroides. Okanagan Falls. 

Incasalia mossi. Schoonover Mountain, June Ist to 6th. 

TIncasalia eryphon. Okanagan Falls, Schoonover Mountain, May 4th, June. 

Spidemia zeros. Vaseaux Lake, June 10th to 15th. 

Epidemia helloides. Vaseaux Lake, June. Common. 

Cupids heteronea. Schoonover Prairie, June 1st to 6th. 

Cupids fulla. Okanagan Falls, Schoonover Mountain, common, May 20th to 
June 6th. 

Cupids sxepiolus. Okanagan Falls, Schoonover Mountain, common, May 20th to 
June 6th. 

Nomiades antiacis. Common everywhere in the valley, May and June. 

Nomiades couperii. Schoonover Mountain, June 1st to 6th. 

Phiedrotes sagittigera. Schoonover Mountain, June 1st to 6th. 

tusticus melissa. Vaseaux Lake, June 10th to 15th. 

Rusticus anna. Vaseaux Lake, June 10th to 15th. 

Cyaniris nigrescens. Common in April and May, Okanagan Falls. 

Eyeres comyntas. Vaseaux Lake, May 20th. 

Amblyscirtes vialis. Common in May and June, Okanagan Falls. 


Proceepines, 1914. oT 


Paimphila palemon. Schoonover Mountain, June Ist to 6th. 

Lrynnis manitoba. Vaseaux Lake, May 30th; Schoonoyer Mountain, June Sth. 

Thymelicus cernes. Schoonover Mountain, June 3rd. 

Thorybes pylades. Okanagan Falls, June. 

Vholisora catullus. Okanagan Falls, Schoonover Mountain, June 1st to 6th. 

Thanaos icelus. Vaseaux Lake, May 30th. 

Thanaos persius. Okanagan Falls, June Ist. 

Hesperia cespitalis. Okanagan Falls, Schoonover Mountain, May and June. 
Common. 


HETEROCERA (Morus). 


Lepisesia ulalume. One rubbed specimen, Schoonover Mountain, June 8rd. 

Marumba modesta. Penticton, July 5th; one specimen. 

Samia columbia. Okanagan Falls, June 10th; one specimen. 

Scepsis cockleyi (?). .Penticton, June 28th; two taken at light. 

Leptarctia californiata. Okanagan Falls, common in April and early part of 
May. 

Isia isabella. Penticton, July 5th. 

Apantesis achaia, var. ornata. Vaseaux Lake, May 380th to June 10th; six 
specimens taken. 

Androloma maccullochi. Common at Schoonover Mountain, June 1st to 6th. 

Hadena cogitata. Penticton, July 3rd. 

Xylomiges simplex. Okanagan Falls, common in May; took five in orchard. 

Xylomiges perlubens. Okanagan Falls, common in May. 

Xylomiges candida. Okanagan Falls, common in May. 

Grapiphora pacifica. Okanagan Falls, common in May. 

Stretchia normalis. Okanagan Falls, May 6th to Sth. 

Xylina contenta. Common on blossoms, May Gth. 

Cucullia (7). Okanagan Falls, May 1st to 5th; at light. 

Rancora solidaginis. Okanagan Falls, May 3rd; at light. 

Orthosia crispa (?). Okanagan Falls. May 5th. 

Heliothis (?). Vaseaux Lake, May 22nd; one specimen. 

Drasteria erechtea. Okanagan Falls, May 5th to 20th. 

Drasteria crassiuscula. Okanagan Falls, May 12th to 20th. 

Euclidea cuspidea. Okanagan Falls, May and June. Common. 

Nadata gibbosa. Penticton, June 5th; one specimen at light. 

Gluphisia septentrionalis. Okanagan Falls, April 28th; one specimen at light. 

Euthyatira pudens. Okanagan Falls, May 6th; one specimen at blossoms. 


GEOMETRID (GEOMETERS). 


Tephroclystis (? sp.). Okanagan Falls, May 1st to 10th; at light. 
Hydria undulata. Okanagan Falls, April 27th; at light. 

Hois sideraria. Schoonover Mountain, June Ist to 6th. Common. 
Lycia cognataria. Penticton, July 6th to Sth. 

Marmopteryx marmorata. Okanagan Falls, May 4th. 

Brephos infans. Okanagan Falls, May 1st. 


COLEOPTERA (BEETLES). 


The followirg is a list of beetles collected in the Okanagan Valley. A -mis- 
cellaneous collection of over 1,000 still awaits classification :— 


Coccinella transversalis. Platynus subsericeus. 
Comontis oyalis. Chalaeins interuptus. 
Corymbites fallax. Creophillus villosus. 
Trogisita chloridea. Clerus sphegus. 


Trichodes ornatus. Elodes cordata. 


58 B.C. ENroMoLoGicaL Socrery. 


Didolonycha fulgida. Silpha Japponica. 
Saprinus lugens. Necrophorus melschemeri. 
Lachnosterna errans. Meloe montanus. 
Cincindella oregona. Geoderces melanothrix. 
Cincindella obliquata. Cleonus 4 lineata. 
Haltica bimarginata. Rhagium lineatuna. 
Chalcophaga angulicollis. Leptura letifica. 
Podabrus comei. Ellyehnia californica. 


A TRIP UP MOUNT CHEAM. 


By A. H. Busu. 


. 

Mount Cheam stands on the south bank of the Fraser River, overlooking Agassiz. 
it is a beautiful mountain and an ideal collecting-ground, both from an entomological 
and botanical standpoint. It takes the greater part of a day to reach timber limit, 
where a fine choice of camping-grounds await the weary climber. Starting from the 
Fraser River, we pass through some heavy timber and dense underbrush which is 
characteristic of this district. The maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedantum) and deer- 
grass (Aclys triphila) grow here in great profusion. Some distance up the side of 
the mountain the underbrush gradually thins out and the character of the timber 
changes. At 4,000 feet we have lost the Douglas fir and cedar, the white fir and 
hemlock taking their places. Between 5.000 and 6,000 feet up we pass many open 
glades, and here the first alpine flowers are encountered. We pass knee-deep through 
the large mountain-musk (JZimulus lewisii) and patches of heather, and so up 
through these park-like hillsides we climb till we reach the ridge, when the splendid 
beauty of the mountain bursts on our view. 

To the south, west, and east stretch meadows and rolling hillsides, a blaze of 
colour with flowers of many kinds. Over these meadows tower the rock and snow 
peaks of “ The Lady” and “The Angel.” Here we pitch camp convenient to some 
stream or snow-bank. Close to and occasionally forcing their way through these 
show-banks, we find the glacial lilies with their beautiful golden flowers, amidst, 
possibly, various patches of red snow. This later phenomenon is caused by a micro- 
scopic fungus which gives the snow a pink or blood-red appearance. In the wet 
hollows, formed by melting snow, the ground is covered with a carpet of buttercups. 
All colours of flowers are to be seen, for on the hillsides the white valerian, the red 
painter’s-brush, and the blue lupines form the most conspicuous colours. In passing 
along the hillside we notice a plant 3 or 4 feet high with large green leaves and a 
spike of bright-green flowers. This is called “ Veratrum viride.” We see, again. 
acres of mountain-blueberry only a few inches high, and on the ridges masses of the 
light-purple phlox, spirsea, and rock roses. At our feet we may find the Arctic 
willow, which rises only 3 or 4 inches from the ground. . 

At the summit of the mountain, which is formed of broken slate, we see 
thousands of ladybirds in the cracks of the rocks. Why they should congregate thus 
on a mountain-peak awaits explanation. Here also many butterflies are seen— 
*“ painted-ladies,”’ white argynnis, ‘ chequer-spots,” Vanessas, Erebias, various 
“blues,” and occasionally some rare tiger-moths such as Neoarctia yarrowii and 
NV. brucii. The moths are well represented on the mountain. Many Noctuids have 
been taken, which all appear to fly in the daytime, no doubt on account of the cold 
nights. Bees and wasps are very plentiful, and the flowers of the mountain-ash form 
a fine banqueting-hall for flies and beetles. 

Looking down into the valley, we see the districts surrounding Agassiz and 
Chilliwack spread out like a chequer-board, with the river like a silver ribbon flowing 
along. Beyond Agassiz, Harrison Lake can be seen for forty miles of its course, with 
“Fire’’ Mountain at its head. To the south the majestic summit of Mount Baker, 
covered with its eternal snow-cap, greets the eye; and this is the scene before us 


Procrerepincs, 1914. DY) 


as we lie around the camp-fire in the eternal stillness, thinking of the glare and noise 
of the city streets, and so concluding that it is good for us to be here. 

In conclusion, I wish to record the occurrence of several beetles that I have had 
in my collection for several years. 

The following insects have been identified by Dr. E. C. van Dyke, of Berkeley 
University, California, from specimens collected in British Columbia :— 


(2.) Omus dejeani, Reid .............---2805- Vancouver, April 20th, 1902. 
(38a.) Cicindela oregona, Lec. (var.) ....-..+.-- Stikine, 1904. 
(106.), Cychrus tuberculatus, Harr. ..........--- Nicomen, Sept. 12th, 1903. 
(92.) Scaphinatus (Cychrus) angusticollis, Fisch Stikine, 1904. 
(96.) Scaphinatus (Cychrus) marginatus, Fisch Stikine, 1904. 
(172.) Opisthius richardsoni, Kirby ........+.--- Stikine, 1904. 
(188.) Nebria metallica, Fisch. 
(50S.) Pterostichus amethystinus, Dej. ........-- Vancouver, April 26th, 1903. 
(671.)\ Amara. farcta,-Lec. (var.).....-..-.-2...+. Vancouver, April 26th, 1902. 
(658.) Amara littoralis, Mann. 
(G822.) Amara subsenea, Lec. v2... ..0. 5-5-5 eee ees Mount Cheam, Aug. 11th, 1905. 
(1484.) Dytiscus marginicollis, Lec. 
(1706.) Silpha lapponica, Hbst.,).................. Cherry Creek, July 12th, 1905. 
(1472.) Colymbetes strigatus, Lec. ............... Mount Cheam, Aug. 10th, 1905. 
-(1492.) Acilius semieuleatus, Aube. ...........--- Mount Cheam, Aug. 10th, 1905. 
(17014.) Necrophorus melsheimeri, Kirby ........- Vancouver, Aug. 17th, 1903. 
(1715.) Necrophilis hydrophiloides, Mann ........ Vancouver, May 14th, 1903. 
(2119.) Oreophilus villosus, Grav. ...:....:..--.- Vancouver, May 7th, 1904. 
(2116.) Listrotrophus cingulatus, Gray. 
(2140.) Staphylinus rutilicanda, Horn. 
(3848.) Peltis pippingskoeldi, Mann ............. N. Vancouver, April 27th, 1902. 
(CSBSn0s)) Gallitvs: Sqwbrar “Db DS s. teat. i eraye'e erulncreye = ols Vancouver, June 7th, 1903. 
(3984.) Arseopus° monachus, “Lec. ........-.....-- Vancouver, May Sth, 1902. 
(33164.) Cucujus puniceus,. Mann ................. Vancouver, May 23rd, 1905. 
(3891.) Byrrhus geminatus, Lec. (7?) ............ Vancouver, June 15th, 1904. 
(3080.) Chilocorus bivulnurus, Muls. 
(3041.) Hippodamia 5-signata, Kirby ............ Revelstoke, July 29th, 1904. 
(3049.) Hippodamia sinuata (var.) ...........+6. Vancouver, May 17th, 1909. 
(3050.) Hippodamia 13-punctata, Linn. ........... Vancouver, Sept. 20th, 1905. 
(3060.) Coccinella monticola, Muls............... Cherry Creek, July 12th, 1905. 
(3059.) Coccinella transversoguttata, Fab. .......- Revelstoke, July 21st, 1904. 
(3056.) Coccinella trifasciata, Linn. ............. Vancouver, April 20th, 1903. 
(3064.) Coccinella sanguinea, Linn, .............. Vancouver, April 20th, 1908. 
(2802.) Tilea cavicollis, F. 
(4095.) Alaus melanops, Lec. 
(4077.) Adelocera rorulenta, Lec., .........0..0... Vancouver, May 17th, 1906. 
(4485.) Corymbites suckleyi, Lec. ............... Vancouver, May 25th, 190s. 
(4486.) Corymbites aeripennis, Kirby ............N. Vancouver, April 27th, 1902. 
(4484.) Corymbites cruciatus, Linn. ..:.........:. Vancouver, May Sth, 1902. 
(4433.) Corymbites resplendens, Esch. 
* (4470.) Corymbites angusticollis, Mann .......... Vancouver, May 18th, 1904. 
(4452.) Corymbites Monticola, Horn ............. Vancouver, May 8rd, 1902. 
(4446.) Corymbites volitans var. umbricola, Esch...Grouse Mtn, June 26th, 1903. 
(42975): Dolopius lateraliss Wsth. eo aso Sete e's Vancouver, March 29th, 1903, 
HAA) PILATES ADICATUS, | SAY: o0 «cos a nies calee oem sea Vancouver, April 12th, 1903. 
..-..  Blater pheenicopterus, Germ. ............. Vancouver, May 3rd, 1903. 
hit eos, Hanis, MEAN Soa. ce we alee se cre ale Vancouver, May 13th, 1904. 
(4814.) Ellychnia californica, Mots. .............. Vancouver, May 25th, 1902. 
(4956.) ‘Lelephorus divisus, Lec. ...............-- Vancouver, April 26th, 1902. 
(S1TS.) Enoclerus sphegeus Fab. ...........-..--% Vancouver, May 29th, 1904. 


60 B.C. ENroMOLOGICAL SOcIETY. 


(4568.) Chalcophora angulicollis, Lec. 


(oL58.)--Trichodea ormatus;:Say . 2c: 228 va os ae ese N. Vancouver, July 19th, 1903. 
(4610.) Buprestis aurulenta, Linn. 

(4607.) Buprestis fasciata, Mab. ............2.5.. Hope, Aug. 21st, 1903. 
(46074.) Buprestis fasciata var. langii, Mann ...... Vancouver, June 28th, 1903. 
(4606B.) Buprestis rusticorum, Kirby. 

(4646.) Chrysobothris carinipennis, Lec. .......... Kaslo, July 25th, 1904. 

(4621.) Melanophila drummondi, Wirby (var.) ....Cherry Creek, July 12th, 1903. 
(4619.) Melanophila acuminata, De Geer ......... Vancouver, July Sth, 1903. 
(5417.) Platycerus oregonensis, West ............ Vancouver, May 21st, 1903. 
(5421.) Ceruchus striatus, Lec. : 

(5423.) Sinodendron rugosum, Mann. 

(5594.) Odontaeus obesus, Lec. 

(S6SG5) Serica santhracinay ees s citepeiss-sve ayes cepa Reyelstoke, July 29th, 1904. 
(enSsh) seNphodius spar dalisy Weer. cs ausicrermiecyanciete | sess Revelstoke, Oct. 29th, 1908. 
(5948.). Spondylis upiformis, Mann .............. Stikine, 1904, 

(5967.) Tragosoma harrisii, Lec. 

(5974.) Criocephalus productus, Lec. ............. Vancouver, Aug. 1st, 1905. 
(5992.) Hylotrupes ligneus, Fab. .......86..:...... Vancouver, April 10th, 1904, 
(6002.) Phymatodes dimidiztus, Kirby ........... Stikine, 1904. 

(6183.) Xylotrechus undulatus, Say .............. Vancouver, July 18th, 1908. 
(62325) Rhagium -lineatum; Oliivec.(<.2 ah sae ek sce Vancouver, April 27th, 1902. 
(62193)" Atimiar dorsalis. eG. oS) Sone esss s, shot Mabeiotae Vancouver, May 22nd, 1903. 
(6249) -Pachytar arm ata Se Cie. gots. ois ot olereerareyd eee ious Mount Cheam, Aug. 7th, 1903. 
(6247.) Pachyta monticola, Rand (var.)~.......... Vancouver, April 18th, 1904. 
(6274.) Acmeops pratensis, Laich................ Nelson, July 23rd, 1904. 
(6341.) Leptura chrysocoma, Kirby .............. Kaslo, July 26th, 1904. 

(6340.) Leptura quadrillum, Lec. ..........0..... Popeum, July 31st, 1903. 
(6846. Wieptura- dolorosa, Lee. 35.0252 55.2 sesse- es Popecum, July 31st, 1903. 
(6832.) eeptura-canadensis; Lec. ..3.:2:..-.:..--- Sicamous, July 31st, 1904. 
(6327.) Leptura matthewsii, Lec. 

(62995); Leptura-obliteratay Hala. oie faeces Vancouver, Aug. Ist, 1905. 
(63605)> epturam valida Weeks Sens <:-cocene eevee tums Vancouver, Aug. 6th, 1905, 
(6387.) Monohammus scutellus, Say. 

(6348) sLeptira: crassipes; WeGine ects be sete ea Revelstoke, July 21st, 1904. 
(6367.) Plectrura spinicauda, Mann .............. Vancouver, June 23rd, 1910. 
(6228:)) Wlochzetes leoninus; ec: 2 2.5.55.) 48h-. Vancouver, Aug. 5th, 1904. 
(65138.) Tetraopes basalis, Lec. . 22.2... 2. ieee. Cherry Creek, July 12th, 1903. 
(7656.) Phryganophilus collaris, Lec. ...........5. Vancouver, May 22nd, 1904. 
(G29!) SD ItY MIS SSTAeIIS; -AGe Ca parc ierel ss cmieie tens ooh ,. Vancouver, April 20th, 1902. 
(6741.) Chrysochus auratus, Fab. ............... Cherry Creek, July 12th, 1903. 
(6805.) Calligrapha elegans, Oliv. (var.) ........ Chilliwack, May 15th, 1908. 
(6907.) Galerucella decora, Say (var.) .......... Vancouver, May 14th, 1903. 
(6837.) Melasoma lapponica, Linn. (var.) ........ Stikine, 1904. 

(6332.) Leptura canadensis var. bena, Leng. 

(6810a.) Calligrapha bixbyana, Kirby ........ 226.0: Harrison, July 380th, 1905. 
(7724.) Calaphus angustus, Lee. (?)°....2..0/. Vancouver, April 11th, 1903. 
(7726a4.) Phellopsis porcata, Lec. 

(7394.) Iphthimus serratus, Mann ............... N. Vancouver, April 13th, 1902. 
(S158.). Cantharis sphiericollis, Say.) 2 <. 2.2.25. Vernon, Aug. 1st, 1904. 
(8092:)=Epicauta maculata, Say =o. 255. <. cael Cherry Creek, July 12th, 1903. 
(S474.) Pissodes fasciatus, Lec. 

(8488.) Lepyrus geminatus, Say .............:...Stikine, 1904. 

(S471.) Plinthus carinatus, Boh. 

(8260.) Dyslobus. segnis, Lec. oo... osc ce cece Frouse Mtn., June 3rd, 1910. 
(G742.) 


Chrysochus* cobaltinus;, ees =. .stes.ste eee Revelstoke, July 29th, 1904. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1914. 61 


SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE HYMENOPTERA OF THE OKANAGAN. 
By EB. P. VENABLES, VERNON. 


In speaking upon this group of insects, I should state at the outset that I have 
done little active work in the order for some years now. But as I have brought 
together a fair collection, comprising representatives of most of the families, it may 
be of interest to give the notes that I have of the various species. 

This district is undoubtedly a favoured spot as regards the Hymenoptera, and 
eareful work among any of the families would bring to light many new and interest- 
ing forms. During the coming season I propose to work at the sawflies, and shall 
hope to get some notes of interest. The Hymenoptera include some of the most 
beneficial and at the same time the most interesting insects known. We have only 
to consider the vast number of parasitic forms to be found in the superfamilies 
Ichneumonoidea and Chalcidoidea, without the intervention of which most species of 
leaf-eating caterpillars would soon devastate all plants, both wild and cultivated. 
We find in the former group a great assemblage of parasitic forms ranging in size 
from some 2 inches in length down to others of quite microscopical dimensions. AS 
to numbers, it is enough to state that Ashmead, who worked at the genera of the 
world, recognized 1,140 distinct genera of these strictly beneficial insects. The Chal- 
cidoidea is considered to be probably the largest in numbers of species of any of the 
Hymenopterous groups; only a few of these have so far been described. They are 
with few exceptions parasitic in habit, some of the species being found as egg 
parasites within the eggs of other insects, a few producing certain plant-galls. 

The ants, bees, and wasps are undoubtedly the most interesting as well as the 
most highly developed of all insects exhibiting that complicated but orderly com- 
munal life such as is found in every ant-hill or bees’ nest, the study of which reveals 
some almost astounding facts, both as regards division of labour and also, as among 
ants, Symbiosis of a highly complicated nature. 

There are many hundreds of different species of insects found inhabiting the 
tunnels and galleries of ants’ nests in different parts of the world, some of which 
are able to furnish the ants with certain secretions from glands situated in different 
parts of the body, as is the case with the larvee of certain Lycena, butterflies which 
are found attended by ants, for the purpose of feeding upon the excretions of honey- 
dew which is extruded by the Lycrena larva from a specialized gland situated on the 
dorsal surface of the abdomen. We have also the case well known to all who have 
paid any attention at all to insects of the consociation of ants and aphides. This 
well-known phase of ant behaviour has not been acquired by all ants, for although 
many species have developed the habit and have in the course of time learnt to 
take great pains to secure the excretion of the aphides, some species, in fact, building 
roofs over the colonies of these insects to protect them, others, as exampled by 
certain carnivorous groups, care nothing for the plant-lice and never, so far as is 
known, feed upon their excretion. It is not uncommon to find in early spring, on 
opening an ants’ nest, numbers of aphis-eggs which have been taken in for protection 
by the ants in the autumn. When these eggs hatch the ants remove the young 
aphides to their natural food-plant near the nest, and so ensure a supply of honey- 
dew for the summer months. There are many other insects found to inhabit ants’ 
nests... Many Coleoptera, Homoptera, and scale-insects may be found. These latter 
furnish excretion for the ants and are protected by their hosts. 

The beetle Cremastocheilus pilosicollis I have found frequently in the galleries 
of nests beneath stones, etc. Wheeler states that the ants employ themselves gnaw- 
ing the anterior thoracic angles of these beetles. I might state, to show the intricacy 
of the phase of the subject, that there have been enumerated by Wassmann no less 
- than 1,246 species of various small animals, “not only insects, but certain spiders 
and ecrustacea, known to inhabit ants’ nests either as true guests, or tolerated 
scavengers, or as persecuted intruders.” 


2, B.C. ENromonocicaL Socimry. 


Volumes might be written upon this most interesting group of insects, and any 
one proposing to work upon the ants would do well to examine some of Professor 
Wheeler’s papers upon the group. 

Before leaving the subject of ants, I should like to mention those most interesting 
species, the fungus-ants. These interesting creatures, first carefully observed by Belt 
in Nicaragua, have developed the extraordinary faculty of cultivating for food a 
certain species of fungus which is grown by the ants upon decaying leaves that are 
brought to the nest for that purpose. This fungus is only known to be produced in 
the nest of ants of tropical and sub-tropical America. The tribe to which they belong, 
the “ Attii,’” consists of about 100 species, all of which are known to be cultivators 
and eaters of this peculiar fungous growth. | 

It had constantly been remarked by travellers in the tropics that vast numbers 
of ants were found engaged in carrying into their nests quantities of freshly cut 
leaves; that these leaves served as food was for a long time taken as the explanation 
of the phenomenon. But careful observation led to the discovery that the leaves 
were used as a manure for raising the crops of fungous plants for the food of the 
ant colony. It is grown within certain large chambers of the nest and is fed upon 
by the larvee and adult Attii. When a colony is disturbed the ants remove every 
particle of the fungous masses to a new site, and again in forming a new colony a 
supply is carried along by the ants with which to stock their new quarters. 

We might dilate upon the many other strange facts of ant behaviour which have 
in the last few years been made known by various careful workers, but I think that 
enough has been given to show the intense interest of the study. I will now give you 
a short list of the species of the Hymenoptera that I have found in my somewhat 
desultory collecting, but I hope it may be the nucleus of a far more comprehensive 
and complete list in the future for this country compiled by the co-operation of many 
of our members. 

Among the earliest and most noticeable of the Hymenoptera are the various 
species of Bombidie, of which I have representatives of some sixteen species in my 
collection. In their relation to the cross-fertilization of plants, the insects of this 
group are of the greatest importance and benefit to agriculture, for without their 
presence many of the most valuable plants would never set their seed. 

In the Okanagan we have the following species :— 


Bombus melanopygus (the most Bombus neyadensis (the 
showy species of the genus largest species). 
and the first to appear in the Bombus fervidus. 
spring). Bombus occidentalis. 
Bombus rufocinctus. Bombus vancouverensis. 
Bombus appositus. Bombus edwardsii (Vanc.). 
Bombus nearcticus. Bombus vagans. 
Bombus juxtus. Bombus pennsylvyanicus. 


Bombus couperi. 
Psityrus insularis, a parasitic form in the Andrenidse or short-tongued bees, I 
have the following species, viz. :— 


Andrena illinoiensis. Halictus pacificus. 
Andrena nigrocoerula. Synalonia nevadensis. 
Halictus ligatus. Synalonia edwardsii. 
Halictus montanus. Megachile frigida. 
Halictus lerouxii. Celioxus rufitarsus. 


The following wasps are to be found commonly :— 
Vespa diabolica (also from Vancouver). Polistes aurifer. 


Vespa fernaldi. Polistes pallipes. 

Vespa maculata. Polybia flavitarsns. 
Vespa marginata. Trachytes pepticus. 
Vespa occidentalis. Psamophila robusta. 


Polistes bellicosus. Sphex ichneumonea. 


q Proceepines, 1914. 63 


x 


I also have thirty-two species of Tenthredinidie, as follows :— 


‘Cimbex americana. Lophyrus abiatis. 
Tenthredo nigrocostata. Steonlyogaster fidus. 
Tenthredo varipictus. Haplocampa spissipes. 
Tenthredo variegatus. Hylotoma clavicornis. 
Tenthredo mellina. Hylotoma abdominalis. 
Tenthredo morosa. Hylotoma meleayi. 
Tenthredo evansii. Monophadnus tibie. 
Urocerus cyaneus. Macrophya tibiator. 
Urocerus albicornis. Macrophya fumator. 
Sirex flavicornis. Pachynematus extensicornis. 
Sirex abdominalis. Pachynematus clypeatus. 
Dolerus bicolor. Poecilosoma maculata. 
Dolerus aprilis. Trichiocampus gregarius. 
Monohadmus rubi. Haplocampa montana. 
Monohadmus medius. Ubia americana. 


Monostegia rose. 

I also haye some unnamed species in this group, and would feel it a favour to 
exchange with any of the members, either in this family or any other in which they 
are interested. In the early days of our Society we had, if I remember rightly, a 
considerable list of insects compiled by the different members, and if this list is still 
preserved it would no doubt be of value to draw up a catalogue of British Columbia 
entomology, or. perhaps a copy might be made and utilized in the forthcoming list at 
present being worked up by our parent Society on Canadian insects. 

I regret I am unable to be present at this meeting, but the distance is somewhat 
great, I regret also not having been able to attend the Vernon meeting during last 
summer, but nevertheless the Society has my best wishes and continued support. 


REPORT OF THE FIFTIETH ANNUAL (JUBILEE) MEETING OF THE 
ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF ONTARIO. 


By R. C. TREHERNE, EXPERIMENTAL I’ARM, AGASSIZ. 


On August 27th, 28th, and 29th, 1913, at the Ontario Agricultural College, 
Guelph, Ontario, a special meeting of the Ontario Entomological Society took place, 
in commemoration of the fact that the Society had been in existence and active for 
exactly fifty years. The meeting was not to be missed, as it was of historic interest 
to all interested in the science of entomology in Canada. Through the courtesy of 
Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt, Dominion Hntomologist, I was permitted to suspend my 
operations at Agassiz for a period of three weeks to attend this meeting at Guelph, 
and to transact other business of a personal as well as official character. 

As we are out here an integral unit in the entomological work of the Dominion 
of Canada, and a branch of the parent Society in Ontario, apart from the interest 
this Jubilee meeting will arouse in our members, I believe it well to record in our 
annals the origin, formation, and growth of this Ontario Society, which, as I will 
show in a few moments, was and is the Hntomological Society of Canada. I do 
not believe I could do better than to quote word for word the synopsis that was 
printed as an introduction to the programme arranged for the occasion :— 

“The first meeting of entomologists in Canada was held in September, 1862. 
It was then decided to form an entomological society, whose chief objects were the 
formation of a collection of Canadian insects, the interchange of duplicate material, 
and the holding of meetings with the object of advancing the science. Accordingly, 
in April, 1863, the Entomological Society of Canada was organized, the original 
membership being twenty-five. The publication of a series of valuable papers was 
begun, and it is a matter of great gratification to know that we shall have with 
us at our Jubilee meeting the contributors of the first two papers, and two of the 
founders of the Society, Dr. Bethune and Dr. Wm. Saunders, C.M.G. The activity 


64 B.C. ENromonocicsaL Socirery. 


of the Society and the zeal of its members were evinced by the publication by the 
Society of the first number of the Canadian Entomologist in August, 1868, and 
since that time the Society’s journal has regularly appeared each month. In 1870 
the Society received a grant from the Council of the Agricultural and Arts 
Association of Ontario for the formation of a collection and the publication of an 
annual report on injurious insects. Accordingly, the ‘First Annual Report of the 
Noxious Insects of the Province of Ontario’ was prepared in 1870, and published 
by the Ontario Government in the year following. In 1871 the Government of the 
Province of Ontario passed a Statute incorporating The Entomological Society of 
Canada as The Entomological Society of Ontario, which was instituted ‘for the 
investigation of the character and habits of insects, the improvement of entomo- 
logical science, and more especially its practical bearing on the agricultural and 
horticultural interests of the Province. A grant was'made to the Society by the 
Provincial Government, and the same has been continued annually, as also has the 
publication of the Society’s Annual Report. The national character of the Society, 
notwithstanding its Provincial designation, was continued, and branches were 
formed outside Ontario, at Montreal, Quebec, and in British Columbia. Its history 
has been one of steady progress, and the systematic side of the science has not 
been divorced from the economic, as the pages of the Society’s journal, the Canadian 
Entomologist, abundantly testify. The continued progress of the Society has been 
largely due to the untiring efforts, fired by an enthusiasm and devotion which ever 
increased, of our Jubilee President, who from its foundation has, as secretary, 
president, editor of the journal, and permanent counsellor, devoted himself whole- 
heartedly to its welfare and to the advancement of Canadian entomology.” 

Dr. C. J. S. Bethune had been elected previously as Jubilee President in honour 
of his energy and zeal for the cause of entomology in the Dominion. He was unable, 
hewever, to act in his official capacity on account of defective eyesight. The Vice- 
President, Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt, Dominion Entomologist, ably filled Dr. Bethune’s 
position, seated on Dr. Bethune’s left hand throughout the meetings. Mr. A. W. 
Baker acted as Secretary, and he also performed his arduous duties with pleasure 
to all. 

As a further detailed description of the early days of the Society, I beg leave 
to extract the text of Dr. Bethune’s address from the pages of the Canadian 
Entomologist of November, 1913 :— 

“The President, Dr. Bethune, stated that, owing to defective eyesight, he was 
unable to prepare a formal written address, and would therefore endeavour to give 
some account of the origin of the Society and the proceedings that led to its 
formation. 

“When a student at Trinity College, Toronto, he began the collection and study 
of insects. At that time there were no available books on the subject. The first 
work that gaye him any assistance in naming specimens was Gosse’s ‘ Canadian 
Naturalist, a delightful work giving an account of observations made in various 
departments of natural history during each month of the year in the eastern 
townships of the Province of Quebec. In the Canadian journal there were published 
excellent short descriptions of the more conspicuous beetles found in the neighbour- 
hood of Toronto by Wm. Couper, a printer by trade. These were supplemented by 
lists furnished by Professor Croft, of the University of Toronto. Kirby and 
Spence’s ‘Mntomology’ and Westwood’s ‘Modern Classification of Insects’ were 
published about that time and afforded the first scientific aids to the knowledge of 
insects. Through the kindness of Professor Croft, the speaker had access to the 
library of the University of Toronto, which contained several rare works on 
entomology. He was also permitted to consult the books in the library of 
Parliament, which at that time was located in Toronto. In these libraries he 
spent much of his leisure-time in laboriously transcribing descriptions of Canadian 
insects, which, for the most part, had to be translated from Latin and French, and 
also in making copies of illustrations. These difficulties can hardly be realized by 


Procrmpines, 114. ( 


students at the present day who have such an abundance of literature upon every 
department of natural history. Such works as Comstock’s ‘Manual for the Study 
of Insects’ and Mrs. Comstock’s ‘How to Know the Butterflies’ would at that 
time have been treasures indeed. Howeyer, there is no doubt that the difficulties 
encountered helped one to build upon a sound foundation and to acquire a more 
complete knowledge than could be attained by attempting to hastily read a super- 
abundance of publications. 

“At the suggestion of Professor Croft, the speaker made the acquaintance of 
Mr. Wm. Saunders, of London, who carried on at the time the business of chemist 
and druggist on a moderate scale. The acquaintance thus formed soon ripened 
into a mutual friendship and esteem which has continued unbroken to the present 
time. 

“In the Canadian Naturalist for June, 1862, there appeared a list of persons 
residing in Canada, all interested in the collection and study of insects, which 
contained no less than thirty-six names. This was prepared by the speaker, with 
the assistance of Mr. Saunders. It was then proposed that a meeting should be held 
for the purpose of bringing together as many as possible of those interested, and to 
form some kind of club or society which would be of general benefit to those 
concerned. The result of this publication was the holding of a meeting in Toronto 
at the residence of Professor Croft in September, 1862. As there were only ten 
persons present, it was thought inadvisable to form a society at that time, but a draft 
of a constitution was drawn up and it was decided to hold another meeting during 
the coming year. On April 16th, 1863, a meeting was held in the library of the 
Canadian Institute, and the formation of the Entomological Society of Canada was 
then decided upon and its constitution drawn up and adopted. The attendance was 
small, but several who were unable to be present had given in their adhesion to the 
movement. Dr. Henry Croft, Professor of Chemistry in the University of Toronto, 
was elected President; Mr. Saunders, of London, Secretary-Treasurer; and the Rey. 
Jas. Hibbert, Curator. The others present were: The Rev. Wm. Hincks, Professor 
of Botany and Zoology at the University of Toronto; Dr. Sangster, Principal of the 
Normal School, Toronto; Dr. Beverley R. Morris, an Englishman who not long after 
returned to England and there became editor of a popular magazine on natural 
history; Dr. Cowdry and his son, Mr. N. H. Cowdry, of York Mills; and Messrs. 
Saunders and Bethune. The following gentlemen were unable to be present, but 
became original members of the Society: Mr. E. Baynes Reed, Barrister, London; 
Mr. E. Billings, editor of the Canadian Naturalist and Geologist, for many years 
attached to the Geological Survey; Mr. R. V. Rogers, Barrister, Kingston; Mr. T. 
Reynolds, Engineer of the Great Western Railway, now part of the Grand Trunk 
system, Hamilton; Mr. B. Billings, Prescott, who subsequently lived in the neigh- 
bourhood of Ottawa and formed a large collection of Coleoptera; Rev. V. Clementi, 
Peterborough, an English Church clergyman, who was greatly interested in the 
various aspects of natural history. Mr. Wm. Saunders was appointed by the 
Dominion Government in 1886 to establish and superintend a series of experimental 
farms extending from Nova Scotia to British Columbia. For twenty-five years Dr. 
Saunders conducted this work in a most able and successful manner, and his name 
is well known not only throughout Canada, but also in the United States and Great 
Britain. 

“The Society thus formed began its career of active usefulness and it has 
steadily grown and prospered to the present time. In 1868 the publication of the 
Canadian Entomologist was begun, the first number consisting of only eight pages. 
It is now in its forty-fifth year of publication and is sent to all parts of the world. 
In 1870 the first Annual Report of the Society on ‘ Noxious, Beneficial, and other 
Insects” was published, the three contributors being Dr. Saunders, Mr. Baynes Reed, 
and the speaker. What really made the fortunes of the Society was the invasion of 
Ontario by the Colorado potato-beetle. The Board of Agriculture for the Province 

5 


66 B.C, ENromoLocicaL Socrery. = 


requested the Society to report on the insect and to advise as to the best methods 
of checking or controlling its ravages. An admirable report was prepared by Messrs. 
Saunders and Reed; the former, being a practical chemist, was able to experiment 
with yarious poisons and to discover that Paris green was the most convenient and 
reliable substance for the destruction of the beetle. The result of this report was a 
grant from the Department of $400 per annum, which was afferwards increased to 
$1,000, and the incorporation of the Society under the name of the ‘ Entomological 
Society of Ontario. For a few years the Canadian Institute in Toronto gave the 
Society the privilege of using its library and museum for its meetings and collections. 
After a few years, however, the headquarters were removed to London and continued 
there until 1906, when a change was made to the Ontario Agricultural College. 
Guelph. 

“The speaker expressed the great pleasure which it gave him and his colleagues 
to find that so many friends had come from long distances to join in the celebration 
of the Jubilee meeting of the Society. He joined in giving them all the most hearty 
welcome and expressed his hope that they would fully enjoy their visit.” 

As indicated by Dr. Bethune, the meetings were well attended and well repre- 
sented by delegates from Scotland, England, United States, and from the various 
Provinces of Canada. In all, between forty and fifty individuals were in more or 
less regular attendance throughout the session. Addresses of congratulation to the 
Society and to its Jubilee President were tendered by’ representatives from the 
University of Toronto, University of McGill, University of Manchester, Royal Society 
of Canada, Academy of National Sciences of Philadelphia, the Canadian Department 
of Agriculture, University of Edinburgh, Imperial Bureau of Entomology, Harvard 
University, Boston Society of Natural History, Cornell University, the Entomological 
Society of London, the Entomological Society of America, the American Association 
of Economic Entomologists, the New York Entomological Society, the Entomological 
Society of Washington, the United States Bureau of Entomology, the United States 
Department of Agriculture, the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club, the Quebee Society 
for the Protection of Plants, the Montreal Branch of the Ontario Entomological 
Society, the Toronto Branch of the Ontario Entomological Society, and the British 
Museum, London, England; and on behalf of this Society I conveyed the good wishes 
and congratulations that I was sure was felt by all the members. 

An excellent programme had been arranged by the Executive, and contributors 
delivered their papers for two days of the meeting. The last day was spent by the 
members and visitors in a trip through the famous Niagara Fruit District. 

A large number of letters of recognition and congratulation were read from 
yarious European centres of learning, by cable from Russia, from Germany, from 
Ingland, and from Scotland. A number of letters were also read from various 
entomologists stationed throughout the United States at the various experiment 
stations. It was very evident, throughout the whole, that entomologists throughout 
America and Hurope and probably throughout the world had been taught to recognize 
the Canadian Entomological Society as an active and sound adviser in the entomo- 
logical world. The meetings closed with every good feeling and regard on Friday, 
August 29th. 

Before closing, I would like to draw the attention of the members to the fact 
that there exists on the Pacific Slope an Association of Economic Hntomologists. 
The fourth annual meeting of this Society was held on April 10th to 12th, 1918, at 
the University of California, Berkeley, California. The meeting was held, as it 
appears they usually are held, in affiliation with the Pacific Association of Scientific 
Societies. This present yearly meeting is to be held, I fancy, at Seattle. The 
various societies, of which the Entomological Society is one, enrol their officers 
and members from all of the immediate Pacific Coast States, from Mexico to Wash- 
ington, including also the Canadian Province of British Columbia, and the United 
States Islands of Hawaii. Several of the bordering interior but western States are 
included within the scope of the Society. I fancy the place and date of the meeting 


= Procerpincs, 1914. OT 


for the succeeding year is arranged by joint committees uniting all the various 
societies combined. Prof. W. B. Herms is Secretary-Treasurer of the Entomological 
Society, and he resides at the University of California, Berkeley, Cal. Should any 
of our members wish to become members of this Society, I am sure that Professor 
Herms would be willing to give you assistance and notification regarding the by-laws. 
It might be quite advisable if a small representation of our members went to Seattle 
in the spring to attend the meetings, to show our appreciation of the fact that the 
Pacific Association of Scientific Societies are bringing the results of their labours 
hear to our doors. California is too far for most of us to go every year, but if a 
good turn-out of North-western entomologists were present at this spring meeting it 
may impress the authorities of the advisability of invading our territory once every 
so often. 


A REVIEW OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY IN BRITISH COLUMBIA. 
By R. C. TREHERNE, EXPERIMENTAL FARM, AGASSIZ. 


In an attempt to supplement the paper that our President, Mr. Day, has just 
presented, representing as it does a review of the systematie side of the science in 
the Province, I will refer, in as few words as possible, to the history and progress 
of the economic considerations that have taken place within our boundaries. 

As will be noticed through this paper, applied entomology in this Province 
originated and has its place in the published annals of the British Columbia Fruit- 
growers’ Association. Sundry notes and observations by those interested in fruit- 
growing in the early days brought forth remarks concerning insects. Consequently 
we find that the phase of entomology, dealing with insect pests of the agriculturist, 
and referred to as “economic entomology,” began almost conjointly with the 
formation and foundation of the British Columbia Fruit-growers’ <A 
This Association began its active career in the year 1889. 

In 1897 we find “An Act respecting the Provincial Board of Horticulture,” 
cited as the “ Horticultural Board Act” (1894, ¢. 20, s. 1), in operation. This 
enactment was the result of two previous Acts regarding the Board of Horticulture, 
the first coming into operation about 1892. In the wording of the Act, it states 
that “the Lieutenant-Governor in Council shall appoint . . . a competent person 
especially qualified by practical experience in horticulture, who shall be known as 
“Inspector of Fruit Pests.’ ”’ * 

Mr. Ernest Hutcherson, of Ladner, was first appointed as Inspector of Fruit 
Pests in about the year 1892 under the authority of the original Board Act. Two 
years later he was succeeded by Mr. R. M. Palmer, who occupied this position in 
the neighbourhood of eight years, finally handing the office over to Mr. Thomas 
Cunningham in 1902, who to-day (1914) is still operating the Act in a most efficient 
manner: Mr. Cunningham, previous to his appointment, had charge of the fruit- 
inspection work since 1896. 

The “Horticultural Board Act,” however, after yarious changes, insertions, 
and amendments, finally, in 1911, was combined in the ‘“ Act respecting Agricultural 
Associations,” and cited as the “ Agricultural Associations Act,’ Part IV., the 
former Act and title being repealed. 

As I have already said, we look to the Horticultural Board and to the Fruit- 
growers’ Association for our information relative to the economic pests of fruit and 
agriculture of the time. 

Two men compiled and published notes and remedies on insect pests of 
the agriculturist in the Province from the records of the British Columbia Fruit- 
growers’ Association. Mr. J. R. Anderson, formerly Deputy Minister of Agriculture, 
and Mr. R. M. Palmer, formerly Inspector of Fruit Pests and later sueceeding 
Mr. Anderson as Deputy Minister of Agriculture for the Province, are responsible 
for the dissemination of practical knowledge on economic entomology in these early 


ociation. 


* Hort., chap. 94. sec. 9. 


68 B.C. Enromo.Locican Socrery. 


times. The various members of the Executive of the Horticultural Association, 
through their interest in the fruit-growing problems of the Province, haye added 
much to our entomological knowledge. 

As a result of their labours, in 1895 the Horticultural Society and Fruit-growers’ 
Association of British Columbia published a ‘‘ Pest and Remedy Supplement” as 
adopted by a committee appointed at an annual meeting of the Society. This 
committee consisted of Messrs, G. W. Henry, Hatzic; Thos. Cunningham, New 
Westminster; Michael Baker, Victoria; IR. M. Palmer, Victoria; G. Hadwen, 
Duncan; E. Hutcherson, Ladner; and T. A. Sharpe, Ag: Z; and it was under the 
direction of these gentlemen that the “Supplement” was issued. 

The first officers of the Horticultural Society were J. M. Browning, Thos. 
Cunningham, G. W. Henry, and A. H. B. McGowan. In the six succeeding years 
a number of officers were appointed to the Executive of the Society, among them 
being W. J. Harris, Tom Wilson, John Kirkland, Wm. Knight, T. G. Earle, and 
J. R. Anderson. 

In 1899 and 1901 two reports by Mr. R. M. Palmer, Inspector of Fruit Pests, 
were issued, containing remedies and suggestions recommended for adoption by 
farmers, fruit-growers, and gardeners of the Province, prepared for the Provincial 
Board of Horticulture. 

In 1907, and reissued again in 1908, Mr. Thomas Cunningham, as Inspector of 
Fruit Pests, published a “ Spraying Bulletin” on ‘Orchard Cleansing.” 

In 1908 Mr. J. R. Anderson, at the time Deputy Minister of Agriculture, 
published Bulletin No. 24 from the Department of Agriculture of British Columbia, 
and he titled his bulletin “ Farmers’ Foes and their Remedies.” In presenting 
this bulletin to the agriculturists of the Province, Mr. Anderson states in the 
introduction: ‘The purpose of the present bulletin is to afford a description in a 
succinct form of those pests which are prevalent, reported, or are likely to be 
introduced in the Province, and their natural enemies, with the remedies prescribed ~ 
by competent authorities or which have been found by experience to be the most 
effective.’ ~This bulletin represents careful and painstaking construction and to-day 
is the most useful issue we have relative to insect pests of the Province. 

Touching the subject of artificial control measures and spraying, some interesting 
records can be gleaned from private journals and diaries. Few published records 
appear to be available on the number of machines and to what extent spraying 
for insect pests was practised by the fruit-growers. Consequently, while the follow- 
ing records appear to stand, it is just possible that omissions have occurred to 
some extent. 

In 1885 Mr. Thomas Cunningham bought a 45-gallon spray-pump from the 
Field Spray Pump Company of New York. Mr. William Clarkson, of New 
Westminster, also sprayed for aphis and apple-scab with a similar hand-pump of 
his own purchase in the 80’s. In 1888 Mr. W. J. Brandrith, of Ladner, owned a 
“stirrup” spray-pump. This was of cast iron with a wrought-iron plunger, and 
was only capable of throwing a spray some 12 feet or so. Mr. Brandrith in 1890 
again arranged for the purchase and sale of six 5-gallon bucket Spramotor hand- 
pumps to various fruit-growers in the Lower Fraser Valley. These pumps cost, laid 
down, $30 each. In 1892 he again bought a No. 2 40-gallon Spramotor for his 
own use. 

Bordeaux was in use between the years 1885 and 1890 at the 4-4-50 formula 
and whale-oil soap, which latter was imported from the Standard Soap Company 
of San Francisco, Cal., at the time. i 

In the early 90's Mr. T. A. Sharpe. Superintendent of the Dominion Experi- 
mental Farm, Agassiz, had a Spramotor hand-pump sent out from London, Ontario, 
for use on the Government Farm. As far as can be gathered, at least six more 
spray-pumps from the same firm came into the Fraser Valley and on to Vancouver 
Island about the same time. Mr. Tom Wilson, on his farm near Harrison, in the 
Fraser Valley, bought a Myers spray-pump in 1892 and fitted it to a barrel. He 


: ProOcEEDINGS, 1914. : 69 


says: “The only thing we used to spray for was the green aphis, and we used 
tobacco-stems steeped in water. Previous to that we used a solution of concentrated 
lye or caustic soda applied with a swab or whitewash-brush to the bodies and larger 
limbs of the trees. About 1893 woolly aphis used sometimes to be noticed, and it 
was the practice to apply a little raw coal-oil to the affected parts with a swab. 
Oyster-shell scale, when treated at all, used to get a lick of lie and water. I 
remember seeing this scale in the woods in the early 90's.” 

Records for the Okanagan District are limited. In 1895 one hand-power Bean 
sprayer was in use on the Coldstream Ranch, Vernon. With the exception of a 
brass Spramotor No. 2, owned and bought by Mr. Price Ellison, M.L.A., later and 
at the present time Minister of Agriculture for the Province, it is doubtful whether 
any other existed in the Upper Country previous to this time, although conjointly 
in the Lower Mainland spraying fruit-trees for fungi and insects was more or Jess 
general. Spraying, however, for insect pests did not become general all over the 
Province in the fruit-growing areas until about 1900. 

AS a precautionary measure to the rapidly increasing fruit-growing industry, 
and to safeguard this industry from the introduction of more insects than those 
indigenous to the Province, a station was built in Vancouver in 1895, to be used 
for the inspection of all fruit-trees and vegetation that were passing into the 
Province from points outside. In 1896 the fumigation of incoming nursery stock, 
combining tree to tree-inspection with fumigation, was begun by the Provincial 
authorities. Mr. Thomas Cunningham had charge of this work as a member of 
the Board of Horticulture. To Mr. Cunningham is due the credit for the erection 
and manipulation of this detention-shed for incoming vegetation, and to his opinion 
on the Executive of the Board we are indebted for the foundation of the present 
efficient system of pest-control. 

In 1900 the Dominion Government, directed by Dr. James Fletcher, Dominion 
Entomologist and Botanist, operated a separate fumigation-station in Vancouver 
under the “San Jose Scale Act.” Mr. Tom Wilson had charge of this work. It was 
not until several years later that a co-ordination of the Dominion and Provincial 
work in fumigation and inspection took place. 

Occasionally we find records that certain very dangerous insects were evading 
the system of fumigation and inspection. In 1896 an infestation of what, at first, 
Was thought to be the dreaded San Jose scale was noticed at Popcum, east of 
Chilliwack. It afterwards proved to be the Putnams scale. In 1902 or 1903 some 
San Jose scale were discovered on trees which had passed through the detention- 
sheds. In 1904 an outbreak of codling-moth occurred at Kamloops. Spraying the 
trees, of which there were, roughly, 3,000 growing in and around Kamloops at the 
time, was undertaken by the Government, but a certain lack of co-operation on the 
part of the orchard-owners hindered the work of control, so that the outbreak 
continued until about 1910, when the infestation was believed to be safely overcome. 
For the past four years no further evidence of the reappearance of the moth or its 
larva has been received from the district, which indicates the control-work has been 
successful. 

In the same year (1904), again, another and more serious outbreak of codling- 
moth took place in the southern portion of Vancouver Island. Deputies of the 
Department of Horticulture were instructed to locate and destroy all infected fruit 
and Jaryee, and endeavour to induce the growers to co-operate in the matter of 
eontrol. In 1909 the fight still continued against the moth, as many as 17,582 
trees being found infected, and 7,610 fruits from which larvee weye taken. Urgent 
measures on the part of the growers and the Government were then undertaken, 
with the result that a few years later the moth infestation was reduced to a very 
low condition. 

The introduction, localization, and spread of these dangerous pests had the 
double effect of increasing the rigidity of the inspection and fumigation regulations 
and of stimulating the cause of artificial control measures in the field, for to-day we 


70 B.C. ENroMOLoGIcAL Socipry. 


find the system of inspection and fumigation is very complete and efficient, the 
possibility of the introduction of any dangerous insect pests being reduced to a 
minimum, and spraying in the orchard has become general throughout the Province. 
Mr. Cunningham, assisted by Mr. W. H. Lyne, Assistant Inspector of Fruit Pests, in 
close co-operation with the Dominion Division of Entomology, represented up till 
October, 1911, by Mr. Tom Wilson, acting under the Dominion ‘t Destructive Insect 
and Pest Act,’ operate the co-ordinated inspection and fumigation work in Vancouver, 
whereby every plant product is duly given individual inspection and fumigation 
within certain regulations. The writer took over the work from Mr. Wilson in the 
fall of 1911. 

The first power-spraying outfit (Bean) was brought to the Province in 1910. 
‘To-day there are nine large machines at work in the various sections of the Province 
operated directly by the representatives of the Provincial Government. Several 
private individuals and fruit-growing concerns also enlist the aid of these machines 
to reduce the margin of loss in their orchards. At present between Armstrong and 
Penticton there are about twenty-five private machines in operation. It is curious 
that the Lower Fraser Valley, which was the original fruit-growing area of the 
Province before the Okanagan became famous, forming as it did the advance guard 
in the use of the spraying-machine, and first illustrating the principles of pest-control 
in the early days of the Province, has let other sections go ahead and leave them in 
a not very much better position than the early 90's. From the experience of the 
writer during the past few years, it would seem apparent that there are no more 
than fifteen individuals in the valley who own and operate their own spray-machines, 
hand and power, for the control of orchard pests and diseases. 

In May 1912 Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt, Dominion Entomologist, established a field 
station for investigational research in entomology, the object being to study the life- 
history and habits of insects in the Province, preferably those of economic importance 
and their control. The writer has the honour, at the moment, of occupying the 
position as field officer for British Columbia under the direction of the Dominion 
Wntomologist. Through the courtesy of Mr. Arthur Brealey, fruit-grower, Hatzic, in 
the Lower Fraser Valley, the Dominion Division of Entomology was permitted to 
establish temporary field-quarters on his farm for the purpose of investigating the 
life-history and habits of Otiorhynchus ovatus, the strawberry-root weevil, an insect 
which was causing very considerable annoyance to the growers in the locality. 
These temporary quarters at Hatzic were removed to permanent ones on the 
Dominion Experimental Farm, Agassiz, also in the Lower Fraser Valley, in the 
spring of the next year, 1913. 

In the spring of 1912, again, the Provincial Department of Agriculture appointed 
Mr. W. H. Brittain, at the request of the British Columbia Board of Horticulture, 
to the position of Entomologist and Plant Pathologist for the Province. Mr. Brittain 
commenced to work collecting data on fungous diseases and insects of the Province 
in April, 1912. His headquarters were at Vernon. In the fall of 1918 he accepted 
a position in charge of the Biological Department at the Truro Agricultural College, 
Nova Scotia, thus leaving British Columbia at this time. The results of his investiga- 
tious in insects in the Province are for the most part recorded in our proceedings. 

Under the date of November 12th, 1912, Seymour Hadwen, D.V.Sci., First 
Assistant Pathologist, Dominion Veterinary Department, at the branch office on 
the Experimental Farm, Agassiz, published an account on the ‘‘ Economie Aspect 
and Contributions on the Biology of Warble-flies ” under the auspices of the Dominion 
Department of Agriculture, Health of Animals Branch. 

The records of entomological work accomplished within the Province since 1911, 
and the workers who are responsible for the dissemination of knowledge at this time, 
will be found in the publications of the proceedings of the Society. As the science 
stands to-day, everything bids fair for the future. The numbers of workers are 
increasing and the demand for knowledge is being felt. The moment should not pass 
without one last reference te the splendid foresight shown by the several names 


ProcEEDINGS, 1914. al 


mentioned in this paper in safeguarding the agricultural interests of the Province by 
their sound judgments and sane measures, embodied in the regulations of the Board 
of Horticulture, against the introduction of dangerous insect pests—pests which are 
‘ausing considerable annoyance and expense to fruit-growers and farmers in other 
portions of the Dominion of Canada, and which might with ease be introduced 
through the medium of trade into this Province, which in the early 90°s was only 
just beginning to develop its wonderful agricultural and horticultural resources. 
To-day this Province stands, in comparison to its fruit-growing areas, the cleanest of 
any fruit-growing country in the world. ‘There is little codling-moth, no San Jose 
scale, no very serious insect pest in the orchard or on the farm, and we look back 
to the few men, whose names have been incorporated in this paper, through whose 
wise judgment and who through the exercise of proper precaution made this condition 
possible. 

If it had not been for the Horticultural Regulations, for it has been on the basis 
of these regulations that our economic entomology has been built so far, and about 
which mention has been made, our history of British Columbian entomology up to 
the present would have been very different. Instead of applying quarantine and 
preventive measures as have been done and as we are in the main doing now, we 
should have been studying and controlling insect pests of the farmer, of more serious 
intent than any we have with us under present conditions. As such the published 
record of entomology in British Columbia would have been much different. 

No praise, therefore, is too great for those whose energies have placed this 
Province on an independent pedestal in the field of economic or applied entomology, 
causing her to stand an example to all of the practical and elementary principles 
of entomology, which other Provinces and States failed to follow until too late. 

Our work for the future will be to retain this standard of immunity at all costs 
of labour and expense, and we will endeavour at the same time to supplement our 
knowledge on those insects of economic importance in our midst and indigenous to 
the Province. There are few countries with such an interesting entomological fauna. 
There are few studies that offer such scope for individual research as a study of 
this same entomological fauna; consequently the field lies open, in systematic or 
economic investigation, in popular or scientific research, for those that may wish to 
place their energies and the products of their brains towards a furtherance of our 
knowledge on British Columbia insects, their lives and their characteristics, 


MITES: THEIR CLASSIFICATION AND HABITS, WITH SOME OBSERVA- 
TIONS ON THEIR OCCURRENCE IN THE OKANAGAN. 


By J. SYDNEY Dasu, B.S.A. 


The work of mites has been brought so much before us in this Province through- 
out the past season (we need only mention here the discovery by Gtissow of a 
species of Hriophyes associated with a kind of “ silver-leaf,’ and also by Brittain 
of a species of the same genus causing apple-blotch on the fruit) that the writer, 
when asked to make a few remarks at this meeting, thought it would not be ont 
of place to treat briefly on this class.of minute animals, so that a more exact idea 
of the nature, Classification, and importance of the class may be obtained. 

The animal kingdom, as you are probably aware, is divided into a number of 
branches or phyla, each phylum having its own peculiar characteristics. The phylum 
with which we have to deal is the Arthropoda, a group of animals having jointed 
bodies and jointed legs. In this phylum are the following classes :— 

1. Crustacea.—These are water-breathing animals. They possess many legs and 
hard outer or exoskeletons; head and thorax are united. Example: Crabs, lobsters, 
crayfish. 

2. Arachnida.—These are land fornis, possessing eight legs, head and thorax 
united. Example: Scorpions, spiders, mites, and ticks. 


(2 B.C. ENromoLocicaL Socrery. 


3. Malacopoda.—These are also land forms, body worm-like and possessing 


numerous legs. The Peripatus, an animal rarely met with, is an example of this 
class. 
4. Diplopoda@-—aAl\so land animals. They pos 


long, cylindrical, and> many- 


segmented bodies. Two pairs of short legs are found on each segment; short 
antennie are also present. Example: Thousand-legged worms (Spirobolus). 


Chilopoda.—Another class of land animal. The bodies are long, flat, and 
many-segmented. One pair of rather long legs is found on each segment; long 
antennie are present. Example: Centipedes (NScolopendra). 

G. Insecta or Herapoda.—tKither aquatic or terrestrial, but chiefly the latter. 
The body of the adults is divided into three distinct regions—head, thorax, and 
abdomen. Adult forms possess six legs and many are winged. Metamorphoses 
occur in all but the two lowest orders. Example: Insects (butterflies, moths, 
beetles, ete.). 

From the above classification we gather that mites, although closely related to 
insects, are not placed in the same class; hence it is a mistake to call a mite an 
insect. The main differences, as have been noted, are that in the mites head and 
thorax are united and eight legs are present; while in insects the body of adults 
is divided into three distinct regions—head, thorax, and abdomen, and six legs are 
present. Some species, however, notably the blister-mites, have “only four legs, 
while young red spiders have six legs before the first moult. 


JENERAL HAsits. 


The mode of life of the different members of this class varies greatly; some 
are parasitic on higher animals, others infest living plants, and many feed upon 
dead animal or vegetable matter, thus acting as scavengers. Of the mites that are 
parasitic on higher animals, we have only to mention the various ticks that are so 
common in many parts. An exception to this is the so-called sheep-tick, which is 
a true insect belonging to the order Diptera (flies). Man himself is subject to the 
attacks of a well-known parasitic mite, the itech-mite. It burrows into the skin, 
causing the itching sensation so characteristic of the disease. Parasitic mites 
sometimes occur on insects; a Common species is found beneath the wings of locusts. 
Many mites also infest food products; they are sometimes found in cheese, in sugar, 
and in preserved meats. 


MITES INJURIOUS TO PLANTS AND THEIR CONTROL. 


As these interest us more particularly to-day, we shall now briefly consider 
some of their important features. They all feed by puncturing the tissnes und 
extracting plant-juices. Dggs are laid singly on the outside or inside of vlant- 
tissues or in clusters upon the bark. The young develop rapidly and soon new 
broods are produced; consequently a great deal of damage is often done. They 
continue to breed throughout the summer, hot, dry weather being especially 
favourable. Cold, wet weather checks their activities. The common mites known 
to us in this Province are the red spider (Vetranychus bimaculatus), which frequents 
all sorts of vegetation; the brown mite (Bryobia pratensis), also a general feeder : 
and the pear-leaf blister-mite (Hriophyes pyri), producing blister-like galls on pear- 
leaves. To these may now be added the two forms mentioned in the earlier part of 
this paper. In warmer countries mites are responsible for a great deal of harm. 
The red spider is very Common, one form being especially bad on citrus trees. We 
may also mention the silver-mite of lemon (#. oleivorus) and the cotton-leaf blister- 
mite (2. gossypii). Reference will only be made in this discussion to the forms 
found in the Province. 

It is generally believed that mites winter over in the adult stage under buds 
and bark-seales. At any rate, this seems true in the case of the pear-mite. 
According to Weldon, of Colorado, who has published a paper in the Journal of 
Beonomic Entomology, October, 1910, on his observations of orchard mites, the adult 


: PrRocEEDINGS, 1914. Ge 


; red spider (7. bimaculatus) passes the winter at a depth of 114 to 2 inches in the 
soil. In a very interesting manner he describes the migration of this species from 
the tree to the soil. His observations are remarkably convincing. The brown 
mite (B. pratensis) is closely associated with 7. bimaculatus, but in the case of 
the former, webs are usually absent. The injury from this mite takes place early. 
Weldon states that B. pratensis winters over in the egg stage, the winter eggs 
being deposited on the trees before August Ist in Colorado. 

The problem of mite-control is a difficult one, but good work has been done by 
many stations with satisfactory results. They can usually be controlled by the 
summer application of flowers of sulphur alone, powdered lime and flowers of 
sulphur, or lime-sulphur spray. Weldon found that summer spraying with lime- 
sulphur was remarkably effective against red spider (7'. bimaculatus), while for 
brown mite (Bryobia pratensis), which winters over in the egg stage, a dormant 
spray of lime-sulphur early in the spring gave much better results. With this 
dormant spray he states that the mites die a short time after hatching from the eggs. 


OBSERVATIONS MADE LAST OCTOBER. 


The writer last season had a great deal to do with nursery-stock inspection in 

_ different parts of the Province. In one of the nurseries curious disfigurations or 

incrustations of the bark were observed op Northern Spies. Freehand sections 

were made of the affected parts, and on examination a large number of mites of 

the genus Friophyes were found. The matter was referred to the Dominion 

Entomologist for his report. He corroborated my statement that a species of 

EBriophyes was present under the incrustations, but suggested that from the way 

in which they were found they were probably wintering over in these rough places 

on the bark and not causing any harm. On the bark of the same trees, egg-blisters 

_ of the apple-leaf hopper (Eimpoasca mali) were also found, and it appears that 

these disfigurations and incrustations are due to the breaking of the egg-blisters 

when the young hoppers emerge. If mites were present on the leaves in the summer. 

they would easily crawl to these hiding-places in the bark on the approach of cold 

weather in the fall. The writer also took the matter up with Mr. Brittain, former 

Plant Pathologist of the Province, to find out his experience, if any, with this 

occurrence. He stated that several examinations of affected trees had been made 

by him during the summer and no trace of mites had he found. Now, however. 

he had no difficulty in isolating them from the trees sent him, and expressed the 

helief that they were of the same species as the one associated with “ silver-leaf,” 

to which reference has already been made. The problem is an interesting one, for 

if the mite in question is responsible for some of the silver-leaf appearance in 

nurseries and it winters over in the places referred to, the life-history will be 

complete, and a means of control, by spraying with lime-sulphur when the leaves are 

appearing, suggests itself. Observations of the summer habits of the mite on the 

leaves have been made by Mr. Brittain, and a further batch of trees with bark 

incrustations have been sent him, so that he may study and compare the characters 

of both more thoroughly and be able to state definitely whether or not the mite found 

‘a under the incrustations is the same species as that working on the leaves during the 

. summer. It may be of interest to note that the disfigurations on Northern Spy, I 
i‘. tun informed, are of common occurrence all over the Province. 

It is my regret that I shall not be in the Province next summer to investigate 
this problem more thoroughly, as no doubt some more light on the subject is greatly 
needed. It is to be hoped, however, that it will be taken up by some student in 
entomology. 


a RESOLUTIONS. 


Moved by Mr. Taylor, Kelowna, “That this Society, owing to representation 
having been made at their annual meeting in January, 1914, by fruit-growers from 
the Okanagan District, in relation to the possibility of the * carrying-over’ of fire- 
blight (Bacillus amylovorus) by bees in their hives during winter, and thus spreading 


74 B.C. EnromMoLocican Sociery. 


the disease in the spring to orchard trees, respectfully request the Government to 
instruct an investigation into the matter to confirm or refute the suppositions of the 
growers.” 

Seconded by Mr. Hugh, Victoria. Carried. 

Moved by Mr. Lyne, Vancouver, “ That this Society respectfully urge the Pro- 
vincial Government to appoint, as soon as possible, a capable Entomologist, to pursue 
the labours relating to entomology in the Province of British Columbia so ably 
begun by Mr. W. HI. Brittain, in his capacity as Provincial Entomologist and Plant 
Pathologist. And, further, that in the opinion of this Society it is advisable that 
these two positions of Entomologist and Plant Pathologist he separated, a separate 
oflicial being delegated to each Department.” 

Seconded by Mr. Taylor, Kelowna. Carried. 

Moved by Mr. Day, Dunean, ‘‘ That the cordial thanks of this Society be sent 
to the Honourable Price Ellison, Minister of Agriculture for the Province of British 
Columbia, for the valuable and opportune assistance given to the Society by obtaining 
a grant of money and by authorizing the printing of reports; and at the same time 
to express the Society’s appreciation of his personal interest in the objects of the 
Society.” 

Seconded by Mr. Treherne, Agassiz. Carried. 

Moved by Mr. Robinson, Victoria, ‘‘ Whereas from official reports of recent date 
‘foul-brood’ among bees has made its initial entry into the Province of British 
Columbia; and whereas the Provinee has in the past, and is at the present date, 
practically free from this bee-disease, through the timely destruction of all infected 
colonies known to exist in the Province; and whereas in the interests of the bee- 
keeping industry it is of the utmost importance that this clean bill of health be 
most carefully maintained as a Provincial asset: It is hereby Resolved, That this 
the Entomological Society of British Columbia, in annual convention assembled, do 
petition the Honourable the Minister of Agriculture to so amend the ‘Foul Brood 
Bees Act’ that live bees and bee fixtures that have been used (queen bees and their 
escorts excepted) be barred absolutely from entry into the Provinee under any 
pretext whatsoever, as the section of the present Act pertaining to the quarantining 
of bees for ninety days is open to question as a satisfactory safeguard to the Proy- 
ince, for the following reasons: First, bees cannot be confined to their hives for 
ninety days without suffering death from worry or starvation. Second, from the 
nature of the bees flying from one to four miles from their home, thereby visiting 
the bees in British Columbia, and British Columbia bees, in their turn, visiting the 
hives of the bees held in quarantine at the boundary-line, and by so doing, as the 
exchange of honey, which may contain the germs of the disease, takes place. ‘ foul- 
brood’ may be spread around.” 

Seconded by Mr. Cunningham, Vancouver, Carried. 

Moved by Mr. Treherne, Agassiz, ‘‘ That this Society respectfully and earnestly 
request the Provincial Government to grant the Society the annual sum of $250 and 
to make provision for the publications of their reports.” 

Seconded by Mr. Blackmore, Victoria. Carried. 

“That whereas it has come to the knowledge of this Society, the Entomological 
Society of British Columbia, that certain collections of insects, composed of insects 
gathered for the most part from British Columbia in the past, have been sold out 
of the Province to foreigners, or presented to collectors in other parts of the 
Dominion of Canada; and whereas, in the opinion of this Society, it is of the 
utmost importance that representative collection of British Columbia insects be 
obtained and built up for the benefit of British Columbia collectors and for the 
students of the University of British Columbia: Be it therefore Resolved, That 
this Society respectfully urge all its members to notify the Bxecutive of the Society 
when collections of insects relating to the Province come on to the market for sale. 
And, further, owing to the financial state of the Society at the present time, that 
the Provincial Government be notified as to the above, and be respectfully requested 


} - Proceepines, 1914. 75 


to assist in procuring the above insects should they be in good order and representa- 
tive of the Province.” 
Recommended and passed by the Advisory Board. 


ELECTION OF OFFICERS. 


The following officers were elected for the year 1914 :— 

Honorary President—E. Baynes Reed, Meteorological Office, Victoria. 

President—G. O,. Day, F.E.S., Duncan. 

First Vice-President—Lionel E. Taylor, F.Z.8., M.B.O.U., Kelowna. 

Second Vice-President—BE. H. Blackmore, Victoria. 

Secretary-Treasurer—R. C. Treherne, B.S.A., Agassiz. 

Assistant Secretary—(Not appointed.) 

Advisory Board—G. O. Day, L. E. Taylor, E. H. Blackmore, R. C. Treherne, 
Tom Wilson, W. H. Lyne, A. H. Bush. 


NOTICE. 


To become a member of this Society “the annual fee is $1, on payment of which, 
and on approval of three-fourths of the members present at the regular annual 
meeting, the individual becomes a duly accredited member.’ Prospective members 
are advised to send in their names to the Secretary at any time they wish during 
the year, accompanied by $1, for which they will receive all back reports of the 
Society as are available for distribution up to that time, and their names will be 
brought forward at the regular annual meetings in January of each year. 

Members will receive the monthly issues of the Canadian Entomologist, the 
annual reports of the Ontario Entomological Society, various publications of the 
Dominion Division of Entomology, and the reports of the British Columbia Entomo- 
logical Society, as well as receive assistance by all and every member in the 
identification or control of insects. 


ERRATA. 


(At the request of the Secretary, the following corrections in Bulletin No. 38, 
N.S., in the Proceedings of the British Columbia Entomological Society, were 
noted by Mr. Arthur Gibson, Chief Assistant Entomologist, Dominion Division of 
Entomology, January, 1914.) 

On page 37—Paragrotis ochrogaster is now Euroa ochrogaster. Zebra cater- 
pillar (Mamestra cenadensis). 'This should be Mamestra picta. JM. canadensis is 
not an economic species; in fact, it is a rare moth. We have no record of it 
occurring in British Columbia. It was described from New Brunswick. Nephelades 
should be Nepheloides minians. Noctua clandectina should be N. clandestina. 
Carneades scandiens should be Huroa scandiens. Posograti velusta should be 
Porosagrotis vetusta. Feltia subgothica, the dingy cutworm, should be now referred 
to as Feltia ducens. 

Page 42, line 34—D. obesies should be D. obesus. 


LIST OF MEMBERS. 
E. Baynes Reed, Meteorological Office, Victoria. 


Abbott, Reg. C., Mission City, B.C. 
Abbs, A. W., 2125 Thirteenth Avenue West, Vancouver. 
: Abriel, Thos., Nakusp. 
Anderson, J. R., Union Club, Victoria. 
Anderson, I. M., Provincial Museum, Victoria. 
Angus, M., Peachland, B.C. 
Bain, T. R., North Vancouver, B.C. 
Barnhill, Earl, Kelowna. 
= Banks, W. W., Salmon Arm. 
Blackmore, EB. H., Post-office, Victoria. 


Honorary member 


lor} 


B.C. EnroMoLoGiIcAL Socrery. 


Bird, M. L., Fruit Inspector, Court-house, Vancouver. 
Brand, James, 723 Robson Street, Vancouver. 
Brealey, Arthur, Hatzic, B.C. 

Bryant, Theo., Ladysmith. 

Bush, A. H., 1105 Broadway West, Vancouver. 
Brydon, J. M., Royal Oak. 

Brett, W. F., Armstrong. 

Breun, Louis A., 2260 Cadboro Bay Road, Victoria. 
Boddy, R. A., 1744 Fifth Avenue West, Vancouver. 
Chapman, Chas., Western Specialty Co., Vancouver. 
Cockle, J. W., Kaslo. 

Colpitts, R. D., Revelstoke. 

Creese, H. H., Kelowna. 

Cunningham, Tom, Fruit Inspector, Court-house, Vancouver, 
Currie, H. B., Salmon Arm. 

Collins, H. W., Grand Forks. 

Day, G. O., Duncan. 

Davidson, John, Botanical Office, Pender Street, Vancouver. 
Eyans, H. H., Okanagan Centre. 

Fitzgerald, H. S., Creston. 

French, P. E., Salmon Arm. 

Fulton, G. H., Port Haney. 

Fulton, C., Kelowna. 

Gavet, D., Fruit Inspector, Court-house, Vancouver. 
semmel, Minnie, Sechelt. 

Getchell, F. H., Fruit Inspector, Court-house, Vancouver. 
Hadwen, Dr. 8., Experimental Farm, Agassiz. 
Hanham, A. W., B.N.A., Duncan. 

Heselwood, R. J., Box 364, Kelowna. 

Hoy, Ben, Vernon. 

Hill, Tom, Vernon. 

Hill-Tout, W. 8., Abbotsford. 

Hunt, Darl C., Creston. 

Hugh, W., 316 Coburg Street, Victoria. 

Jackson, Walter, Creston. 

James, F. J., Box 761, Victoria. 

Kennedy, A. B., Fruit Inspector, Court-house, Vancouver. 
Kyte, R. J., Hill Top, Notch Hill. 

Lang, W. A., Peachland. 

Landells, R., Golden. 

Leach, D. H., Salmon Arm, 

Lyne, W. H.. Fruit Inspector, Court-house, Vancouver. 
Matheson, J. B., Kelowna. 

Melhuish, J. S., Walhachin. 

Middleton, M. S., Nelson. 

Mitchell, David, Tappen. 

McKenzie, Ik... Kelowna. 

McCubbing, Chas., Salmon Arm. 

McHardy, C. F., Box 1230, Nelson. 

Nicolle, —, Box 294, Nelson. 

Northcote, T. H., Mission City. 

Norman, P., 1024 Vancouver Street, Victoria. 

Palmer, R. M., South Cowichan. 

Palmer, L. L., Vernon. 

Parham, G. E., Experimental Farm, Invermere. 
Patch, A. M. W., Woodland Drive, Vancouver. 


° 


: ProceepinGs, 1914. 7 


Peters, R., Flewin’s Gardens, Victoria. 

Robinson, BE. H., 417 Young Street, Victoria. 

Robertson, W. H., Department of Agriculture, Victoria. 
Rich, Edith, Ladner. 

Rive, Henry, 566 Michigan Street, Victoria. 

Russel, David, Lavington. 

Reeves, S. H., c/o T. H. Stanton, Dunean. 

Ross, Anne H., Nelson. 

Ruhman, Max, Grand Forks. 

tussel, M. W., Central Okanagan Land Co., Kelowna. 
Rowland, Alton, City Mngineer, City Hall, Vancouver. 
Scott, Col. B., Salmon Arm. 

Samson, H., 1801 Thirty-fourth Avenue West, Vancouver. 
Sherman, R. 8., 3642 Powell Street, Vancouver Heights. 
Stanton, T. H., Duncan. 

Taylor, Lionel E., Bank Head, Kelowna. 

Treherne, RK. C., Experimental Farm, Agassiz. 
Tomlinson,.A. H., Prince Rupert. 

Thornber, H., Kamloops. 

Thomson, Chas., West Summerland. 

Venables, E. P., Vernon. 

Wallace, E. A., Flewin’s Gardens, Victoria. 

Woods, Mrs. R. E., Adelphi Post-office, Grande Prairie. 
Wilkerson, G. E., 1118 Yates Street, Box 467, Victoria. 
White, E. W., Sardis. 

Wilson, Tom, 1105 Broadway West, Vancouver. 
Wilson, Eli, Armstrong. 

Ward, W. E., General Freight Office, C.P.R., Vancouver. 
Whiting, H. H., Rock Creek, Kettle Valley. 

Winslow, R. M., Department of Agriculture, Victoria. 


PAPERS FOR FUTURE PUBLICATION. 


The following papers presented at the meeting have been withdrawn for 
publication at some later date :— 

1. Studies in Coleoptera—A. W. Hanham, Dunean. 

2. Insects of the Year—Tom Wilson, 


INDEX. 


ABOU! “HOMINIS “Be Sao Oo aa Or ore DaOn ans eC OCn OnEEE nto eens CT 
Andersou, . M. (Paper by) ..... petals an cPats “chat sree cnesetatasa eye] eudcantsal Vers foc ctey teins Re ene 
Antarctia rufula ....... fecniS ODM COREE ONO NICIG GOOD GCOICRIDCE DE int SMIGe ERTS aS Se 
PRIMA LCR UMLSSOCKGINO Utes 2 Spare ci olscn uc, « ate viahs fo ayals wee acid sioie Zieh + erate meme dla ake 
BSUS Mee PSUS Me erare sien oh 0,s, 215 cisfelar dal ste ere:sie, ars ai slsiabeliera ovafsoxal arsya\avelp he «man aceite eae rae 
_ADADIS) _ SIESSTGIS 4 oS 3G. ob IDE ERS © OTIC PORE eater ete MIE. ep een ee ae 
a ELON Me Sete feeh so coc Payal Pacers LS chess a seme Sate a, TR Sees Sti ie ore See Sete 16, 

- SCORN” point Ce a pee ISO Ea I EPATENS ary earn et Se 16, 
PHOTO = [0 NUMAN Oh, spall ev'alis oy opel sso seerSuaes Date Peasy em are yrs, ec Pope cei eoyid Pose he pct cot Se che Pee , 
PARE LSAT [DIGI ge sey ohare’ hacisens arate ere Sarerere’e azaitsipadal opel ete yallate rapaye, Pes aladaurctst apa oerecch at forsee 16, 

MRAM CONU Nriyatiniars clones cla.shqa'eene we safe (arn) tet sue atarersthenenseaevaceter alee: MNT e Rc. 21, 

coi. IOXETETEND rs aie o-oo er iG IE Or io Cones ORSECRRUE NT CCRT RET cP VERO tena en One a 17, 

Pre SGU) BINUUCE? vacaeisrot cle ote veus cvejevssrevs wieve sha aiS.e eee fo, dooteuster ana“s vaNbix ai ehe(oh vie skies’ (alates) aneeete 
PPROITOMINV Cue rae \oMnicsre acicrelele s ae Met coln ze age ohareValiene) ataheieyal sate YoceTaVae) sa aie agsioue ie ale eats 
BAYS ILOL MEd terchetts hey eis ogera-s)-syerd sedevs ja clave! Garacd otal dus: he oberon Boot a ole, oiedelactors ateaatrtae 
PSGCH SM COLASLVOLMN AT %)2).e core viele tors ible ah cates wie alo seis wd ube oh iine cio vate oP eee 
a UL PAV SUP gM css mtete aloitveicudio susrahay Sets sleep n Ue a oes & cls lowe crchactae ae hans 15 

os FOSAGCOMTA ver aiere cigd savers vocosobete OO Pech SOOO C SoA URC o ct aa Doce aie 
AC VET Se LCT OWLS 2 ierel oncveis sie els Sisvave Sole are c sheer ataietsleys) asevele, dikieg« evetars eleisieiete eiecaecs 
yy ENOGCOMEM c ster es ortenelyctks Byaheveare Pasar Ad. ay SHe ohare redent Oe aad tae ere o RS Reiavavan ava eva ic an ee 
Exe SUMMA COMMS sean we rey sia Malye he avd, Weld. oe Givils avers Seldtcrne cee de eau eee 
BAe MUO CIS MOS URS LOLINN IS ars ec cays cP ae overs Ene aleve) Sree ave ato Payelerele wleie’e wire atevetforots Ly 
erie LUM MENLO MOLUS <fe sper eatorars sccnanstie Tuts ad Sle ee Boe io Ae Kk cic cdeteecm cere eee 36, 
SUSAN Se CRULAT NS a treet atevens a cisersrs oie eokcvare aieiss ovens of NG Dierercyere eiSene team 


PReHIENSO VEC DECHe. tckries cckslce ms travers artes us ude rete Sea eee en Re SSS ie 
HEAR MeSU LD NLS aime epi or eeeieeRON con caine coe enero a) Suetecale Sas ex onSeeMe) s-Snsleye tate njaw ts, ort Oita 
SME A am V ATI CoN CL) A ray oP hie I i cctara’ ous Sok Glare. Bore Sie dh autiane aitinve Sd Vere or erntonleeercr ees 
PEP eA Ce SGPT OT te ree edie ey ( SI PEPVOL VC). nz Sesae cf Sioa iczp ayahe cpa) s © Stone's di srate peschorae a lersue ara are tare ets 
PES OGSUSuNrletd staan wee! ie: de HEE oa dio enc nooane nor enero sy stabeil Sheela Royale ager oe ree 
PESEEIU TIS MIT UCL GT: Ogmray Pots Sahat so tax arc ah ooh oho Ch sccs cvoae alk,cys. sco dle elt Ouovesabeone, etivehes alate aie een tore 
Brittain, W. H. (Paper by) ; 
ELT ARMS TOL ODOT CIR tate Nase Oy acy vey cgraacie ebcid ga. Ze ate ls anareo as wTeLe b-fUmve lee Tope tela, dea erate ee 
ISLOUZE ANDIE-ALEETWeEVI] 2... Nec ce ccs eee ene eee tis cielo oe fe 17, 
ESE GEDUEESTAME TS OBEC TASS Be vc ecy = 2) Sich cates cee: coe: Stews) sisi ace ST AneTS atin Sie acy vo eebte o ahotcnes ole aaaniatere Ley 
DO EGET IOUS oGtoGE Reradh o Gg 6 Eee DARE Cite ae res ese whe Shee Basel tors teeatacs 14, 
EEMIESTERD” see, So eR RTO DEL OTE OCR EES cE oa OE ETP Ee eR ne in rao ee <a 31, 


By-laws of. British Columbia- Entomological Society ...............eccceccvee 


‘Cabbage-aphis ........ 


0 butterfly 
; maggot 


> REALCNSPUNLE OU RRT EUV CL DM ese Scie ovehsvolora't eis. bs 5,0. esis ipjortro ele auees este. v celle sSyave, oP olaral ei ore teh ctavela ave ta Pars 
Me Ourdiophorus fenestratus 3... 5. .e0.s..00-260000% Seto deone 5 seo ee 
y PEMEDUONUS § a.2 fore arcefee. cee Sil Dae eee Ma eras inlensy Sth elanere we iie bg ais bg ch ae 
re. oe tumidicollis ...... Dean Ue oo eee Eee OP Pet Ware a ae Le 
BEMMECOATDOCADSA SPOMODEN A, is secrtio.c clue sleeps sioalbewe dase edvinnslacdoces AR 20, 
i BRETT E mite att a) csc cercier ». svapaia crease eis aye Brechin « ore estan Re Se ame ere Ate 
RUISLIP LSet a ie'slaeie wove ns's ale. gnie elm ni = cle minis) - apumeieie ae jee A Oc crs tes Ber als} 


80 INDEX. 


PaGr. 

Cherry BUH yest es niciensy eas orate teas iare eee tonoaeloeokers jae lente (a Menbin eae 1a chao ie eae ame aN 21 
“4 SEW yes Mie rt encre Rocce ie ca chove ere ore apenas muspore ee sytapenete oie roitie ae Ra ge 25 

Ape Ul CO LOL ULURS Lovie a taienetecakchey ort ths fohs cecal eee Ie ce eG eI ee RC eet eer 15 
Chrysanthemum leaf-miner 350 
Chrysomelids 59 
Cheam, Mount 5S 
CERCA aS te yas tee rots lotltisl Saher ge tavere io ehe Ge eels Shes ke vera oears omelet nea e \etate eel Ina Ree ea eae et he 15 
Cigar-case bearer ......... Sy iavove Stele. Woye Cay polaneker supuctater ssoaeee Caps cts fete nareiee tei uee ee 25 
(CA cl Se sVexe hn eis ESNet ens oe er NPR aRS ge ee SARE Mee ie need I ay a a yarns Or arta rier 1 i Dy eee 
Ge Ores oes vee seas aaoahen eter a thet yey ote epate ote egeer rohee A SOE aac ten me Oe ee 5D 
Gockle sels AW GRADED AD ye) eipucas cs eeeteyepe orci aie to ate, Tet epee ave SIE Seca Ta Rau ee 51 
WONOLLACITEIUS SETUP bat ees ccc ene eeaie cat Sy sh ee noes even iaTaP ovoas usta bsyo Paes eee ee 21 
Coleophora Meter erel lias ei seh ctsceiepesey ears veta ve olsbotet ounictare olayel tee ceunel oo cevel oa ees epee 25 
Constitution of Ontario Entomological Society 7 
Codling-moth 20, 
Corymbites spp. 17 
GOPTES POM GENCE: we siaaes ta, w, 2 avairese Soe aso Sudo ae vate iE EatO EIST TAR H aed es Berea ere pene anaT eR eeeetonnaaee 5 
GuPIA OMS OMIS carers Matis sob eein wr oth aisietecateasaye oapeael epatevazeies tebe nee tabele pois tare heretic Pea Reaver alat 
ACS tran eanay sii) NS oe RO en ee alae Sh Ri aes aa sate eons arene ig 16 
$s | OY 09 m=) oa ein aOR MERE eT oly PI eRe ot A eS, we Sper ene ae Cie NOE es es ey mle 2 

= TRIP UE a8 aR oe eae Rae Re} ee St Peers ct viet Si eNONS inid SO fo oS Ro alin 
(CAn Ua 0) a 1S OCR eee OID cannon. athe bey OOM eng Ga ons ae oma oS 14, 30 
MSV CLA =O OMSL eiini a psieashetes apse tace ict ac ohe as foaeta oie caeeiaa cay noe, Tay eR SE ee case ae eae 14, 20 
RLV TTS DUD OTN eras cr ocraiicy Sew vente o “Se eae ea aan oe Ee eae Pe acne an I aon ee eS 1A 
IDEN ee CR. O en Ga (0 hive Sie 00) ere ad me ree Bape See aremt tian ees ANG htc, cay amis See 39 
Dash, J. Sidney (Paper by) 71 
Deilephila gallii 12 
Diacrisia kasloa 50 
TORN rt OSs Re ae aoe eee NIP Seni te Pirin Se Cand SIN cena inror ae deer Ol 25 
YTTIAT eC AEMIOLISC? tas ciageserecocercwaciers (qe eretede iorevewohe tals seicac each olsTon-ieae ele Lemante Cahet AeUenne eee Nee 16 
= Dyoey Gores hla 3120 be one Ree te aarn Cemetery ees eeiacc 2 Parc Sasa pe cen ese Ce IG L2G 
Hntomoscelis adonidis /.............. 5B DONS AS so tatcnahestomncuelenie areca eer aan 2s 
FMALMONIA PLUDIVOLVA «1: aetkteiehere siete elas EAE oh Rt etc OAL an claw eae mh SOBs 14, 20 
BA BIETIN= ACU CUIICLIS is Siocnictekesete la aveheiolarman ie ianetaps rome sins ia OR Os ROO 28 
: subscrinata 1% 
Epochra canadensis 27 
Eriosoma americana 21 
oi lanigera: =... 32... 21 
HTLaphiyes: sy P en cs oreeials seve eel ere rt G 
3 malifoliz 1s 
VTE YS LSS ee ard ae Sehaat wasnt natey o care Wem w hol a Spammer wus gexsueeiel sin any re aise dante tegen leis ee satel oe Reale ee eae 75 
Bek abn HaGo) Feb 8ty: Uae Seed PEACE Binh ee en ony Ss Gini SO ea AD Sthdo.c ate onec ioc 12 
LOGAN POLES sims CLA seetcpeneteaete eco ck seeds ete entero ieitencpe ste otein) sh <tetctaterotaiant<fayee eke ro menea wie oe 
IDOI AI ue eka esp Qoee bot hee dnt yi Set ic eC O CUO nd Oe Somos To ON Ot A cic Guducsion 1 
ID MZoy okie, COMIC MONG eo EN eb Goce abo ho one Once a soo wS wo ce Cath eee Apt: fel! 
IDA on Sa ewia aleve mnie: Sogn Gonads dorduocaus samubidosSS Raeenre Sonata SHAS So ant 
~ OCCIGeENtAligg taieteen ee eteuesi cio Ae erent ee epee wee Rea E BON AeA 11 
European scale SE MER SA Pers OG ROE LOU OR OC Deo SAB : 15 
7 STAIN =A IS Py. nse ses encustetsgenduete wpe rotat fee valscs Ae IAN Oe et Bits on Obata o 23 
VERS AIM VIMO Ae renee tobeiebersie enh eset evel adernint ogocay ettaleronegs GPa acoA tne PobrAta Sabet on ala 
LOE TIRE (olor yk0ln ct tet oer ent ae MA Rome ens eee WOME ois Up cid obi aso Oe nlisg gee Ak 
TUNANGI A. Statement ve. ie sessicys. coer eeu evetate: weete bated tee Tape eas) Souavolte recep sNogimet May aeiedt= fare anes Qiade 6 
loi Nhl alee Naeem ee Oe aod o0.4008 Sey beset Merde tole eee ere eee Seleacee 36, 3 
Hitea beehlest on ak pietsdinron-ie -anlsers An motte BOS DEES SORKIN peIee TICS Seen nc cher Seale 
HM OWIEDTOOR Ak sieio crsiett Rioetomsenereyadk ea ee Te CRORE Hone Ramee Oc Cee Sea aseserebercts 34, T4 


A 
= 

; INDEX. 81 
5 PAGE. 
BE BCC MMC OLLO Leet aye ciate soya eRe ua cabe Ree erate o aiesoy ayes suetoy eialaicioustinte says eee ica ees ao 17 
e TERE SV CLAS see tet SS: MR RUN eo ae me Gr ee ae ye ne 26 
* NL ToT LICE Nara ted crates ROM Mais Yanaen etait a ciaa Sch <c'e oho ayanchoss ctts dnalels sekcoee wna analy 15 
ACE OTIMIAIE ANTS Ce tas chat cyosete, srcnauctait et <a inontre erohetwialare ae akov eres wieleie’s @ Bie ie ae a hOcb eras 18 
(CROHNS ITTAES ~ moe cGpera 2 Ob DUORVO Mien Bast tc esters fs rite a ts Renn i eee TES, beh 44 
CADS Own U LITTON Un POL ADT in nsec tania give eresanle ore Misiones suid ooo cis vo 4 rah vva ra abe ee 50 
AIIEOS CEM Ltr) U DES COS tycrssee, t-paeren oie Reais saen cA orarhc oy evi avivel oi» v Gicl teucelele aul ats dee a by 
PEECTIBCU CSO SE santa rc R tT os of Re ge ee sotto NP AVA Nases, Go estate OO ee one Ae 16 
Comm GsieD CPL eae mie rarer Voc ive oinesiah ye avast erthitale ol asereeer eaten os aca Mea aces Uh eit teas 17 
FoMeCTIR OM SOMME) Mecnece tate m areas rebecca se} cit MuNarby cate oesen ait che At poitcbaleiele SWAAehete lacs eet te 3 
CrP LDN ORAMME TOL Ate, 5 her, cegioteie ieacithaievectiapere so MER Mate cl eve hie ataliows eaeroys Lane abe 
SRA ed HINGE TANK peta ear cvie cis iee ce TORR RICE a's jsee TOs Pelenesuves wdale: tle Arai chose eile teeriees we eecumebe LiPo 
EMWMeNOMteh eno he OKAMAE TIO cts ccscstane wheel tre tide. oe Me diagese love ave ic aca ay Sidhe aeMeteles 61 
EUS UIs OMILE TL slimy si yas fees sper yi sta ester aicncte Nees cle aceite, wlaid, Wop RGN io inle aorta anit 44 
TEN To) DESH EV EY COUNAVERL TR Sathces td Arce ran Ree en Sat tet ae GN eg es NO mS eye 
LR ORSESIIGY San) SSIERE 0 Sinton pcre euch eI CARS ae eRe mI a ye 11 
MFG ULECMCHENRIN AD OL ODEs tssy ee ciars.a ete ieia siete, .6 ere aha di aves Meaueperehevefans. eeloreiehs inn reteset 15 
F cabbage-worm ses nigerte ns eeuinin\aie) oe [Bee iors) ego lee or a\aiet acaisi'ese\oiy eel ennllasie ota) eV anchaeye 29 
ISCO tee Ose NSA IUS VCUILG YE etre Revo ae a'o:a-5 oles voker Sr areler e/a oteastalate tle sya al muctecene Parana 54 
Baa EL COTSLETI SIN Mtavons ences clive gs repese sit (cartes tas ati let orotate idee ia neraratantee ore tin da woke rer eee 18 
PROSE ram TI IO Lea OLIN Orci tate) Ae ccre rate fe Pais trees chahe aM esol ua eerere eine seis end Aebe 14, 2 
LL Shidte ROUISTRS enh Bens a8 eos Aeteais At ERS a ates ARE RR Ann AD ce eR nO Binds A 15,-32, 33 
PAPEL LOIS SEP OLE TLL EAN ae fot. as yn Met ober eraser es ty avelorovah aitiacel cee tcaeVate wisle avec ath apahe ors acterer nee LO Dey 
A PUATE OAH CLIT POLLO SUIS seyetye eee ee = re Nap ase? vovicl ote nak ws (RE ZcePegs eve e witiers Nie aetna tee aerate hn Se aly 
+ MARS COL AOUS bate cient chine staged tarete ayetah ere cebachessrnvore.s, 0) sidhecstovera ove /elegate mesa Meee Pea 17 
or BEINN LOS IA wee cavenets nots cote recor a cealcog’ inte, si ava, acaeev eta ie eel ataSote fale ale ahand:tiis Neicne aus wetenenane 17 
7 RUATIVI Siena ated ie Narens obetrcte lavshccon din sivite clare Verasdieiniehe,itinie visas nie) alerete eve als Re eee 17 
cherie Mitten Wert llE Vie IM SCCTS parva tei etete evel sing toe va 'tee ww Bisuacevd "ertaderars, gaye aan chalet ies, Seat eaeneN 19 
LDA CTAGHEY ps aehaper eens cee cee RG Otc ci Ie Cr een CEI ene ner eration Ty ai G1 
¥ [La eiht (ev TIGRIS: Shs Apel tn aa S BRS OukC SR oIe EERE RII Re ROT a ICEL Renee oh 16, 30 
UFO TMS ECE SC OM Sorc cmos e ater scars Boal are cots 5 feue She sepaNer aye. eualie Saas cai ev Shoe salle sntantoRe ayohe males oy pe 27 
AVERY ACOS LITO LOSS Rts ate aa a rea cee seic hes bay toe bo esencs Mauve atavskabonetacets oafevalta sire roto Pee 20, 36 
ag DTU easter tec es Pee cay Mails Tod oes VaPoieoa iar = hess cpata belo dciph stolarefe\'sfatetOnae tavals eer ef ae ame 14, 36 
MVLeH CoD YDS sete ete as te ate ares alafavs dus, ecsiccle aydi-ave Oayeleres tela » wivievd 6) ate, sts aye tee eeaaea 16 
LGN GRY ys Bib c Ott cn SOLO Gon GeO Een e Sarat risen: ARR terortion tricot its 75 
RCI O NMC UCS LEIS te Jats AIS TAs oS pe lesa erepenecs oe wale, aye /stelane ereievels) seco ole ophstohenspse ciate 31 
MPEP COLC I sect arePenerete tasers fave oe = 2p =e cha)'ay ese¥s “ckevel-s. orwin\c! sshalepe ns) avene) olay ePeVereyelereydieta ata theme 18 
ULES “5 S.A ales Sitio Seep bein Oo Ce ene er ieee ine cil I koe eet beh oi Bs 38 
¥ wally ROS] are BRIE) = Seater Mee Onion A eC tn Mek OOO nea don 16 
RUMOUR LAGI ene pee rape Sra ce fU ackat rot Pala eac alee Tobe. aus ait Mlehel exe cages el al’si'e: Sharonpsajaactoy fekeust 165523 
# ESET SS See NPR nN = Pe strtctule etal aie’ a tal’n) sails] pilorn ie et oc. or oh aVsea) alte a taka tepe  lMt Gn ahaa ved 16 
NUT ELSSTIRETIN ey 83 cr tiky scr bck ete eee in DO GOR De Ieee can rion oe to Atte rela 3 
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Semi ssn VICTORIA, B.C.: 
Printed by Wittiam H. CuLuin, Printer to the King’s Mest Excellent Majesty. 
oa 1914. 


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iM 
te 


PROCEEDINGS 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


OF 


BRITISH COLUMBIA 


JANUARY, 1915 
NUMBER 5, N.S. 


eQuihl (AS 7/7 


Upp 


FEB 2.1927 * 
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Towa Mes 


VANCOUVER, B.C. 
Printed by THE NEWS-ADVERTISER, Printers and Bookbinder 
1915 


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PROCEEDINGS 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


BRITISH COLUMBIA 


JANUARY. 1915 
NUMBER 5, N.S. 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 


Occurrence and Significance of Anophelinae in British Columbia— 
STEN Zio oo) DE 1S FeV a A 86/25 0 Weber escent weet eeer cee eer eer rere 

Aphid Notes from British Columbia 

Myzaphis (Aphis) abietina, Walker—H. F. Wilson......... 

Early Stages of Calocampa cineritia, Grote—G. O. Day - 

A Description of the Egg and Ovipositor of Cuterebra fontinella, 
Clark, the Cottontail Bot— Seymour Hadwen 

Notes on the Habits of Some Lepidoptera—J. W. Cockle 

The Early Stages of Epirrita dilutata, Denis and Schiff—G. O. Day 

The Oyster Shell Scale- Tom Wilson 


81 
82 
84 
86 


88 
91 
95 
96 


ee pean 


: +? a We 
= a 2 


BRITISH COLUMBIA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


PROCEEDINGS, 1915 


The Second midsummer semi-annual meeting of the British Colum- 
bia Entomological Society was held in the Board of Trade Hall, Ke- 
lowna, L. C., on Thursday, August 20th, 1914. Between forty-five and 
fifty individuals were present, from the Lower Mainland, Salmon Arm. 
Kootenay, Vancouver Island, and Okanagan districts. The Ist Vice- 
President, Mr. Lionel E. Taylor, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., was in the Chair, 
and the members were called to order at 10 a.m. on August 20th, 1914. 


The meeting was divided into morning, afternoon and evening ses- 
sions, and many useful papers were read. The papers presented will 
appear in the Proceedings of the Society at later dates. 


The Fourteenth Annual meeting of the Entomological Society of 
British Columbia was held on January 16th, in the Auditorium of the 
Aberdeen School, Vancouver, B. C. The President, Mr. G. O. Day, - 
F.E.S., was in the Chair and the members were called to order at 10 a.m. 
on the morning of January 16th. The meeting was divided into morn- 
ing, afternoon and evening sessions, and eleven papers of systematic 
interest were read and several of economic importance. A lantern slide 
lecture on the Oestridae was given to the members in the evening by Dr. 
Seymour Hadwen, of the Experimental Farm, Agassiz. The papers 
presented will appear in this bulletin and other later bulletins of the 
Society. 


SECRETARY-TREASURER’S REPORT. 
Correspondence. 

The number of letters received and answered by the Secretary has 
exceeded all records of past years. It is gratifying to regard the pro- 
gress the Society is making in creating an ever-increasing sphere of 
interest, both in this Province and elsewhere. Bulletin No. 4 has just 


80 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


been issued and distributed, 1500 copies being printed. The special 
summer meeting was regularly held last August in Kelowna. The suc- 
cess is entirely due to Mr. H. H. Creese, Field Inspector, Provincial 
Department of Fruit Pests. The proceedings of this Kelowna meeting 
and the papers presented before the annual meeting of January, 1915, 
are being incorporated and will appear in due course as Bulletins 5 and 


6. 


With the sanction of the Advisory Board I beg to add the following 
names to our complimentary mailing list. For the most part, these in- 
dividuals and institutions have requested to have their names placed on 
our mailing list, and in return are forwarding articles of their own for the 
benefit of our members and for our Library: 


Library of the British Columbia University. 

Library Department of Education, Victoria, B. C. 

Robert Matheson, Div. of Entomology, Cornell, Ithaca, N.Y. 
Library McGill University, Montreal, P.Q. 

Library University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn., U.S.A. 
American Entomological Society, Logan Sq., Philadelphia, Pa. 
Geo. Moznette, Div. of Entomology, Corvallis, Oregon. 

E. O. Essig, Div. of Entomology, Berkeley University, Cal. 
Agricultural Gazette, Publications Branch, Dept. Agr., Ottawa. 
Library University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, U.S.A. 
Edmund Jarvis, Diy. of Entomology, Brisbane, Australia. 
Laboratorio di zoologie general & agraria, Portici, Napoli, Italy. 
L. W. Swett, 501 Washington Street, Boston, Mass. 

Messrs. Barnes and McDonough, Decatur, Illinois. 

Columbia University, Barnard College, New York. 


Letters of congratulations on our recent publications have been re- 
ceived from several sources. The correspondence of the Society is kept 
in a special book retained for the purpose, and is open to the members 
for perusal at any time. A full report of the progress and standing of 
our Society was duly forwarded to be read at the annual meeting of the 
Ontario Entomological Society in November, 1914. 


STATEMENT OF THE FINANCES OF THE BRITISH COLUM- 
BIA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Year ending December 31st, 1914. 


Credit. Debtor. 

Deficit carried forward . solvate Whee We Se $ 96.50 
Distribution of Bulletin No. 3, viz.: Express, folders, 

POSta gC ge 2 meee eens Egle eel eee a ees 16.00 

General postage in Spring, 1914 0. cece re peane 2.50 


Tro talltsal edit Gita een ee ene ee es Ra ce $115.00 


PROCEEDINGS, 1915. 81 


Provincial Government Grant, Vote No. 247, made 


available “April? W914. coccctncccecce enc ee eee aN $350.00 
Byachequeston RCs Dreherme tor loans. ene 115.00 
By cheque to H. H. Creese, finances of Kelowna 

meeting, August, 1914... ne : 20.40 


» R. C. Treherne, by cheque, Nov. 30th, Diebiton 
of Bulletin, No. 4, $10.00; slides made for lantern 


LSE plot OO etre ai es Dart ek 8 Memon ede 25.00 
‘To Evans and Hastings, Printers, Dec. 2nd, 500 sub- 

SGhip bomen OUlCeSe cannes, eee 4.00 
To Hawkins and Hayward, Electricians 2.00. 2.30 

Balance in bank to date, Dec. 31St occu eae: 183.30 


$350.00 $350.00 


A NOTE ON THE OCCURRENCE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF 
ANOPHELINAE IN B. C. 


Seymour Hadwen, D. V, Sci., Agassiz, B. C. 


For several years notes and observations have been made on the 
mosquitoes of this province, their classification and seasonal prevalence. 
the main object being to find methods for their control. This work has 
been confined mainly to the Culicinae; as far as we know the genus 
Anopheles is represented, on the lower mainland, by a single species, 
A punctipennis, say. The Anophelines are never as numerous as the 
Culicinae and are often hard to find. A punctipennis is never found in 
large numbers, and it is only in the early spring that these mosquitoes 
are to be seen outside; it is at this season that they can be found biting 
animals. During the summer it is extremely hard to find a specimen; in 
the autumn they reappear on the walls of houses and in cellars. 


The species A maculipennis, which I am recording in this paper, 
probably has the same seasonal prevalence as punctipennis: though 
has been looked for in the Similkameen and Nicola valleys, its presence 
has not been recorded during the summer. This year it was discovered 
for the first time at Keremeos, B. C. This portion of the province is 
peculiarly situated and the climate is very hot and dry. 


A, punctipennis is not definitely known to transmit malaria, while A 
maculipennis is a well-known carrier of the disease, both in Europe 
and in America. Its presence, however, does not necessarily infer the 
existence of malaria. Sometimes the mosquitoes are not infected. Thus, 
in Eastern Canada, A maculipennis is still comparatively common, though 
malaria, according to reports, is now of rare occurrence. In England, 
in certain malarial districts, the disease has disappeared while the mos- 


82 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
quitoes showed no corresponding decrease in numbers. In the investi- 
gations of Nuttall, Cobbett and Strangeways-Pigg, these well-known 
authorities found many mosquitoes but no cases of malaria, in districts 
where the disease had been previously very prevalent. Later Theobald 
discovered a genuine case, contracted in England. 


In conversation with residents of Keremeos, we have heard of cases 
of malaria in that part of the country. However, it is unnecessary to do 
more than mention this fact, without further discussion, for the subject 
can be better dealt with by a medical man. 


l give a short description, taken from Patton and Cragg, of A puncti- 
pennis and A maculipennis, so that the two species may be readily dis- 
tinguished. 


Anopheles punctipennis, say. Palpi with two indistinct greyish 
bands, and apices sometimes grey. ‘Thorax chestnut brown. Abdomen 
brown with golden hairs. Legs brown, except coxae, knees and tips of 
tibiae, which are yellowish. Costa black, with two yellow spots, one at 
the apex and the other at the apical third. This species is the winter 
anopheline of the United States. 


Anopheles maculipennis Meigen. Palpi brown, unbanded. ‘Thorax 
and abdomen brown. Legs brown without any definite bands. Costa 
dark, with four dark spots, two apical and two median. It is widely dis- 
tributed in Europe, and is a natural carrier of the parasites of malaria in 
Italy. (Specimens of A maculipennis were shown at the meeting). 


APHID NOTES FROM BRITISH COLUMBIA. 
By H. F. Wilson, 


Entomologist, Oregon Experiment Station. 


During the month of July, 1913, the writer had the pleasure of attend- 
ing the summer meeting of the British Columbia Entomological Society, 
at Vernon, B. C., and the following species of aphids were collected dur- 
ing the trip: 


1. Macrosiphum stanleyi n. sp. on Sambucus glauca in Stanley Park, 
Vancouver. 


Macrosiphum stanleyi n. sp. (plate 1, figures 13-15.) 


A large, light, green species found feeding on the under side of the 
leaves of Sambucus glauca Nutt. This species is common in the vicinity 
of Vancouver, B. C., and Seattle, Wash. I have not collected it in Ore- 
gon. All forms are lightly covered with a white bloom, which is much 
more abundant on the pupae. All forms are quite active and move about 
over the leaf surface when disturbed. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1915. 83 


Apterous viviparous female—Genera! color light yellowish green. 
the only exceptions being the sixth segment, with spur and tarsi, which 
are dusky to black. Nectaries and cauda same color as the body, eyes 
dark red. Body long and slender, the antennae reaching bevond the tip 
of the cauda and with the spur longer than the third segment. Antennae 
slender with a strong and prominent antennal tubercle. In this form, 
as sometimes in the pupae, the third antennal segment bears from two 
to seven irregular sensoria situated near the base and lying along one 
side of the segment. Legs long and slender. The nectaries are long and 
tapering, usually with a slight swelling near the tip, which makes them 
appear strongly constricted just back of the tip. Cauda short and slightly 
ensiform. 

Measurements—Length of body, +mm.; width, 1.58 mm.; length of 
antennae by segments, I, 0.15 mm.; IJ, 0.09mm.; II], 1.74 mm.; IV, 
0.93 mm.; V, 0.84 mm.; VI, 0.3 mm.; spur, 1.8 mm.; total length of 
segments, 5.288 mm.; length of nectaries, 1.5 mm.; cauda, side measure- 
ment, 0.5 mm. 


Pupa—General color light green covered with a fine white waxy 
powder or bloom. This form is slightly shorter and slightly narrower 
than the apterous forms. Length of body, 3 mm.; width, 0.95 mim. 


Alate viviparous female—First collected in Stanley Park, Vancou- 
ver, British Columbia, July 14, 1913. General color, greenish white, the 
six antennal segments with spur and tarsi are dusky to black; eyes dark 
red. Body long and slender and without distinct markings. Antennae 
and legs long and slender, antennae reaching beyond the end of the 
cauda. Antennal tubercles large and strongly angled at the upper inner 
edge. Third segment with 12 to 18 round sensoria, which vary greatly 
in size. Wings hyaline and of the usual type. 


Measurements—Length of body, 3.5 mm.; width, 1.25 mm.; total 
wing expanse, 8 to 9 mm.; length of antennae by segments, I, 13 mm.; 
TI, 0.09 mm.; III, 1.06 mm.; IV, 0.95 mm.; V, 0.9 mm.; VI, 0.3 mm.; 
spur, 2 mm.; length of nectaries, 1.3 mm.; cauda, 0.55 mm, 


2. Macrosiphum frigidae Oestlund on Artemesia sp., Vernon, July 


16. 
3. Macrosiphum rudbeckiae Fitch on Solidago sp., Vernon, July 16. 
+. Macrosiphum urticae Schrank on Urtica dioca, Vernon, July 16. 


5. Macrosiphum ludovicianae Oestlund on Artemesia ludoviciana, 
Vernon, July 16. 


6. Macrosiphum rosae Linn., on Rosa sp., Vancouver, July 12. 


N 


Nectarosiphon rubicola Oestlund on Rubus sp., Vancouver, July 


8. Myzus cerasi Fab., on wild cherry, Vancouver, July 12. 


84 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


9. Aphis cerasifoliae Fitch., on choke cherry, Vernon, July 16. 

10. Aphis sorbi Kalt., on apple, Agassiz, July 13. 

11. Ahpis avenae Fab., on apple, Vernon, July 16. 

12. Aphis cardui Linn., on Carduus sp., Vernon, July 16. 

13. Hyalopterus arundinis Fab., on Prunis sp., Vernon, July 16. 

14. Melanoxantherium smithiae Monell., on Populus sp., Vernon. 
July 16. 

15. Cladobius populeus Kalt.? on Populus (tremuloides?) Vernon, 
July 16. 

16. Arctaphis populifolii Essig, on Populus sp., Vernon, July 16. 

17. Chaitophorus aceris Linn., on Acer sp., Agassiz, July 13. 

18. Chaitophorus negundinis Thomas, on Acer negundo, Agassiz, 


19. Euceraphis betula Fitch, on Eastern birch, July 13. 
20. Phyllaphis fagi Linn., on Fagus sp. (imported), Agassiz, July 13. 


MYZAPHIS (APHIS) ABIETINA WALKER. Plate |. Figs. 1-12. 


This insect is here reported for the first time from North America; 
and should it continue to cause serious damage, as during the present 
season, it will be necessary to develop some methods of control. 


The material and notes used with this species were furnished me 
by Mr. R. C. Treherne and Mr. J. M. Swaine, of the Dominion Entomo- 
logical Staff, and Dr. E. C. Van Dyke, of the University of California. 


Mr. ‘Treherne first noticed the aphids about May 1, 1914, on spruce 
trees in Stanley Park, Vancouver, B. C. By June 1 they had caused 
very serious damage, and all of the old needles were falling. Later 
observations by the parties mentioned show that practically every needle 
of last year’s growth had fallen from the infested trees. The current 
year’s growth was intact and uninfested. On some of the spruce twigs 
sent in to me, I found as high as seven aphids on a single needle, and 
nearly every needle was infested. 


Mr. Treherne writes that “this insect 1s as serious, if not more 
serious, than any other insect attacking spruce in the forest lands along 
the British Columbia Coast at the present time.” 


Later in the season the aphids left the spruce and must have 
migrated to some alternate host, where they may be found feeding on 
either the roots or parts above ground. 


This species was first described as new in 1848, and in England has 
received some little attention from various workers. ‘The latest and 


rxa phi s (Aphis) afbjeLira Walker. 


s/o 


Myzaphis (aphis) abietina Walker 


lig. 1, antennae; Fig. 2, nectary: Fig. 3, cauda; Fig. 4, third antennal segment 
much enlarged, of alate viviparous female; Figs. 5, 6, 7, wing venation from 
individual, Figs.’ 8, 9, normal venation; Fig. 10, antenna; Fig. 11, nectary; 
cauda of apterous viviparous femé 


Macrosiphum stanleyi n. sp. 


Fig. 15, third antennal segment of alate viviparous female; Fig. 14, same of 
apterous female; Fig. 15, nectary of alate form 


PROCEEDINGS, 1915. 85 


most complete paper on this species, written by Professor F. V. Theo- 
bald, of Wye, Kent, England, will be found in “The Annals of Applied 
Biology,” Vol. [., No. 1, May 1914. My determination of the species is 
based upon specimens sent to me by Professor Theobald. The known 
stages are described as follows: 

Apterous viviparous female: General color, yellowish green to 
green, with a dark line on each side of the abdomen. Antennae pale 
vellowish green at the base and throughout segments three and four. 
The remaining parts dusky to black. Legs green, except tips of femora 
and tibiae, and tarsi. Nectaries pale green, tips dusky. Cauda, green. 
[lead with a large broad frontal tubercle and with distinct antennal 
tubercles. Abdomen almost round, antennae about half as long as the 
body. Nectaries long and slender, and quite characteristic of the Genus 
Myzus. Cauda long, sharply tapering and constricted toward the base. 


Measurements: Length of body, 1.55 mm.; width, 1 mm.; length 
of antennal segments, IIT, 0.44 mm.; IV, 0.176 mm.; V, 0.176 mm.; VI, 
0.09; spur, 0.135 mm.; length of nectaries, 0.44 mm.; length of cauda, 
0.22 mm. 


Alate viviparous female: General color of head and thorax light 
brown, abdomen bright green with four rows of dark green spots; one 
row extends in a slow curve on each side of the median line, and the 
others extend along the sides of the abdomen. ‘The two dorsal rows 
appear to be connected by faint dark green lines. Antennae yellowish 
green at the base and dusky green at the tip. Legs pale green, tips of 
tibiae and tarsi dusky. Nectaries pale green to dusky, cauda pale green. 
Antennae reaching to about the base of the nectaries. First antennal 
segment strongly gibbous, third roughened and with 9 to 12 or more 
sensoria, some of which are as wide as the segment itself, fourth segment 
with about four, fifth with one, and sixth with usual sensoria at base of 
spur. Wings with very variable venation, median vein sometimes once 
forked in front vein and occasionally wanting in hind wing. Opposite 
wings of same individuals may have widest possible variation. Nectaries 
cylindrical, sometimes with a very slight double curve, and reaching to 
tip of cauda. Cauda long and sharply tapering. 


Measurements: Length of body, 1.6 to 1.8 mm.; width, 0.7 mm.; 
length of antennal segments, ITI, 0.42 mm.; IV, 0.242 mm.; V, 0.22 mm.; 
VI, 0.12 mm.; spur, 0.198 mm.; length of nectaries, 0.43 mm.; length of 
cauda, 0.25 mm.; length of wing, 2.8 mm.; width, 1 mm. 


References. 


1. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., III, Ser. 2, pp. 301-302—1848. 


2. P. Von der Goot, Zur systematik der aphiden, Tijdscrift voor 
Entomologie, Dec. LVI, 1913. 


86 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


NOTES ON THE EARLY STAGES OF CALOCAMPA 
CINERITIA, GROTE. 


ByaG Om Dayaskeb: Se Duncan, Bac. 


A female moth was found ovipositing on the twig of a sallow tree, 
soon after dusk on 11th March, 1914. A few catkins were out on the 
top of the tree, but the eggs were not laid on a blossom twig. The moth 
seemed to have started at end of twig with head turned inwards. She 
laid the eggs (75) in regular batches. I watched the operation for some 
time, and the following is the method of her procedure: After laying 
an egg against the one before, the moth moved a step forward and care- 
fully felt about with her ovipositor for a position for the next egg. The 
eggs were deposited fairly regularly in rows of twos or threes. 


Size of egg, 10/12 mm. (i.e., 12 eggs to 10 mm.). In shape rather 
flattened, broadest at base. Usual sculpturing with lines meeting in 
micropyle—micropyle not depressed. Color a faint greenish white at 
first, changing later to a light brown with pinkish tinge. The moth 
ceased to lay when boxed, but after about a week she began again and 
deposited a good number of eggs, mostly in sheets, that is, in flat masses 
with eggs laid regularly and side by side, but not adhering at their bases 
to the box. There were also a number of loose eggs which had evidently 
fallen away from the sheets. The sheets consisted of rows of threes and 
fours arranged similarly to the manner in which the eggs were laid on 


twigs. 


Hatched out 5th April, 1914. Young larva rather active, 4 mm. in 
length; it rests on the two pairs of legs next the anal claspers, which are 
‘slightly raised, as is also the head and fore part of the body. Head vel- 
lowish, slightly wider than body. <A yellow tinge on first segment 
merging posterially into reddish purple which becomes darker at tail 
end. As soon as the larva has eaten, the purple tinge goes and gives 
place to a uniform green, the same color as the sallow buds on which it 
feeds. Each segment has black dots on it, grouped in fours and twos, 
across, rather indistinct on the fore segments, more plain in the hinder. 
A short spiky hair is emitted from each of the dots, except those near the 
tail. After the first few days the color of the head becomes a light trans- 
parent brown. Expanse of larva 8 mm. at end of first stage. 


On the 18th April, when the larvae were 9 mm. long, the black dots 
before noticed had all disappeared, the body fairly cylindrical, tapering 
slightly to each end. Color, bright green with a central dorsal white 
line, very distinct; and a similar white spiracular line, running the entire 
length of the body, from the head to the anal pair of legs. Midway 
between the dorsal and the spiracular lines there is a finer white line on 


PROCEEDINGS, 1915. 87 


each side, making five lines altogether. Head yellowish green, somewhat 
transparent. Position at rest much the same as at first, 1e., clasping 
with the two pairs of legs next the anal claspers and with body raised. 
Fed on sallow leaves freely. 


In the next instar the spiracular white lines are broader and more 
conspicuous than any of the others, otherwise the appearance of the 
larva is much the same. On Ist May, larva 19 mm. long; no change in 
general appearance except that white dots are apparent on each seg- 
ment, two on each side of the central line, placed diagonally, and others, 
inconspicuous and variable, between the spiracular and subdorsal lines. 
The larva rolls up into a ring when disturbed, but the whole of the body 
is not on the same plane. On 10th May, when quiescent for moulting, 
the larvae were 27 mm. long, of a soft watery green color, and the only 
markings noticeable were the five longitudinal white lines, of which the 
most pronounced were the spiracular, then the mediodorsal, and finally 
the two intermediate lines the most indistinct. The regular white dots 
previously noted have now disappeared and the whole surface of the 
larva (except the belly) seems to be occupied by obscure whitish flecks 
only distinguishable under a hand lens. Aiter casting the skin just 
described, the larva undergoes a complete change. ‘The head becomes 
very broad, slightly broader than the body, and the color of the body 1s 
a soft, velvety light brown, with darker brown markings down the back 
with the exception of the first segment behind the head, which is plain 
like the head and divided from it by a dark brown line. The spiracular 
lines are very plain, being white tinged with brown. All the belly be- 
low the spiracular lines, a lighter brown than above. Length of larva 
36 mm. immediately after moult. The darker dorsal markings are 
arrow-head shaped, the point of the arrow starting at the fold of each 
segment and extending obliquely forward across the segment and half- 
way into the next towards the head. These V-shaped markings start 
from and are connected by a central dorsal line of the same color. 


By the 21st May most of the larvae had disappeared for pupation in 
soil placed in bottom of breeding jar. The full-fed larva is 40 mm. long 
and 7 mm. wide. Just before pupation the colors become more dull and 
the V-shaped marks not so conspicuous. It is a plump, healthy-looking 
larva of a russet-brown color, with a double dorsal line under which 
runs a vein which can be seen to pulsate, almost causing the line to dis- 
appear when contraction of the vein takes place. 


88 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


A DESCRIPTION OF THE EGG AND OVIPOSITOR OF CUTERE- 
BRA FONTINELLA, CLARK. (Cottontail Bot.) 


3y Seymour Hadwen, D.V., Sci., Veterinary Research Laboratory, 
Agassiz, B. C. 
A\g Bae 


In the study of the Oestridae, the most important problem at the 
present time is to discover the various methods of oviposition for the 
different species. From an economic point of view the most important 
question is: How do the larvae gain entrance to their respective hosts, 
after emerging from the egg? The following observations on the eggs 
and ovipositor of Cuterebra fontinella may be of some interest. Up to 
the present I have seen no descriptions of the eggs of any of the Cutere- 
brae. 


The specimen from which the eggs were obtained was captured out 
of doors on July 30th, 1914, at Agassiz, B. C. 


The measurements of the egg are: Length, 1.05 mm.; width, .03 
mm. at the widest part. In shape it bears a resemblance to the egg of 
Gastrophilus equi, being somewhat canoe-shaped (Plate 1, Fig. 1). It 
possesses a deep groove on the under side, which is at least one-third 
longer in proportion than that of G. equi. In G. equi the groove is about 
half the length of the egg. (Plate 1, Fig. 2). On the upper side, at the 
end, is a well-marked operculum, very similar in shape and size to that 
of G. equi, though in the latter the operculum has reticulations differing 
from the markings on the rest of the egg. The egg case is rough and has 
a shagrenated appearance, the operculum not differing from the rest of 
the egg surface. (Plate 2, Fig. 3). The groove clearly indicates that the 
egg is meant to be attached to a hair, and that possibly the larva has, up 
to a certain point, a similar life history to that of G. equi. If so, for the 
emergence of the larva, moisture and friction must be supplied, such as 
would be furnished by the tongue of the host animal when licking itself. 


The subsequent life history of Cuterebrine larvae must differ consid- 
erably from that of G. equi; because, in the various host animals, the 
larvae show a selective faculty for different parts of the body. For in- 
stance, C, emasculator selects the scrotum of Tamias striatus lysteri for 
its final habitat. Another undetermined species, specimens of which I 
have received, is reported to have been found in the backs of field mice. 
Two mature larvae, which were recently sent to me from Manitoba, 
were taken from the costal region of a domestic cat. Possibly in this 
case the cat was not the natural host, and the larvae acted in a similar 
manner to those of Hypoderma bovis, when they are found in an un- 
usual host. According to Railliet they wander about and do not settle 


PROCEEDINGS, 1915. 8&9 


in any definite portion of the animal. In the case of the cat the larvae 
may have been swallowed when it was feeding on a squirrel. The only 
available reference of a similar kind is quoted by Washburn, where, he 
says: “Unidentified bots, possibly belonging to this genus (Cuterebra), 
have been taken from beneath the jaws of kittens.” 


According to Townsend the larvae of C. fontinella, which he found 
in rabbits, showed no selective faculty for any special part of the body. 
The positions he mentions are: ‘The dorsal, pectoral and the ventral 
regions. 

It may be well here to make a brief comparison between the eggs of 
the different Oestridae, of which I have descriptions. 

Hypoderma bovis and H. lineatum have smooth eggs, attached to 
the hairs by a pedicel, and show no trace of operculum. The egg splits 


open to allow the emergence of the larva. 

The egg of Oedemagena tarandi, the reindeer Warble-fly, has a 
modified operculum in the shape of a thin flap, along the edge of which 
the egg splits open. It is attached by a pedicel. According to Carpen- 
ter’s figures, the egg of O. tarandi, apart from the opening flap, closely 
resembles that of Hypoderma. 


The egg of Gastrophilus equi is somewhat curved, probably owing 
to the groove by which it is attached to the hair, which runs along the 
under side for about half its length. This groove must occupy space in- 
side the egg, hence the corresponding bulge on the other side, to give 
room for the larva. It has a well-defined operculum, differently marked 
from the rest of the egg. 

Cuterebra fontinella—This closely resembles the egg of G. equi in 
shape and in possessing an operculum and a similarly shaped groove. 
The groove, however, is proportionately longer. The main difference 
is in the surface of the egg case, which is rough but not lined as in 
G. equi, there is no different marking on the operculum. 


According to the conformation of the egg, it is thus possible to 
separate the species mentioned above. As C. fontinella is close to G. equi, 
it would be reasonable to suppose, then, that in their manner of entrance 
at least, the larvae of Cuterebra resemble those of Gastrophilus; and 
the fact that rodents are continually licking themselves adds strength to 
the hypothesis. 


According to Townsend and Bau the host of C. fontinella is Lepus 
artemisia, Bachman (Cottontails). In this part of British Columbia rab- 
its are not plentiful and we have no records of any having been foun 
bit t plentiful and | Is of any having | found 
parasitized by this grub. It would appear that there is a possibility of 
; inella having another host, two females were collected by Mr. 
C. fontinella | g ther host, t femal lected by M 
R.S. Sherman on Savary Island, which is a small island in the Straits oi 
Georgia where no rabbits exist. However, mice are quite common on 

g | 


OO B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


the islands and on the mainland, this coupled with the fact that an unde- 
termined species has been collected for mice, strengthens the supposi- 
tion. 

An interesting habit of Cuterebrine larvae mentioned by Townsend 
is their custom of emerging after their host animal has been killed. This 
apparently takes place only when they are sufficiently mature to pupate. 
Confirmation of this habit has been obtained from observers in British 
Columbia. The occurrence has not been observed in Hypoderma, and 
seems peculiar to the parasites under discussion. 

Through the kindness of Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt I have obtained 
Townsend’s original description of C. fontinella, and find that he gives 
no description of the ovipositor. The most striking thing about the 
ovipositor is its shortness, as compared with those of the other Oestridae ; 
and this fact makes one wonder how oviposition 1s accomplished on, for 
instance, a small active rodent? One experiment was made with the fly 
mentioned in the first part of this paper. Immediately after it was cap- 
tured it was placed in a jar with a white mouse. The mouse became 
terrified, and whenever the fly buzzed against it, the mouse turned 
viciously and bit at it. The experiment was, of course, a failure, as both 
mouse and fly wanted to escape. 


Description of the Ovipositor. 

The ovipositor 1s very short and set in a horse-shoe space, the open- 
ing being toward the ventral part of the insect. (Plate 3, Fig. 7). The 
horse-shoe ring is surrounded by what Townsend describes as the fourth 
and last segment of the abdomen. He is certainly wrong in this, as 
there are two distinct segments following the fourth, forming part of 
the ovipositor, and, in addition to these, the sternite and tergite plates 
represent suppressed segments. So that there are at least six visible 
segments in the abdomen. All the segments, including the ovipositor, 
are densely covered with hairs, a fringe of hair on the margin of the 
fourth segment partly conceals the ovipositor. 

The ovipositor ends in two blunt processes, which correspond to 
the latero-sternal sclerites, and another, the tergal sclerite, described by 
Carpenter for Hypoderma. (Plate 3, Fig. 6). Ventrally in front of the 
tergal sclerite, there is a chitinous plate which fits between the latero- 
sternal sclerites. 

In front of the chitinous plate is a paired membranous organ with 
two points, which are designated in the figures as paired membranous 
processes. (Plate 3, Figs. 5 and 6). 

I am indebted to Mr. Hugh Scott, Curator in Entomology at Cam- 
bridge, and Mr. EF. E. Austen of the British Museum for the determin- 
ation of C. fontinella; to Mr. G. H. Unwin for collecting literature, and 
to Dr. F. Torrance, Veterinary Director-General, for permission to pub- 
lish this article. 


Chkilnous flak ¢ 


ae ‘ Card fare 
ante A Lecested. 


é 


FIG. 5S 


PROCEEDINGS, 1915. 9] 


References. 

Bau, A. (1906), Genera Insectorum. Diptera 43 me., Fasicule. 

Carpenter, G. H. (1914). Notes on the Warble-fly of the Reindeer. 
Jour. Ec. Biol., Vol. 5, No. 4. 

Carpenter, G. H., and Hewitt (1914). The reproductive organs and 
the newly-hatched larva of the Warble-fly (Hypoderma). Sci. Proc. 
Royal Dublin Soc., 268-289. 

Osborne, H. (1896). Insects affecting domestic animals. Oestridae, 
72-114. 

Patton, W. S., and Craig, F. W., (1913). A Textbook of Medical 
Entomology. 

Townsend, C. H. T. (1893). Further notes on the cottontail bot, 
with the breeding and identification of the fly. Insect Life, Vol. 3, 
317-320. 

Washburn, F. L. (1905). (Cuterebra), Univ. of Minnesota, Bul. No. 
93, 125-140. 


Explanations and Plates 1, 2 and 3. 


Photographs and drawings by S. Hadwen. 


Fig. 1. Eggs of C. fontinella, showing canoe-shape. 
Fig. 2. Groove on under side of egg. 
Fig The operculum. 


of 
Fig. 4. Cuterebra fontinella, Clark. 


Ovipositor, ventral view, showing the sternal sclerites, the 
paired membranous processes and chitinous plate. 


a 
gg 
on 


Fig. 6. Dorsal view of ovipositor. Tergal sclerite, sternal sclerites, 
paired membranous processes and chitinous plate. 


y 
sQ 
NI 


Reproductive organs, general view. 


NOTES ON THE HABITS OF SOME LEPIDOPTERA. 
By J. W. Cockle, Kaslo. 


Mr. Treherne (Secretary) : 


Mr. Cockle was unable to come, and he sent me his paper. It is one 
of the most gratifying things to me, as Secretary of this Society, to re- 
ceive papers without any special exertion on my part. In getting up 
the programme for this meeting, a few weeks before I started I had 
nothing in mind, but on sending out circulars, these papers came rolling 
in, and we have more than enough for today’s meeting. Two papers 
from the Upper Country have come in without any solicitation, one of 
them being Mr. Cockle’s. I take pleasure in reading it for Mr. Cockle. 


92 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


The collector is often at a loss to understand why he is unable to 
find the gender of a species of which the opposite gender is plentifui, 
and as an instance of this let me instance Cyanirus nigrescens Fletcher. 
The freshly emerged males may be found in great numbers in almost 
any damp spot along the roads, but there are no females with them. 
An excursion into the brush upon a sunny hillside will probably result 
in finding numbers of females of this species which are flying around or 
resting on the willow or Coeanothus branches, whilst occasionally a 
poor battered male will be seen flying amongst them. Very rarely a 
bright, freshly emerged male will be found consorting with them, but 
such occurrence is unusual. Not until they are faded and worn do the 
males seem to become attracted by the females. 


The same remarks will apply to Rusticus anna. 


The habit of some of the Argynids are curious. Argynis monticolor 
var rhodope has a peculiar migratory habit. In the early morning it may 
be found in abundance along the lower valleys, but as the sun comes 
out and warms the upper mountain slopes it flies upwards. ‘The whole 
brood seem to take wing in one direction, always upward towards the 
snow fields and the grassy slopes lately emerged from their snow cover- 
ing. Here they disport themselves during the heat of the July days. 
If they ever return to the lower altitudes again I am unable to record, 
but some must do so or else there would be no brood in the valley the 
following years. While speaking of the habit of the high mountain 
species, allow me to dwell for a moment on the curious habit that all 
high mountain forms have of laying over on their side when resting. 
One of my favorite hunting grounds is situated in a low pass between 
the headwaters of two creeks, which are so located that the west wind 
will blow up both of them, and when the gust of wind strikes the most 
westerly it rushes up the creek and blows over the summit towards the 
east. Whilst the wind continues, nearly all the butterflies will come up 
over the pass and settle with their wings folded sideways in the direction 
of the wind. Suddenly the wind, of which the main gust has reached the 
lower valley of the more easterly creek, comes back up the creek and 
reverses the direction of the breeze at the summit. Instantaneously 
almost every butterfly is in the air and will settle again under the shelter 
of the slope on the opposite side. On a breezy day this change may take 
place every few minutes, with the resulting migration of the butterflies 
over the summit. This habit of laying over on their side has been noted 
by many writers, and it becomes habitual with species inhabiting the 
high mountain slopes. Even when there is no perceptible wind they 
invariably assume this position, while even the same species when found 
in the lower valleys will as invariably be noticed in an upright position. 
Another peculiar thing that may be noticed in both butterflies and moths 
when flying over a glacier: The temperature of the air for several feet 


PROCEEDINGS, 1915. 93 


above the snow is low enough to produce torpidity. The passage of 
even a light, fleecy cloud over the sun is sufficient to cause them to in- 
stantly settle on the snow, where they will remain in a torpid condition 
until the sun’s rays again warm them into activity. I have several times 
seen the snow literally covered with all kinds of insects which had 
migrated with the wind and had been caught by the cold of the snow 
field. In many cases where there has not been a recent rain or snowfall, 
many of such specimens may be secured in perfect condition. A very 
curious thing has often occurred to me in reference to Euvanessa antiopa. 
It is well known that this species hibernates and often lives long into 
the succeeding summer, in fact | have seen one instance where freshly 
emerged specimens were seen in late August in company with poor, 
bedraggled hibernated specimens; but the fact that I wish to describe 
alludes to their habit of remaining in the vicinity of their growing brood 
of larva. They keep up a short flight along the road for a distance of 
from three to five hundred feet on either side of the brood, and, when 
approaching the location of the feeding larvae, will rise and fly round 
over them several times before proceeding past them in the opposite 
direction. We all know how animals will protect their young from 
attack ; also we have the case of the English Stickleback and the Ameri- 
can Black Bass as two cases where fish are known to protect their young 
brood, and it has often occurred to me that this peculiarity of antiopa 
might in some way be a like-example in the case of insects. Does 
antiopa keep watch over the brood to drive away Ichmeumonidae or 
other insects which might be parasitic on her brood? One fact may also 
be mentioned, and that is that by far the greater majority of larvae are 
free from the attack of Ichmeumonidae while they are feeding in colonies 
than may possibly be found in the case of any other species having the 
community instinct. The question remains to be solved, why is antiopa 
given the giit of the longest life of any of the North American butterflies, 
and for what reason does the female remain in the vicinity of her brood 
during the early stages? 

The article by F. H. Wolley Dod in Canadian Entomologist, dealing 
with the habit of flying over water of Smerinthus cerisii, also applies to 
S. opthalmicus. Of the Saturnidae | have already published in the 
annual reports of the Canadian Entomologist Society for 1906 some 
notes on the spinning methods of Telea polyphoemus in the west, show- 
ing how they invariably attach their cocoon by a silk thread to a limb 
instead of allowing it to fall as described by eastern writers. I wish, 
however, to refer only briefly to the method of Samia rubra. ‘The larva 
of this species usually selects the ridge of a sunny bank facing the south 
on which to pupate. I am inclined to attach some significance to the 
height at which the cocoons are attached on the brush as relative to the 
amount of snow during the following winter, i.e., that when the snow 
is liable to be deep the cocoon may be spun high up on the brush, whereas 


9O4 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


when the snowfall is liable to be shallow over the spot selected for 
‘ pupation, the cocoons may be spun very near the ground. ‘This must 
reasonably be considered as only a circumstance and not as an invariable 
rule. 

Pseudohazis shastaensis lays its eggs round a small twig in regular 
rows. ‘These emerge the following spring and pupation takes place in 
the fall, the imago not emerging until the second year after. 


Diacrisia kasloa. ‘he males only of this species are attracted by 
light. I have never taken a female excepting in flight at dusk. 


Some of the genus Shizura when at rest fold their wings very close 
to their body with the head downward, the hairs on the thorax standing 
out straight all round, giving the moth a most peculiar appearance; it 
is so unlike a moth that it may easily be passed unnoticed. Among the 
Geometers the genus Eupithecia is not largely represented amongst 
collections. This may be accounted for by the unfamiliarity of col- 
lectors with its habits. When at rest, all the Eupithaciae spread their 
wings out flat and attach themselves to the underside of a leaf, or in 
case where they are attracted by light they will rest on the ceiling 
overhead; a small, inconspicuous patch on the darkened ceiling is readily 
passed unnoticed. A good place to find this genus 1s on a board fence 
which has cross rails. These afford an excellent resting place for them, 
more especially if the fence is surrounded by brush. Ii during the 
previous night there has been a heavy rain storm, a visit to the fence 
the following day will often produce a good catch. Beside looking for 
them on the underside rails of the fence, a sharp blow with a club will 
often disturb them and cause them to take wing. Many of the Eustroma, 
Hydriomena and allied genus rest during the day under roots, and a 
particularly favorite place to find them is under the overhanging foliage 
on a cut bank on the side of a road. Here they rest, away from the 
glare of the sunlight, cooled by the moist earth. Another favorite place 
is on the underside of an overhanging rock bluff. 


In conclusion, I trust that I have not trespassed too long on the 
time of the meeting, and that at least some of the members of our So- 
ciety will find something of interest which will help them in their work 
amongst the Lepidoptera. 

Mr. Tom Wilson: Mr. Chairman, I think that the Entomological 
Society can compliment themselves on having a member who is not only 
able but does exercise his powers of observation the same as our friend 
Mr. Cockle has done. When he speaks about the Mountain Forma, | 
can vouch for him, for | remember once when I was out hunting in the 
Nicola country, on a sunny morning, there was a flock of insects I had 
been taking notice of. A few minutes after there was a clap of thunder 
and they all settled at once and every one of them was lying on its side. 
They were all in flight when I saw them first, but immediately the thun- 
der came, they settled on their sides. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1915. 95 


NOTES ON THE EARLY STAGES OF EPIRRITA DILUTATA 
DENIS & SCHIFF. 


By G. Ou Day, F-E.S., Duncan, B. C. 


A female moth was found at rest on tree trunk in the Duncan Dis- 
trict of Vancouver Island on 12th October, 1913. It was confined in 
chip box and laid eggs 13th to loth October. Eggs laid in irregular 
masses, some singly, attached to box. In general appearance like minute 
bunches of light green, oval grapes. Size of egg, .66 by .60 mm. Under 
hand lens the surface looked pitted all over. 


When examined on 14th March, 1914, after wintering outside, the 
eggs were cayenne-coloured in mass and shiny. Sides a little flattened 
and indented. ‘The “pitting” still distinct. Under hand lens the colour 
of individual eggs was a reddish hight brown. Began to hatch out March 
18th and majority out by the 20th. Larva at first a sooty olive green, 
no apparent markings; head and first segment rather swoolen; anal 
claspers fairly spreading. The anal claspers and the segment behind head 
a lighter green than the rest of the body. Head brown. The larva would 
eat buds of sallow and the common species of vaccinium, but preferred 
the latter, on which it fed well. All other food offered (including alder, 
which I had an idea. might be its food-plant) was rejected. Larva 
continued to be of the dull olive colour without marking until Ist April, 
when those which had newly shed their skins (I am not sure whether for 
the first or second time), developed a chrome yellow colour with incon- 
spicuous lines running the whole length of the body. At this date these 
larvae were 5 mm. long. The lines were not very distinct, but | could 
make out a median dorsal line and two others each side of it on the dorsal 
area, making five lines altogether. The space between the median line 
and the first side line, slightly wider than between the second and third. 
In the next instar, the appearance of the larva much the same, except 
that the colour becomes a glaucous green, similar to that of the leaves 
on which the caterpillar feeds, and the longtitudinal lines are rather more 
distinct, with a decided whitish line just below the spiracles—this line 
runs along (above) a kind of ridge. ‘The ventral surface has a tendency 
to whitish, and in the next instar, this whiteness is much more pro- 
nounced, becoming a characteristic distinction. The whitish spiracular 
lines are more marked towards the anus. At this stage (18th April), the 
larvae were 15 to 17 mm. long. On 29th April they had increased to 
25 mm. in length, and some had already commenced to pupate, spin- 
ning chambers in the frass collected at the bottom of the breeding jar. 
The cocoons were fairly strong, for I scraved some masses of frass out 
before | discovered there were larvae pupating in it. Larvae when full 
fed, much the same in appearance as already described, only the white 


96 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


lines have disappeared with the exception of some remains of the spir- 
acular line from the anal clasper to last pair of legs more distinct than 
ever. Head small, greenish, and there are some white dots on each seg- 
ment, from which are emitted short single hairs. Belly strikingly green- 
ish white. 

All the larvae had disappeared for pupation by 4th May. Fed, 
healthily, all through, on vaccinium. 

Seven moths (all females) emerged about the middle of September. 
In the natural state the time of appearance here is October. 


THE OYSTER SHELL SCALE. 
By Tom Wilson, F.R.H.S., 
Dominion Inspector of Indian Orchards. 


In view of the fact that the Oyster Shell Scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi) 
is one of the most common insects 1n our orchards, I wish to record for 
our Proceedings a list of host plants that I have observed in British 
Columbia infested by this insect. I am perfectly well aware that this 
insect has been reported on from many sections of Canada and the 
United States, and that several papers have appeared recording its full 
life history, habits and destructiveness. The United States Bulletin 
No. 121 of the Bureau of Entomology, in particular, forms a complete 
record of this insect, and a long and probably complete list of host plants 
is mentioned in the text. So far as British Columbia alone is concerned, 
we have no full record of host plants of our own; consequently to record 
these, from my own experience, is the main object of this paper. Possibly 
also I may be able to add a few more host plants to the list in Bulletin 
AN, 

Among the different scale insects which infest our orchards and 
forests, none has such a large and varied “bill of fare” as the Oyster 
Shell Scale, and, judging from the different parts of the world in which 

is found, few have such a wide geographical range. 


We are apt to look on our orchards as the principal place to find 
the different insect pests, probably because they come closest under our 
observation; but in many cases our natural forests harbour many of 
them. Where the original home of the Oyster Shell scale was, it would 
be dithcult or impossible now to determine. It has a world-wide distri- 
bution at present, but it is believed that it was first imported into the 
Eastern United States in the 18th century, from where it has covered 
the greater part of the North American Continent. It seems to be able 
to adapt itself to very different climatic conditions, as is evidenced by 
the fact that it thrives as well here in the neighbourhood of Vancouver 
as it does on Vancouver Island and in the “dry” country of the 


Photo by R. C. Treherne 


Twig showing severe infestation by the Oyster 
Shell Scale—Lepidosaphes ulmi. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1915. Q7 


Okanagan. I have also seen it in all its glory in the Old Country, and, 
judging from specimens received from Japan, it also thrives in Asia. 


Over twenty years ago, when there was a threat made by the Pro- 
vincial Board of Horticulture to enforce the regulations and compel the 
people to spray for this scale, [ pointed out then that there were several 
other trees than those growing in our orchards upon which the scale fed 
and flourished. Since then I have noticed many more, belonging to very 
different natural orders. 


I subjoin a list, beginning with the most common: 


Rosaceae. 
Apole Prunus emarginata 
Pear Enelish Hawthorn 
Crab apple Douglas ‘Thorn 
Mountain Ash Amelanchier alnifolia 
Roses Japanese quince 


Spirea discolor 


Cornacae. 
Cornus nuttalii Cornus stolonifera 


Leguminacae 
Broom 
Laburnum 
Salicaceae 
Willows of many kinds 
Poplar 


and the following: 


Vine Maple Privet 

Ash Lilac 

Beech Box 

Elim Rhamnus purchiana 


We notice from this that we have several different orders repre 
sented, and I doubt not that there are many others that have not come 
to my attention. I have found the insect at sea level up to an altitude 
of not less than 3,000 feet. 

Happily for us here the scale is extremely subject to parasitism and 
reproduces slowly, else with our beneficent climate it would be difficult 
to keep in check. 

Little more need be said. I should be pleased to hear from anyone 
who has recorded this scale on any other host plant than [ have men- 
tioned. ‘The life history is simple and single brooded and outlined for 
the Society in-an article in our last annual Proceedings* by Mr. 
Treherne. 

* Bulletin No. 4, N. S., 1914, B. C. Ent. Soc. 


9S 


B. Cc. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


PAPERS FOR FUTURE PUBLICATION. 


The following papers, presented at the meetings, have been with- 


drawn for publication at some later date: 


ImsSecteeests imgtlnes@ lara ome eee eee eee Rees Max Ruhman 
Control of Incipient Infestation of Codling Moth in a New 

IDR gle pteetean eet eee eee es pea Gee ee lal, Iyane 
New Sprays of Up-to-date Interest. 2. Palmer 
ADS Abe yrmmisimeGh Wkeumhe While ee R. C. Treherne 
The Part Played by Insects in the Spread of Plant 

DiSCaSeSxe.con nck cc etn Oe eet wen EL ne ceek J. W. Eastham 
Insect Pollination of Plants... ron aWalson 
Conditions Relative to the Codling Mott in Beteh | 

Columbians ce Nh, ee ea Thomas aie: 
Insects of the Lower Frise Valley, 1014. er eee =F . Getchell 
imsectsron the Greenhouse: ee ne it ilkerson 
Ornamental and Shade Tree Insects. ‘3 C. Treherne 


Life History of the Codling Moth on the Pacific 


COaSE OLB ad Get eb rant ene ae OCs ee Se eM ARC Ua Wee Tevine 
lmoyessys Wniyecie INNES) aes ee re J. M. Swaine 
EXE COC S yeti 1a AVE 1a ee eee ee eee ere yee E. M. Anderson 
Notes on the Geometridae of V. Do E. H. Blackmore 
Pathocolletiss oatalitivem ell cuss cases neni encase R. N. Chrystal 


Lady Bug gave a party, 

It was a grand affair; 

The finest Beetle dandies 

And the nattiest Gnats were there 
The Glowworm glowed his brightest, 
And the Hornet played his horn; 
The Butterfly brought butter, 

And the Miller Moth brought corn; 
The Caterpillar sat and purred, 
The Horse Fly galloped high, 

The Ants came with their uncles 
And the Spiders came with pie; 

The June Bug in his buggy came 
Dragged by the Dragon Fly; 

The Centipede gave his last cent 

To see the pair go by. 

It was a splendid party, 

But when the last was done 

The Hop Toad sat outside the door 
And swallowed every one. 


—ANON, 


it 


les 


hot 


=~ *PROCEHDINGS 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


BRITISH COLUMBIA 


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ac NH. 1945 
NUMBER 6, N.S. 


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Nov 2 3915 


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JHE GOVERNMENT OF 
THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, 


VICTORIA, B.C.: 
Printed by Wit1tiam H. Cuiin, Printer to the King’s Most Excellent Majesty. 
1915. 


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PROCHEDINGS 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 
BRITISH COLUMBIA 


SING od Oat by 
NUMBER 6, N.S. 


E. —I have the honour to sehen? fereoriee the pac = gi 


ite ave “authorized me to” have = published under the direction ‘of the 


T have the honour to be, 
3 Sir, (om eee 
eae Your obedient servant, 


Pay ; F. KERMODE, 


be ae 5 ae Director. — 


TABLE OF CONTENTS. 


: PAGE. 
Presidential Address: Nomenclature and Classification—G. O. Day 99 


N 
Notes on Lithocolletis gaultheriella—R. N. Chrystal 
Further Notes on the Species of the Genus Hydriomena—E. H. 


Bila ckmonet foes ts pokey: ed ohh cn wine e gern Se Macao Nene II4 
Changes in Geometrid Nomenclature—E. H. Blackmore ........... 116 
Insects in the Atlin District—E. M. Anderson .................... 122 
Butteriiiestin Brazil—Danwit atsccten meas seo eee eee ee Ege 
Blection 70 fe OMICersh 5 ce ss Sem rake ie eee tetas Sea oem ee) EA 134 
| Sih 2 La: Waa Sp airtel Cd GR LN Tea eesti Ss Ue entries Baca Che oot oe a 134 


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BRITISH COLUMBIA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 
PROCEEDINGS, 1915 


NOMENCLATURE AND CLASSIFICATION. 
(PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS.) 


By G.O=Day, PE-S;s. DPuncan,_V_1., B.C. 


SOCIETY such as ours labours under a serious disadvan- _ 
tage by reason of its members being comparatively few, | 
and those scattered over a great extent of country. 
You, in Vancouver, are fortunate in having a small 
band of workers within easy reach of each other; in 
Victoria there are a few entomologists who can meet 
together if they desire to; but in the outlying districts 

members are isolated and far apart, and where men have no fellow- 

workers there lacks an incentive to devote much time and attention to 
our particular study. This incentive of friendly rivalry and mutual help 
is, to my mind, one of the charms of the pursuit of collecting. 

Bearing in mind the drawbacks [ have mentioned, | think we, as a 
Society, ought to be well satisfied with the result we have accomplished 
so far. During the last year we have published, by the generosity of 
the Department of Agriculture and the exertions of our Secretary, a very 
creditable pamphlet comprising most of the papers given at our annual 
meeting in January last. We also held a special summer meeting at 
Kelowna 6n August 20th last, an account of which it is hoped will be 
included in a later bulletin of our Proceedings. Another drawback which 
the Society suffers from is the want of a “local habitation.” We have at 
present no room in which to keep our library or to house any collections 
we might want to form. The supplying of such a desideratum is, | think, 
an object which should ever be kept in view by the committee. Our 
finances, I am glad to say, are in a healthy condition, as has been shown 
by the Treasurer’s statement. 

It is gratifying to know that some of our members, notably Dr. 


Seymour Hadwen and Mr. E. H. Blackmore, have been doing good 


practical work, as evidenced by the papers presented to-day. Person- 
ally, I have not been able to add much to our general knowledge, but 
IT am contributing two life-histories which will be printed with the 
Proceedings if there is space available. The descriptions may prove 
useful for reference when in printed form. 

It is generally understood that the systematic side of entomology 


50> should mainly occupy the attention of our January meeting; and it has 


= 


an 
er 


stele) B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY: 


been suggested to me that I should take the questions of nomenclature 
and classification as the subjects of my address on this occasion. ‘Taking 
into consideration the very limited time at my disposal,-it seems ridicu- 
lous that I should attempt such large subjects. However, I will try to 
deal with them in a simple manner and as briefly as possible. It must be 
taken that I speak for the most part from the standpoint of a lepidopterist, 

but the principles are much the same for the other orders. 

To take nomenclature first: When natural-history objects came to 
be seriously classified (nearly two centuries ago), it was found that in 
order to avoid confusion it was absolutely necessary to have names that 
would be known to apply to the same object all the world over. It is due 
to the famous Swedish naturalist, Linneus (or Von Linné, as he took 
the title of in 1757), that order was commenced to be rescued from chaos. 
He it was who introduced the binomial system in his great work, the 
“Systema Nature,” first published in 1735. Linneus was primarily a 
botanist, but afterwards he turned his attention to the whole system of 
nature. At first he seems to have ransacked heathen mythology and 
ancient Roman history for his names. A great many European species 
bear to-day the names he gave them. Among well-known butterflies the 
names Machaon, Daphlidice, Hyale, Antiopa, Io, Iris, etc., readily occur 
to one as examples of these. Succeeding workers and classifiers adopted 
the principles Linnzeus laid down—namely, a family name and a single 
specific name. ; 

The text-books lay down the rule that the name of a genus (family) 
or of a subgenus is always a single word, and should be a noun of the 
singular number and in the nominative case. The names of all groups 
of genera (i.e., families, orders, classes, and branches) consist each of a 
single word, and this word should be a plural noun in the nominative 
case. No fixed rule appears to have been adhered to in the bestowal of 
specific names. The following quotation taken from the preface to a 
work published by the Entomological Societies of Oxford and Cambridge 
in the year 1858 bears upon this subject :— 

“ Linné, the author of that binary system of nomenclature which has 
now been adopted in every department of natural history of organized 
beings, lays down various maxims for regulating the selection of names. 
His object was to exclude barbarism and confusion; nevertheless, many 
names given by Linné himself are fanciful enough and not peculiarly 
applicable; they are casual or arbitrary appellations. His precept con- 
cerning the formation of the names of species is one of considerable 
latitude; for, when the name of the genus is assigned, the species, he 
says, may be marked by adding to it a ‘nomen triviale,’ a single word 
taken at will from any quarter. Such names, whether appropriate or 
not, when once established by adequate authority, soon lose their incon- 
venience; and accordingly it is now recognized as a rule that in every 
case the trivial name first published shall be retained and all later 
synonyms rejected.” 


PROCEEDINGS, 1915. 101 


Farther on, the same authorities say :— 

“May we be allowed to ask the attention of scientific authors and 
nomenclators to the following considerations ? 

Although the name of an insect is to be regarded as a mere 
name, and not as a compendious description, yet it is desirable that it 
should denote some peculiarity or express some property or habit per- 
taining to that particular insect. 

. It is convenient to form generic names from the Greek, specific 
names won the Latin. 

“32. That the names Should be formed on the analogy of existing 
Greek or Latin words; but that it is advisable to maintain a uniformity 
of termination throughout each tribe to assist the memory 

“4. Names taken from localities commonly become inappropriate 
from the occurrence of the species in other places; and names taken from 

- persons should not be lightly applied.” 

It will be seen from the foregoing that the rules apply to the first 
naming of a species, and that when once a species has received a name 
with a published description of the object, whether the name be appro- 
priate or not, or wrongly spelled, so long as that name has not been used 
before to designate an individual of the same genus, it must be used, 

. unaltered, by any one referring to that species. It is not even permis- 
sible to alter the ending of the word to make it agree with what the 
user thinks would be correct. As an example of this, I may adduce the 
case of Deilephila gallii. There can be no doubt that when Rottemburg ~ 
named the species in 1775 he meant to call it “ galii,” but by some means, 

gallii.”. Though several subsequent 
galii,” in would-be correction, 


“cc 


~ probably a misprint, it was spelt 

authorities have referred to the species as “ 
- the law of priority has stepped in and the original printed word “ gallii” 
~ - is now accepted as being the correct one. 

One of the most important nomenclatural movements which has ever 
taken place, and one to which science owes much, was the preparation of 
the so-called Stricklandian Code, also known as the British Association 
Code, prepared in 1842-43 by a committee of the British Association for 
-. the Advancement of Science.. This Code, together with the Linnzan 
Code (1751), forms the basis of all subsequent study of the subject. 

Mr. Raphael Blanchard (Paris) proposed.a Code which was adopted 
by the first and the second International Congresses in 188y and 1892; 
but it evidently did not find general acceptance, for in 1894 the German 
Zoological Society adopted a Code of its own, and other countries were 
— following various different codes. The question was brought up at the 
succeeding triennial International Congress in 1895, when an Inter- 
national Commission of five members was appointed. The Commission 
was afterwards increased to fifteen members. This larger Commission 
reported progress to the Fifth International Congress, held in Berlin, 

1901, and the Code then proposed was adopted. The Code covers the 


102 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. oe aa 


= — 


whole field of zoology. The committees meet every three years and 
decide various points that are brought before them. There are still con- 
flicting opinions on the subject of nomenclature, and in order that rules 
may be adopted that lead to finality, and the division of entomology 
receive due attention, the Second International Congress of Entomology 
(you know we now have an International Congress for our own special 
division), held at Oxford, England, in August, 1912, advised the forma- 
tion of national committees in each country to collect opinions and 
consider changes required in the International Committee, and to com- 
municate their resolutions to the International Committee on Zoological 
Nomenclature. The next Congress is due to be held this year. 

As J have already stated, the International Code is a valuable founda- 
tion and guide to the generally accepted rules of nomenclature. In the 
introduction to the rules it is stated :— 

“ While not attempting to dictate to men of science what they shall 
or shall not do, the Commission submits the rules to the serious con- 
sideration of all workers in the spirit advanced by Strickland (1842), 
namely, ‘ we offer them to the candid consideration of zoologists in the 
hope that they may lead to sufficient uniformity of method in future to 
rescue science from becoming a mere chaos of words.’ ” 

The Code is too long to read to you in extenso on this occasion, but 
I will quote a few articles which I think may be of interest :— 

“Article 3. The scientific names of animals must be words which 
are either Latin or Latinized, or considered and treated as such in case 
_they are not of classic origin. 

“Article 4. The name of a family is formed by adding the ending 
‘ide’; the name of a sub-family by adding ‘ine’ to the root of the name 
of its type genus. 

“ Article 8. A generic name must consist of a single word, simple 
or compound, written with a capital initial letter, and employed as a 
substantive in the nominative singular. 

“ Article 13. While specific substantive names derived from names 
of persons may be written with a capital initial letter, all other specific 
names are to be written with a small initial letter. 

“ Article 14. Specific names are :— 

“(a.) Adjectives which must agree grammatically with the generic 

name. [xample: Felix marmorata. 

“(b.) Substantives in the nominative in apposition with the generic 

name. Example: Felix leo. 

“(c.) Substantives in the genitive. Examples: Rose, sturionis, 

antillarum, galliz, sancti-pauli, sancte-helene. 

“ Article 16. Geographic names are to be given as substantives in 
the genitive, or are to be placed in an adjectivai form. Examples: 
Sancti-pauli, Sancte-helene, edwardiensis, diemenensis, magellanicus, 
burdi-galensis, vindobonensis. 


/ 


: 2 PROCEEDINGS, I9QI5. 103 


“Article 19. The original orthography of a name is to be preserved 
unless an error of transcription, a Japsus calami, or a typographical error 
is evident. 

“ Article 20. In forming names derived from languages in which 
the Latin alphabet is used, the éxact original spelling, including diacritic 
marks, is to be retained. Recommendations: The prefixes ‘sub’ and 
‘ pseudo’ should be used only with adjectives and substantives— sub’ 
with Latin words, ‘ pseudo’ with Greek words; and they should not be 
used in combination with proper names. ‘The terminations ‘ oldes’ and 
‘ides’ should be used in combination only with Greek or Latin substan- 
tives; they should not be used in combination with proper names. 

“Article 21. The author of a scientific name is that person who 
first publishes the name in connection with an indication, a definition, 
or a description, unless it is clear from the contents of the publication 
that some other person is responsible for said name and its indication, 
definition, or description. 

“ Article 22. If it is desired to cite the author’s name, this should 
follow the scientific name without interposition of any mark or punc- 
tuation; if other citations are desirable, these follow after the author’s 
name, but are separated from it by a comma or by parentheses. 

“ Article 25. The valid name of a genus or species can be only that 
name under which it was first designated, on the condition :— 

“(a.) That this name was published and accompanied by an indica- 

tion or a definition or a description; and 

“(b.) That the author has applied the principles of binary nomen- 

clature. 

“ Article 26. The tenth edition of Linné’s Systema Nature, 1758, is 
the work which inaugurated the consistent general application of the 
binary nomenclature in zoology. The date 1758 therefore is accepted as 
the starting-point of zoological nomenclature and of the law of priority.” 

There are many other points in the rules which it is important to 
have authoritatively laid down, and I would recommend that all natural- 
ists who take the study seriously should have a copy of the International 
Code in their possession for reference and information. 

If I am not tiring you too much, I will now proceed to the subject 
of classification. 

There are two ways of dealing with the classification of all 
natural objects—either taking the most advanced and specialized forms 
and tracing their relationship to existing forms or their evolution from 
more primitive forms, or else commencing at the other end and taking 
the most primitive forms first, tracing the evolution of the more special- 
ized forms. In the following remarks I shall confine myself to insects in 
general and to Lepidoptera in particular. In the best-known works on 
Lepidoptera, Dyar, Smith, Staudinger, Meyrick, and others take the 
higher forms first and work downward. Comstock and the late J. W. 
Tutt considered the other way best, and worked upwards from the lower 


104 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOcrIety. 


forms. My own feeling in the matter is that the latter method is the 
more convenient and understandable one. You know that in most 
catalogues of Lepidoptera the butterflies come first. Well, even accord- 
“ing to their own principles of classification, the authors acknowledge that 
in the natural order of things some of the other families are equally 
specialized, but, with the exception of Meyrick, they do not seem to have 
the courage of their convictions, and prefer to follow precedent. In the 
preface to Dr. Dyar’s List it is stated :— 

“T have placed the butterflies first since they seem, on the whole, 
‘higher’ than the moths, and this course agrees with the usual custom. 
I follow with the Sphingide and Saturnians for the same reasons, 
although, in -venation, they are more generalized than some of the 
Noctuid groups.-.The list, as a whole, proceeds from higher to lower 
forms, as in Staudinger and Rebel’s catalogue.” 

The following quotation is from the same preface :— 

“Within the last ten years (1892 to 1902) the classification of the 
Lepidoptera has been radically altered. No-exact consensus of opinion 
as to the proper sequence of families and genera has been reached; but 
the recent workers are so closely in accord as to the principles involved 
and the resultant general scheme that we seem to be somewhere near a 
natural classification.” : 

The radical alteration of the classification just referred to was 
principally caused by the discovery of the importance of the neuration 
of the wings of Lepidoptera in determining their phylogeny. In 1895 
Edward Meyrick published a Handbook of British Lepidoptera on this 
scheme which revolutionized the study. Although many authors have 
not agreed with Meyrick’s arrangement, the result of his method is very 
remarkable and convincing. I will quote what Meyrick says in his 
introduction :— 

“Tt is now admitted that the resemblances of allied genera and 
species are to be explained by community of descent. Hence a system 
oi classification will be natural or artificial, according as it does or 
does not keep steadily in view this principle, with which all sound 
results must be consistent. When it has been decided that a number 
of genera possess so much mutual resemblance in structure that they 
may be regarded with probability as constituting a distinct branch of 
the genealogical tree of the Lepidoptera (and this is what is meant by 
family grouping), the question must arise: Which of these genera are 
older than the others and which are the latest developments? It may 
often be difficult and sometimes impossible to answer this, but in most 
cases an approximate result can be reached by a consideration of the 
following laws, viz. :— 

“1. No new organ can be produced except as a modification of some 
previously existing structure. 

“2. A lost organ cannot be regained. 

“3. A rudimentary organ is rarely redeveloped. 


> PROCEEDINGS, I915. 105 


“Certain other considerations may likewise be of assistance. A 
large genus, especially if also of very wide distribution, cannot be a very 
recent one, since it must have required a long period for the differen- 
tiation of numerous species, though it must be remembered that as the 
genus grows larger the process may become more rapid from increased 
basis of production. On the other hand, a small genus may be of any 
age; but one which is closely related to a large genus will almost always 
be later than it, and a small genus which is widely distributed must 
generally be an old one. 

“In applying the above-mentioned laws in practice, it must be 
constantly borne in mind that because two genera are now more 
closely allied together than to any other, it does not follow that-either 
is descended from the other; it is very frequently the case that both 
are equally derived from a third genus now no longer existent. In 
such a case they are said to be correlated. Further, when one genus 
is said to be derived from another, and the earlier genus is rich in 
species, it is not usually meant that the later genus springs from the 
more advanced forms of the earlier one, but much more commonly from 
a species standing very near the bottom of the lst. : 

“From a consideration of the laws enunciated there can be no 
doubt that the Micropterygina are the ancestral group of the Lepidop- 
tera, from which all others have descended. ‘This is sufficiently proved 
by the existence of the four or more additional veins in the hind-wings 
of that group, for these veins, if not originally present, could not have 
been afterwards produced. Now, if the neuration of the whole of the 
Lepidoptera is compared with that of all other insects, it will be found 
that in no instance is there any close resemblance, except in the case 
of the Micropterygide ; but the neuration of these so closely approaches 
that of certain Trichoptera (caddis-flies) as to be practically identical. 
The conclusion is clear that the Lepidoptera are descended from the 
Trichoptera, and that the Micropterygide are the true connecting-link. 
It may be worth while to point out that we may assume as the primitive 
type of trichopterous neuration a system of numerous longitudinal veins 
gradually diverging from the base, mostly furcate terminally, and con- 
nected by a series of irregularly placed cross-bars near the base, and 
another series beyond middle.” 

Before I leave this phase of the subject, it is instructive to know 
what Professor Comstock has written with regard to the descent and 
relationship of the various orders of insects. He divides the class 
Hexapoda into nineteen orders. He says:— 

“The Thysanura (bristle-tails, spring-tails, fish-moths, and others) 
is doubtless the most primitive order. Then follow first the orders that 
undergo an incomplete metamorphosis, and last, those that undergo a 
complete metamorphosis. Within these two orders those with. biting 
mouth-parts are placed first, and these are followed by those with suck- 
ing mouth-parts, except that in the second group the Coleoptera and 


j - 


a fee) B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Hymenoptera are placed last for want of a better position. We do not 
intend to indicate by this that these two orders are closely related, or 
that they are more specialized than the Diptera. In fact, with regard 
to at least five of the orders of insects (Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, 
Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera), it seems idle to us to discuss which is 
the more highly specialized. Each has been specialized in a direction 
peculiar to itself; and to attempt to describe which is the ‘highest’ 
seems as futile as the discussion by children of the question: ‘Which 
is better, sugar or salt?’ ” 

The application of the principle of neuration has been, as I have 
already stated, the. main foundation for determining the phylogeny and 
relationship of Lepidoptera, but other important features have been 
taken into account, viz,: the jugwn and the frenulum; the eggs, whether 
flat or upright; the arrangement of the tubercles on larve; the movable 
incisions of pupa; and the hooks on prolegs of larye. — 

In a paper on the classification of Lepidoptera printed in the Trans- 
actions of the Entomological Society of London, 1895, Mr. J. W. Tutt 
states as follows :— 

“No scheme based on a single set of characters poeee to only 
one stage of an insect’s existence could possibly be even approximately 
perfect. It is possible to conceive that—especially in those orders in 
which the methods of life differ so greatly in the various stages, and 
different means of defence and protection are thus rendered necessary 
—an insect may be very greatly modified in one particular stage without 
any corresponding modification in the other stages being at all necessary. 
It may happen to be of advantage for the larva to be of a generalized 
type, and for the imago to be much more specialized, or vice versa. If 
this be granted, it follows that no scheme of classification that is not 
founded upon a consideration of the structural details and peculiarities 
of the insects in all their stages can be considered as really sound, or 
as founded upon a natural basis. It is also evident that the results of 
the various systems—whether based or oval, larval, pupal, or imaginal 
characters—must be compared, and the sum total of evidence brought 
together, if a satisfactory result is to be obtained.” 

The conclusion come to by Mr. Tutt concerning the characters 


considered important by various authors, including Comstock, Packard,’ 


Dyar, in America, and Chapman in England, is as follows :— 

1. The Jugun.——As Chapman has already pointed out, this is the 
“remnant of a wing-lobe, well developed in many Neuroptera, and 
appears to have no such function as is attributed to it (i.e., of combining 
the wings in flight).’ The hind-wing of Micropteryx (Eriocrania) has 
“also an external lobe or “‘ jugum””’ (Packard). The classificatory value 
of the jugum by which Comstock separates the whole order Lepidoptera 
into Jugate and Frenate, therefore, is such as to shut off the two or three 
most generalized superfamilies, such separation giving us no clue what- 


PROCEEDINGS, IQI5. 107 


ever to the more specialized superfamilies that have risen from the stirps, 
of which these are now the lowest representatives. 

“2. The Frenulum.—Chapman has pointed out that one of the 
superfamilies ()licropterygids) placed with the Jugate has also dis- 
tinct traces of a connecting frenulum in the development of some strong 
hairs; whilst Kellogg finds, in the Trichopterygid genus Hallesus, ‘the 
beginning of the frenate method of wing-tying,’ there being * present on 
the base of the costal margin of the hind-wing two long, strong hairs, the 
very counterpart of the generalized frenulum (i.e., frenulum in which the 
hairs are not united into one single strong spine) of the lepidopterous 
wing.’ That the frenulum had its origin much lower than is usually 
assumed, e.g., in Trichoptera, and, therefore, probably in Lepidoptera, 
before they were differentiated as such, leads us to suppose that, pos- 
sibly in the earlier Lepidoptera (now extinct), many frenate and jugate 
families, otherwise closely related, ran on side by side. Of the latter 
only the Micropterygids, Eriocraniids, and Hepialids are left, and these, 
although retaining this primitive trait, have become greatly modified in 
other directions. 

“3. Neuration—It is now generally accepted: that the most gener- 
alized superfamilies exhibit the most complicated system of neuration, 
and that the more reduced in number the nervures become, the more 
specialized is the family, superfamily, ete. This with certain limitations 
we consider to be generally true. The neuration of the Micropterygids 
(Eriocephalids), Eriocrantids, and Hepialids is perhaps more generalized. 
than that of any other Lepidoptera. Broadly, on these lines, the neura- 
tion allows us to separate the more generalized from the more specialized 
superfamilies. When, however, one comes to detail—i.e., to the consid- 
eration of the characters arising from the modification of the neuration 
—we find the characters to be so variously interpreted and applied by 
different authors that, standing alone, the neurational characters appear 
to be of very little value. 

“4. Movable Incisions of Pupa-——-Chapman’s pupal characters of 
movable segments divide off sharply, and with definiteness, the general- 
ized from the specialized superfamilies—the Incomplete representing the 
former, the Obtectz the latter; but it is only in the details such as those 
of the dorsal head-piece, the maxillary palpi, etc., that we get any clue 
to the real relationships of the superfamilies to one another, although 
the amount of incompleteness of the pupa (i.e., the actual number of 
movable segments) affords, in a comparative sense, valuable aid. 

“5. Hooks on Prolegs—The arrangement of the hooks on the larval 
prolegs is largely associated with a concealed or exposed habit of life, 
yet, with scarcely an exception, the character is sound in separating the 
generalized from the specialized superfamilies, and it is remarkable that 
even when a species belonging to one of the specialized superfamilies 
reverts to a concealed mode of life, the prolegs do not revert to the 
generalized, but maintain the specialized proleg structure. 


108 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


“6. Larval Tubercles—The arrangement of the tubercles is remark- 
able from the fact that, more than any other larval structure, they have 
undergone modification for protective purposes. In concealed-feeding 
larve the tubercles have usually remained simple, the sete often being 
suppressed until they form mere points on the chitinous button of the 
tubercle. On the other hand, in exposed-feeding larve they vary from 
entire absence (where their presence would interfere with the protective 
coloration adopted by the larve) to raised warts bearing many- sete; 
or they may form a prolonged spiny base bearing several setiferous 
branches; or develop fascicles of urticating spines; or hairs may 
arise from the normal base. In spite of this, however, two characters 
remain fairly constant: (1.) Tubercles I. and Il. tend to form (by union 
or by the atrophy of I. or II.) a single sub-dorsal wart, or, on the other 
hand, tend to become arranged as anterior and posterior trapezoidals. 
(2.) Tubercles IV. and V. both remain as sub-spiracular tubercles, or, 
on the other hand, V. remains as a sub-spiracular and IV. becomes a 
post-spiracular tubercle. We do not think the pre-spiracular tubercle 
(which is more or less adventitious) of much value in classification, but 
the two above characters appear to be so. 

“ Now, it is evident from the above brief summary that the structure 
of the larval prolegs, the characters offered by the movable pupal seg- 
ments, the broad characters of neuration, and of the jugum, only help us 
to separate, as it were, the generalized from the more specialized super- 
families. ‘These characters still leave them unsorted, and give us no 
clue to their relationship to each other. 

“ Tt is quite evident that the evolution of the many specialized super- 
families has taken place from the generalized, and that the former are 
the most recent evolutionary products of certain stems of which the 
generalized are the older offshoots. What is needed, then, is some 
character or characters that will not slice off horizontally, as it were, 
all the branches of the genealogical tree, leaving (1) the upper super- 
families, composed of the Obtecte or specialized Frenateé, and (2) the 
lower, comprising the Incomplete or generalized Frenate, but one which 
will give us clues as to the development of the branches themselves 
vertically, and separate into their own particular branch the specialized 
and generalized superfamilies belonging thereto. In this way alone can 
we get a true conception of the genealogical relationship of the various 
families to each other.” 

Mr. Tutt then goes on to show how the groups work out according 
to Dr. Dyar’s studies of the larval tubercles, but considers that the 
arrangement leaves us much as we were. He then continues :— 

“There was sufficient material here for the basis on which to 
construct the broad lines of a natural genealogical tree, if used in con- 
junction with the tables given us by Chapman and Hampson.- But 
the desiderated clue as to the actual details of such was not obtained 
until the publication of Chapman’s valuable paper, ‘The Phylogeny and 


PROCEEDINGS, I915. Tog 


Evolution of the Lepidoptera from-a Pupal and Oval Standpoint.’ In 
this we had a factor which could be applied in the way desired, and that 
showed us, not which were specialized and which generalized super- 
families, but which of the specialized and which generalized superfamilies 
of the various stirpes were related to each other. This paper showed 
that the form of egg found in each different superfamily is very constant, 
and that there appears to be no rapid transition from one form to the 
other among the Lepidoptera. There are, broadly, among the higher 
Obtect famihes two forms of egg, the flat and the upright egg, the former 
being divisible into the Geometrid and the Bombycid. The Geometrid 
egg is generally marked by a greater roughness and by coarser ribbing 
or network ; the Bombycid is smoother and more polished, although there 
are many striking exceptions to this otherwise pretty general rule. 

“Chapman is inclined to derive these two forms of flat eggs from 
distinct origins, very low down in the evolutionary scale, but thinks it 
probable that the various forms of the upright egg (Noctutd, Papilionid, 
etc.) had a common origin, though very low down. He is supported 
in this conclusion by the presence of the chin-gland, which is found 
only in Papilionids, Noctuids, Notodonts, and other superfamilies with 
upright eggs, but nowhere among those with flat eggs, and we may 
accept Chapman’s: conclusion that, however widely the butterflies are 
separated from the Noctuids (and the evidence of the Hesperid pupa 
shows that the butterfly stirps separated from the Noctuid stirps a very 
considerable way below any Noctua-like form usually placed with the 
Macros), the evidence of the egg and the presence of the larval chin- 
gland suffice to show that they jointly separated from the Geometrids 
and Bombycids still lower down. The evidence of the egg, too, shows 
-that the Noctuids and Papilionids were not derived, as Meyrick suggests, 
from any Pyralid form, as the Pyralids are, in some respects, of a higher 
type than the Hesperids, and yet the former still belong very markedly 
to one of the flat-egged stirpes. No very clear indication has yet been 
obtained to show where the upright egg branched from the flat egg. 
The most probable point is between the Cossids and the Zeuzerids. 
These superfamilies are, in many respects, somewhat closely allied. 
The former has an upright, the latter a flat, egg, and Chapman considers 
that we have here, probably, the point where the two forms are still 
unfixed and capable of easy variation. The alliance (by pupa) of Castnia 
with Cossus would perhaps point to this also as being somewhat near 
the origin of butterfly stirps. 

“ Accepting the principles here laid down, there can be no doubt that 
the flat egg is the ancestral form, and the upright egg a more specialized_ 
structure. Examination of a large number of eggs of species belonging 
to several superfamilies shows that the upright eggs which characterize 
the Notodonts, Noctuids, Lithosiids, Euchromiids, Lymantriids, and 
Papilionids are modifications of one and the same structure.” 


110 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY, 


Mr. Tutt concludes: “That the details of such an arrangement as 
this will be modified by further observation is highly probable, but that 
this will form a sound basis for future work we feel convinced. We 
shall find, for example, in future schemes, no derivation of generalized 
from specialized superfamilies, nor a flat-egged family from an upright- 
egged one, the former giving rise again to another upright-egged family, 
as repeatedly occurs in the work of Packard, Dyar, and Meyrick.” 

This is a general outline of the principle on which classification is 
based. Our attention has been confined to probable descent and the 
relationship of famulics. \When we come to consider the genera and 
the respective members thereof, there are several special features and 
structures which have been found to be constant; that is, not varying 
in different individuals of the same species. Amongst them I may 
mention the palpi, the eyes, whether hairy or smooth, the venation, 
the spines on the tibia (vide Mr. Wolley-Dod). Mr. Pearsall states 
that in the Geometride he has found the following characters reliable: 
Antenne, frontal tubercles and tufts, the tongue, the claws on fore tibiae, 
the tibial spurs and the hair-pencil on hind tibiz of male, besides other 
characters. There is also another structure which lately has been found 
of great importance, and this is the genitalia of male insects. Professor 
Smith and Doctors Barnes and McDunnough have drawn attention to 
this feature as a means of determining closely allied species. And Mr. 
F. N. Pierce, of Liverpool, has recently published two volumes giving 
illustrations of the genitalia of all the British Macrolepidoptera. I have 
brought this work with me to-day so that you will be able to see 
how infinitely diversified the structures are. I have also brought two 
microscope-slides with preparations of the organs of two specimens for 
your inspection. : 

I fear | have occupied too much of your time; I did not intend to 
be so long when I began to prepare my address, but the subjects of 
nomenclature and classification are so important and controversial that 
even now | have only treated them in a cursory manner. I can only 
hope that in what I have brought before you I have been able to convey 
some acceptable information. 


Mr. President: The next paper is on “ The Salal-moth, Lithocolletis 
gaultheriella,” by R, N. Chrystal. (Read by Mr. Sherman.) 


aa os 


PROCEEDINGS, I9QI5. TaIAL 


ws NOTES ON LITHOCOLLETIS GAULTHERIELLA WALS. 
(LEAF-MINER IN GAULTHERIA SHALLON). 


By R. Nem Curystart, Assistant Forest Insects, DoMINion Division 
oF ENTOMOLOGY. 


The abundant evidence of the work, of what eventually proved to be 
the above species, in the leaves of Gaultheria shallon, a shrub which is 
very plentiful in Stanley Park, and indeed in the Coast region generally, 
is the basis upon which the following notes are presented. 

Nature of the Injury—Vhe mine is on the upper side of the leaf, 
and is irregular in form, as a rule, causing the leaves to appear blotched. 
Frequently these mines may cover the whole surface, as many as five 
larvee being found at work in the same leaf. The details of the early 
life-history of this species have not as yet been studied, the larve being 
first examined on June 23rd, at which time their average length was 
5 mm., the mines being then fairly extensive and the larve nearly 
full-grown. 


The first pupze actually found in nature were collected on July 18th, 
three and one-half weeks later. These changed to adults on July 20th 
and 21st, this putting the time of change from larva to pupa between the 
last week in June and the first and second week in July. The writer is 
inclined to think that the date of emergence of the adults bred in cap- 
tivity (July 20th) coincided with their first appearance in nature, as it 
was about this time that the empty pupa-cases could be found sticking 
half-way out of the deserted mines; and in the sunlit spots of the woods 
the adults could be seen at rest on the leaves or flying about near by. 

About the time of pupation the leaf becomes puckered up and the 
pupa is found lying in a silk-lined cell covered over by an opaque silken 
web, closely attached to the sides of the leaf immediately around it. This 

-web was generally found to be circular in shape. The pupa is thrust 
through a transverse slit near one end of the cocoon. 

- On January 2nd, 1915, Mr. R. C. Treherne kindly collected material 
from the Gaultheria in Stanley Park and forwarded it to Ottawa. An 
examination of this material showed that fresh mines had been started, 
varying in size and shape, none of them, however, being very large. 
sLarve in various stages of development, varying in length from 1 to 
4 mm., were found in the tunnels. The following statement by Miss 
Annette F. Braun, in her paper “ Revision of the Genus Lithocolletis,” 
‘erans. Amer. Ent.-Soc., Vol. 34, page 321, is worthy of note: “In 
- almost all the species, however, the cocoon is only made in the brood 
- of which the imagoes are to appear in the same summer. In a later 
- brood hibernation takes place in larval state, with one or two excep- 
tions.” This was found to be the case with L. gaultheriella, the larve 
being in all stages of development, none, however, being nearly full- 


to 


I12 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. = 


grown. On July 18th many of the mines were found to be tenanted 
by two species of hymenopterous parasites; one in a small white cocoon 
some 4 to 5 mm. long, and the other a black pupa 3 mm. in length. The 
adults of both species hatched out at approximately the same time as 
the moths. In August their exit-holes were clearly visible on the mined 
leaf-surface. The species of these have not yet been determined. 

_ Larva.—In the genus Lithocolletis we have an example of “ larval 
dimorphism,” the genus being divided into two groups, those having a 
flat larva and those having a cylindrical larva respectively. Miss Braun 
states that in the entire genus the first three instars are of the flat type, 
the cylindrical group gaining their typical form with the third moult; 7 
while in the flat group the change to an approach to cylindrical form 
occurs in the last larval instar preceding the pupa. In the larve at 
present collected the two forms are believed to be present, but the 
subject needs further study before any definite pronouncement can be 
made. . At present, therefore, a short description of the salient features 
of each form must suffice. 

Flat Larva.—Larve of the flat type were found ranging from 1 to 
7 mm. in length, and the following general description holds good for 
all: The larva is distinctly depressed. The body tapers towards hind 
end, this being especially noticeable in the smaller specimens, in which 
the body tapers very rapidly, assuming a ‘“‘ V*’ shape. The head is very 
much flattened, sub-triangular in shape, two-thirds the breadth of the 
thorax. Inthe smaller specimens of the living material examined it was 
seen to be much retracted into the first thoracic segment. The mouth- 
parts are clearly visible, being thrust out prominently in front. The 
presence of dark-brown coloured processes, referred to as “ apodemata ” 
by Ivar Tragirdh, Experimentalfiiltet, Sweden, in his paper “ Contri- 
butions towards the Comparative Morphology of the Trophi of the 
Lepidopterous Leaf Miners” (Arkiv For Zoologi. Band 8, No. 9, 1913), 
is well marked, both dorsally and ventrally, in all the larve examined. 
The form of these appears to differ in the two forms of larva. Tragirdh 
also points out that there is a difference in the genus Lithocolletis in the 
arrangement of the ocelli of the young and full-grown larva respectively. 
This has not yet been observed in the species. 

The number of segments following the head is thirteen; the sides of 
the segments are protuberant, the lateral outline of the body being in 
consequence strongly crenate. On the dorsal and ventral aspects of the 
thoracic and abdominal segments, dark patches or “ macule” appear. 
These are found to remain constant in shape for corresponding segments 
in members of the same species in each stage. In the smaller specimens 
their shape was not so clearly marked. The colour of the living larve 
is light green, the macule being of a brownish colour. The legs of the 
smaller specimens are very difficult to make out, being merely tubercular 
projections, surmounted with a circle of hooks. Abdominal legs are 
present on segments 7, 8, 9, and 13. 


PROCEEDINGS, I915. 113 


Cylindrical Larva —The cylindrical form of larva presents the follow- 
ing differences :— 

(1.) The dorsal and ventral “apodemata,” respectively, differ in 
their outline: 

(2.) The form of the body becoming more cylindrical, the crenate 
outline disappears: 

(3.) The “* macule,” both dorsal and ventral, are not so well marked: 

(4.) The legs are better developed: 

(5.) Changes in the head region, mouth-parts, etc., are apparent. 


Mines of Lithocolletis gaultheriella Wals. on Gaultheria shallon. 


The Pupa.—The pupa is 5 mm. in length and is light brown in colour 
and shining. The head end tapers off to a very sharp point, the hind end 
being quite blunt. 

Ata later date it is hoped to amplify these few notes; more observa- 

_ tions are necessary, however, on the structure and habits of this species 
before this can be done. 


; 


See Mr. President : “I think it is one of the duties of this Society to 
have records like that. 


II4 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Mr. Tom Wilson: A little over a year ago Mr. Swaine was out and 
took stock of it, but it is not very generally distributed. It is local. 
We seem to have most of it in Stanley Park. I do not think it is at 
Agassiz, and at Sechelt it may very occasionally be seen. 

Mr. Day: The next paper is by Mr. E. H. Blackmore, of Victoria, 
on: “(a.) Further Notes on the Genus Hydriomena. (b.) Notes on the 
Geometride of Vancouver Island, with Additions and Corrections of the 
3ritish Columbia List.” 


FURTHER NOTES ON THE SPECIES OF THE GENUS HYDRIO- 
MENA, OCCURRING ON VANCOUVER ISLAND, B.C. 


3y E: H. BrackMore, Vicroria, B.C: 


Owing to the exceptionally fine weather which prevailed in this 
district during the past season, and which has been very favourable 
to Geometers, I have collected a large number of specimens, some of 
which are new to science and some new to the British Columbia List. 
I have also had the privilege of studying several private collections 
which, combined with my own captures, has enabled me to make some 
further additions to our list and to supplement the notes contained in 
my article on page 44 of Bulletin 4 of our Proceedings. I will confine 
myself in this short paper to a few notes on the different species of the 
genus Hydriomena. $ 

Some little time ago Mr. F. Wolley-Dod, of Midnapore, Alberta, 
sent me a short series of Hydriomena furcata var. quinquefasciata, and 
comparing them with Victoria specimens in my collections, | was rather 
surprised to find how much they differed, both as ‘to size and colouring. 
The Calgary specimens are smaller, ranging from 30 to 32 mm. and 
being a greyish-green colour, while the Victoria forms measure from 
33 to 35 mm. and are in most cases of a warm brown colour, differing 
in individual specimens in the depth of the colouring, but none approach- 
ing the colour of the Calgary specimens. During the past summer Mr. 
E. M. Anderson, of the Provincial Museum, Victoria, while on a collect- 
ing trip around Atlin, B.C., secured, amongst other interesting things, a 
series of this insect, and it is worthy of note how clearly they resemble 
the Calgary forms, both in size and colour. As Mr. Anderson’s specimens 
have been compared with Packard’s type in the University Museum of 
Harvard College and pronounced identical, it seems to me that our Van- 
couver Island specimens are a distinct geographical race. 

A new addition to the British Columbia List is Hydriomena furcata 
var. viridata Pack., of which I have taken two specimens, one at light on 
May 22nd, 1914, and the other resting on a pine-tree trunk on June 18th, 
to14. According to Mr. L. W. Swett, this is an exceedingly rare variety, 
and.I believe that previously it has not been found outside of California, 
which is the type locality. 


PROCEEDINGS, I9T5. 15 


In October last, while looking over the collection of Mr. E. M. 
Skinner, of Duncan, B.C., I noticed a red variety of H. furcata which I 
thought might be the var. resecta of Swett. Through the kindness of 
Mr. Skinner I obtained the loan of it and sent it to Mr. Swett, who 
reported that it slightly resembled resecta, but was not that species, 
being closer to the European variety testaceata Prout. However, as it 
is the only one that I have seen so far, it will have to be left at that 
for the present. 

Since writing my last article on this interesting genus I have been 
- fortunate enough to capture two specimens of Hydriomena autumnalis 
var. columbiata Taylor. I obtained them at Duncan, B.C., on April 
19th, 1914, resting on tree-trunks. They puzzled me for some time, 
but through the kindness of Mr. Swett, who loaned me the photo of 
Taylor’s type, I was able to recognize them at once, and there is no 
doubt of their identity. Incidentally this is the only insect of which 
the late Rev. G. W. Taylor wrote a poor description. 

It does not seem to occur in the Victoria District, as I have not seen 
or taken a specimen from here. Hydriomena autumnalis var. crokeri 
Swett, while always uncommon, seems to have been very scarce this 
season, for while constantly on the look-out for it, in the early spring 
I only managed to secure two specimens. One of these, however, was 
unique in having the ground colour decidedly greenish, although having 
the intensely black, irregular, median band typical of this variety. Com- 
menting on this insect, Mr. Swett says: “I have not seen this green 
variety of crokeri before, and it is very interesting to me to see my theory 
proved.” Speaking of his theory, he is referring to his colour scheme, 
which is fully explained in his article in the Canadian Entomologist for 
March, 1911. 

Before leaving this highly interesting and difficult group I would 
like to mention one other that was taken by our worthy President, Mr. 
G. O. Day, of Duncan, B.C. Unfortunately it is an only specimen, and 
being a female it remains as an unique for the present, but | am living 
in hopes that he will take a male of the same species and so make another 
addition to our already swelling list. Writing on this insect, Mr. Swett 
says: ‘This is a most remarkable form, and | have not seen anything 
like it. It is an undescribed variety of ruberata, possibly a new species, 
— but I would not like to describe it without the male.” 


116 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


NOTES ON THE CHANGES IN GEOMETRID NOMENCLATURE, 
WITH RECORDS OF SPECIES NEW TO THE LIST OF 
GEOMETRIDAE FOUND IN BRITISH COLUMBIA. 


By E. H. Brackmore, Victoria, B.C. 


As a kind of preface to my paper, I would like to say that I think 
the time is fast approaching when we, as a Society, shall have to prepare 
a new check-list of British Columbia Lepidoptera. There have been 
many revisions of genera and changes in nomenclature in the nine years 
which have elapsed since our last list was published, also there are quite 
a number of new records in nearly all the families to be added to the list. 

Speaking of the Geometride, the family in which I am most inter- 
ested, perhaps the time is hardly quite ripe, as there are still many knotty 
problems remaining to be solved and much research-work yet to be done. 
I am at present, in conjunction with Mr. L. W. Swett, of Boston, Mass., 
working on several groups, particularly the two genera Petrophora and 
Mesoleuca and the Alcis latifasciaria-imitata group, which we expect to 
get straightened out this year, and the results of which I hope to read 
at the next annual meeting of our Society. Fortunately, Mr. Swett is in 
close touch with the University Museum of Haryard College, which, in 
addition to housing his own large collection, contains most of Packard’s 
types, many of which came from Victoria, B.C., being collected by a Mr. 
G. R. Crotch some forty years ago. 

The purpose of my paper is to give some of the most important 
changes in nomenclature affecting our British Columbia Geometride, 
and by including the records new to British Columbia making it of some 
little help to those interested in this particular family. In the following 
additions to the list I would like to remark that those species taken in 
the Okanagan Falls District in 1913, and in the Atlin District in 1914, 
were all collected by Mr. E. M. Anderson, of the Provincial Museum, 
who has made extensive collecting trips in those localities during the 
past two seasons. 

Taking the Geometers in order as they appear in Dyar’s List, which 
in the main is the same as Hulst’s classification, the name of Cladora 
atroliturata \Valker is the first one to be added to the list, taken on April 
20th, 1913, at Okanagan Falls. This is a decidedly interesting record, 
as it is a distinctly Eastern species, occurring in the Atlantic States. 
The specimen captured was in fine condition and does not differ in any 
way from the typical specimens. 

Philopsia nivigerata Walker. One specimen taken by me at Victoria 
on May 4th, 1913. It bears a close resemblance to Philopsia (Tailedega) 
montana Pack., but is quite distinct. According to Mr. R. F. Pearsall, 
in Canadian Entomologist, December, 1906, the distinguishing characters of © 


PROCEEDINGS, IQI5. LL, 


these two genera, Philopsia and Talledega, are inconstant; therefore one 
of them must fall, and as Philopsia has priority of page it must stand, 
Talledega becoming a synonym of it. 

Nasusina (Gymnocelis) melissa Grosbeck. Taken at Okanagan 
Falls on May oth, 1913. This genus differs from Eupithecia, which 
follows it, in having one pair of spurs on hind tibiae, whereas all the 
species of Eupithecia have two pairs; also in having a projecting cone 
tuft on front of head. 

In the British Columbia Check-list Taylor has a Eupithecia listed 
as lachrymosa Hulst, which is wrong; it should be E. limnata Pearsall. 
Taylor was not very well acquainted with Hulst’s species, which was 
from Oregon, and, although somewhat similar in markings, can be at 
once differentiated by the antenne, which is simple ciliate in lachrymosa 
and bi-ciliate in limnata. Another one listed wrongly is E. togata Hub., 
which is strictly European. Pearsall described it later as E. mutata, and 
that name will take the place of togata in our lists. There are three more 
records to be added to this genus—E. cestata Hulst and E. implorata 
Hulst at Okanagan Falls in April, 1913, and E. adornata Taylor at Atlin. 
This latter species was also taken by Mr. J. W. Cockle at Kaslo on May 
16th, 1914. These records are very interesting, as the two districts are 
widely separated, each having different fauna and flora from the other. 
It is evidently a high-altitude species, as its type locality is Calgary, 
Alberta. It was described by Taylor in Canadian Entomologist, December, 
1900. 

One of the most interesting Geometers taken by Mr. Anderson on 
his Atlin trip was Eustroma destinata var. lugubrata Moschler. This 
is a most beautiful insect of a rich chestnut colour and exceedingly rare. 
I would like to remark here that Mr. Anderson’s captures of Geometridz 
in the Atlin District were very gratifying, and besides gathering in many 
uncommon species, he has taken at least five new to the Province. It is 
also remarkable to find that a number of species recorded from Atlin have 
been taken by Mr. F. Wolley-Dod at Calgary, Alberta. 5 

Rheumaptera hastata var. gothica Gue. Four specimens of this 
well-marked variety were taken by me at Victoria in June, 1913, but 
I did not see any during the past season. It is also taken at Vancouver. 

Rheumaptera hastata var. hastulata Hub. This is much smaller 
and quite distinct from the preceding, somewhat resembling the variety 
subhastata, which, however, is darker. A series of this insect was taken 
at Atlin in the middle of June. 

Mesoleuca cesiata D. & Sch. should be changed to M. aurata, as 
cesiata is strictly European. 

The Mesoleuca truncata-immanata group I treated of in my paper 
read before you at the last annual meeting (Bulletin No. 4, page 44). 
It is unnecessary to add any more to that at present, only to remark 

that a few specimens of that group were taken at Atlin, and they all 


118 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


show a change in colouring from warm brown to a greyish-brown, 
caused possibly either by a change of food-plant or to different climatic 
conditions. 

I also remarked in the same paper that I had not seen the typical 
form of Mesoleuca vasiliata Gue., although the variety niveifasciata Hulst 
was taken regularly on Vancouver Island. On further inyestigation, 
however, I find that it does occur here, but very sparingly. Mr. G. O. 
Day, of Duncan, has taken a few, and so has Mr. A. W. Hanham. 1 
found a couple of specimens when going over Mr. E. Skinner’s collection 
which were taken by him at Duncan, B.C., some years ago; and also 
found one in the collection of Mr. A. H. Bush, of Vancouver, who has 
been collecting for many years. 

There are also two more species of this genus to add to the list: 
Mesoleuca formosa Hulst, taken by the late Mr. Livingstone at Cowichan 
Bay, B.C., and now in the collection of Mr. L. W. Swett, of Boston, 
Mass. ‘This is a very rare insect and I am glad to have the record. It 
was placed by Hulst in the genus Philerme, but it is a true Mesoleuca. 
The other one, M. atrifasciata Hulst, I found in the collection of Mr. E. 
Skinner, and was labelled “ Possibly a var. of E. nubilata.”. It is listed 
by Dyar as a synonym of M. immanata, which it in no way resembles. 
It is a very striking insect, as may be seen from the type which is figured 
in Holland’s Moth Book, Plate 44, Fig. 8, under the name of Cleora 
atrifasciaria. : 

The genus Hydriomena [| have treated of in my previous paper, and 
I will now pass on to a variety of Triphosa hesitata which occurs here, 
but which has evidently been overlooked. Mr. Swett first drew my 
attention to this variety, he haying found it in the collection of Mr. C. 
Livingstone, which passed into his hands some time ago; since then I 
have taken two specimens in Victoria. It has a mottled appearance and 
is called var. pustularia Hy. Edwards. 

Marmopteryx marmorata Pack. Two specimens of this handsome 
insect were taken at Okanagan Falls on May 7th, 1913. Its natural 
habitat is California. In an article by R. F. Pearsall, in the Bull. 
Brooklyn Ent. Society, Oct., 1914, on Gypsochroa designata Hufnagel, 
he says that on comparing the genitalia and markings with the European 
designata he finds them different, and proposes a new name for our 
species, viz., emendata Pearsall, G. designata being strictly European. 

Petrophora circumvallaria Taylor. One specimen taken at Atlin on 
June 13th, 1914. This is a nice capture, and again illustrates the simi- 
larity of the fauna of northern British Columbia and southern Alberta. 
Both Messrs. Barnes and McDunnough and Mr. F. Wolley-Dod claim 
that this species is a synonym of the European turbata Hub., but until 
the genitalia of the two forms are compared I would hesitate to accept 
this, as I believe that we get very few of the European species in this 
country. ? 


~~? 


PROCEEDINGS, 1915. . 11g 


Petrophora incursata Hub. is, according to Pearsall (Bull. Brooklyn 
Ent. Society, June, 1913), strictly European, he differentiating it from 
our species, which he has named P. salvata, by the structure of the 
antenne. 

In the Canadian Entomologist, 1900, page 104, Hulst described 
Hydriomena amorata (No. 3410 of Dyar’s List). This Geometer is 
not a Hydriomena, however, but a Petrophora, and is a variety of P. 
defensaria Gue. I have found it to be double-brooded, as I have taken 
it at rest in September, and both at rest and at light in April, the spring 
forms being larger and a little brighter coloured. 

Deilinia variolaria Gue. was included in the Provincial Museum 
catalogue compiled by E. M. Anderson in 1904, but was thrown out by 
Mr. Taylor in the 1906 check-list. This was wrong, as it is still taken 
in the Province, one specimen in good condition being taken at Okanagan 
Falls on July 3rd, 1913. 

Macaria teucaria Strecker. There has been a certain amount of 
doubt connected with this insect. In the 1906 check-list Taylor put 
a question-mark before the specific name teucaria, and in Mr. Skinner’s 
collection I found a specimen taken by him at Duncan some years ago 
and labelled “ Undescribed” in Taylor’s handwriting. When visiting 
Duncan in June, 1913, I was fortunate in taking a couple of specimens, 
and submitted them to Mr. Swett for his final opinion. Last July he 
took them to New York and compared them with specimens in the 
American Museum of Natural History. The result was that my speci- 
mens were found identical with those labelled “ Sciagraphia respersata 


_Hulst,” one of which was also marked “Compared with type.” As the 


late Mr. Grossbeck had the arrangement of the Geometride in the above 
Museum, and also was familiar with most of Hulst’s types, there is no 
doubt that the above determination is correct. 

Sympherta tripunctaria Pack. should be Gladela lorquinaria Gue. It 
appears that the genus Sympherta was preoccupied, so Grossbeck pro- 
posed the name of Gladela for it (Entomological News, October, 1909). 
The specific name of lorquinaria Gue. antedates by seventeen years that 
of tripunctaria Pack., so that name must stand, the latter becoming a 
synonym. : 

Alcis dissonaria Hulst. One specimen taken at Okanagan Falls on 
May 7th, 1913, and one at Penticton on June 30th. This is another rare 
insect and a very interesting record. Its type locality is Colorado, and 
it has been taken in Nevada. 7 

Cleora indicataria Walker. I have taken an interesting series of 
this insect this past season. It is quite distinct from umbrosaria Hub., 
when fresh, but rubbed or worn specimens are hard to distinguish. 
Unfortunately they get worn very quickly, not lasting more than two 
or three days in a fresh condition. 


120 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


1 

Erannis coloradata Hulst. This is a record sent me by Mr. Swett, 
taken by Mr. Liyingstone at Vancouver, but without date. 

Euchlaena johnsonaria Fitch. One specimen taken on June 28th, 
1913, at Okanagan Falls. This species was listed in the 1904 catalogue 
as taken at Victoria; that was an error, as the species taken at Victoria, $ 
Duncan, and other localities on the Island is the variety mollisaria Hulst, 
which occurs regularly, but not commonly. 

Pero giganteus Grossbeck. This was given to me by Mr. A. W. 
Hanham amongst some pinned material last April. When setting it I 
noticed that it was different from the species that I had in my collection 
labelled “ honestarius (ancetaria) Walker.” I sent it to Mr. Swett, who 
pronounced it to be giganteus. It was described by Mr. Grossbeck in 
a paper given by him in the Proceedings of the United States National 
Museum, Vol. 38, pages 359-377. In this paper he shows that the genus 
Azelina Gue. must fall, as Pero H. & Sch. is the older one; also that our 
species ancetaria should be called honestaria for the same reason, so that 
the old name of Azelina ancetaria Hubner should read Pero honestaria 
Waller. ~ 

In addition to the foregoing, I have taken one species and three 
varieties new to science, the descriptions of which are now in the hands 
of the editor of the Canadian Entomologist, but as they have not yet been 
published I cannot make any remarks on them at this time. 

I will now bring my paper to a close with the remark that in the 
near future all our closely allied species will be separated by comparisons 
of the genitalia of the various forms. There has just been issued in 
England a work of Mr. F. N. Pierce entitled “The Genitalia of the a 
Geometride,” dealing with all the recognized species in the British Isles 
and illustrated with over 1,500 figures. This work will be indispensable 
to any one working up the North American Geometridae, as, haying this 
for a basis, it will be comparatively easy to determine with certainty 
many of our doubtful species, and to settle the vexed question whether 
certain species are European or not. 

Below is a tabulated list of the new records which I have been ‘ 
enabled to get together. As it is necessarily incomplete, I should be 
glad if the collectors of Geometride in this Province would send me 
the records of any new species, with the date, locality, and the name 
of the authority who made the determination. 


PROCEEDINGS, IQI5. 121 


GEOMETERS NEW TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. 


Name. | Locality. | Date. Captor. 


| zs 
. Cladora atroliturata Walker....... Okanagan Falls|/April 20, 1913...|E. M. Anderson. 


: | Philopsia nivigerata Walker...... Mictoria, 2.2.04 May 4, 1913........ E. H. Blackmore. 
~~~ Nasusina melissa Grossbeck...... Okanagan Falls|/May 9, 1913........,E. M. Anderson. 
-—\ Eupithecia implorata Hulst-.. | April 15, 1913... Ms 
~ Eupithecia cestata Hulst-...... | * April 15, Ue Se = 
‘ Eupithecia adornata Taylor.....|) Sti I May 16, 1914......\J. W. Cockle. 
|| Kaslo _.. 
- Eustroma destinata var. luge |Atlin Dippalee, eae “August 16, 1914,E. M. Anderson. 
brata Mosch 
~) Rheumaptera hastata var. goth- ly Heupel eee June 20, 1913...:.. *. H. Blackmore. 
ica Gue. 
Rheumaptera hastata var. has- Atlin January 16, 1914.E. M. Anderson. 
tulata Hub. | | 
~~ Mesoleuca formosa Hulst.......... (Cowichan. Bay....|No date .............- C. Livingstone. 
' Mesoleuca atrifasciata Hulst._. eric We | [ee te E. M. Skinner. 
Hydriomena furcata var. viri-/ Victoria A ee May 22, 1914.._... E. H. Blackmore. 
data Pack. | | 
Triphosa hzsitata var. pustu- { Victoria See! March 20, 1914* ey 
laria Hy: Edw. |) Vancouver ..... August 230.2... C. Livingstone, 
~ Marmopteryx marmorata Pei ieeaa Falls|May 7, 1913_...... E. M. Anderson. 
Petrophora. convallaria“Tay_/Atlin !. 0-22... June 13, 1914... aed 
_. Petrophora defensaria_ var. |Victoria —........... April 20, 1914... E..H. Blackmore. 
_ amorata Hulst | 
Alcis dissonaria Hulst ............ |Okanagan Falls|May 7, 1913........ E. M. Anderson. 
-—) Cleora indicataria Walker.......... \Victoria -...s02.-- June 26, 1913... E. H. Blackmore. 
__. Erannis coloradata Hulst.......... [Vancouver ....... No dateys 2 iC. Livingstone. 
___) Euchlena johnsonaria Fitch....Okanagan Falls June 23, 1913... E. M. Anderson. 
> Pero giganteus Grossbeck........ Dith Gatien ee July 20, 1913.....|A. W. Hanham. 


2 


* Hybernated. 


Mr. Day: Since the death of Mr. Taylor we have had no authority 
on British Columbia insects, and Mr. Blackmore has very kindly jumped 
into the breach and is doing great work in this order, and we shall derive 
great benefit from the work Mr. Blackmore has done. 

: Mr. Treherne: It is true that the Calgary species and northern 
British Columbia are similar, and that they differ from the Vancouver 
Island species. Are they similar to the Asiatic species? 

Mr. Blackmore: They are similar, but I do not know as to the 
Asiatic species. 

Pei 5 Mr. Sherman: On the trail of the Cassiar Mountain we took many 
; species that are found, not on the Coast, but on Vancouver Island. 

Mr. Blackmore: I would like to thank the President for his kind 
remarks. I am trying in a small way to put things on a better basis. 
As far as possible, I try to be accurate and get things down fine, and 
can only do a little at a time, as our Province is so large and varied. 

Mr. Treherne: Are these up-to-date endings of the species you 
name? ; 


122 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Mr. Blackmore: The endings, | think, are absolutely authentic. 
At one time, as you know, the various species of genera ended in a 
certain way. You could tell by the end of the word what class they 
belonged to. 

Mr. Day: I shall now call on Mr. Anderson, of the Museum, 
Victoria, to give his paper on “ Insect Records from Atlin and Northern 
British Columbia.” 


INSECTS RECORDED IN THE ATLIN DISTRICT (NORTHERN 
BRITISH COLUMBIA) DURING THE SUMMER OF 1014. 


By E. M. ANDERSON. 


(Reprinted from Provincial Museum Report, 1914, by permission of the 
Director.) 

Since my report is of no economic value, I sincerely trust that it 
will be of interest to some members present; therefore, on a systematic 
order, I shall endeavour to furnish you with extracts from my field-notes, 
including a brief svnopsis and annotated list of the insects collected in 
northern British Columbia. 

In connection with the Provincial Museum of Victoria, I had the 
honour of making an extended zoological expedition into the Atlin 
District during the summer of 1914. Accompanied by an assistant, 
Mr. C. B. Garrett, we sailed from Victoria-on May 29th, via Skagway, 
Alaska; thence by train and boat, arriving at Atlin on June 6th after a 
most enjoyable and pleasant trip. On our arrival we found the town 
of Atlin (“ Atlin,” a “ Tahltan” Indian word meaning “ Big Water ”) 
nothing but a mass of ruins, save the Government buildings and a few 
dwellings at the southern end of the town, these only being saved from 
devastation after a fierce fire. The following day, after provisioning the 
best we could under the circumstances, we departed froin Atlin by wagon 
to Wilson Creek, and aftera slow and rough ride we camped at the foot 
of a steep mountain, close to a small lake, at an altitude of 3,000 feet. 
On our arrival the weather was still cool, fresh snow lying on the foot- 
hills close to camp; the snow did not melt until about June 2oth. This 
spot favoured the collecting of insects, Diurnals, Geometers in particular. 
Most of the material gathered at this camp is most desirable, and nearly 
all proved good species. Six out of seven species of Brenthis taken on 
this trip were found at Wilson Creek, including Brenthis improba butler, 
which is still very rare in collections. This beautiful form was found on 
a grassy mountain-top, none being captured below 5,000 feet. 

The three listed forms of CGEnis and both Erebias appeared on the 
western slope of the mountains, while on the opposite side, only a short 
distance of about two miles, we found a marked difference in the fauna. 
Lyczena szepiolus, aquilo, and scudderi, commonly called “ blues”; Colias 
scudderi and eryphile, the sulphur butterflies; Pontia occidentalis var. 


“PROCEEDINGS, IQI5. 123 


‘ 


calyce and Synchlee, creusa the “ whites,” and a number of day-flying 
moths were found hovering about the flora, which I vouch to say has 
no equal in.any part of the Province I have visited. In addition, most 
of the day-flying moths were taken at Wilson Creek, where we collected 
for a short period of a little over three weeks. Having collected birds 
and mammals during the fall of the previous year, I acquired a fair 
knowledge of the district; consequently, with this in my favour, I was 
enabled to traverse with ease and avoid many hardships, ete., which a 
naturalist faces in the wilds of strange territory. 

It is needless to mention the pleasure derived from a trip of this 
nature, and | sincerely hope that within the near future some of the 
members present, or otherwise, will have the same good fortune bestowed 
on them, and also the opportunity to go afield as I have in the past, 
thereBy furthering what little entomological work I have accomplished, 
not only in the north, but in other sections of the Province. The north 
undoubtedly is still virgin territory, offering the student the richest field 
I know in British Columbia for general research-work. A casual glance 
at my list of captures, a number of which are new records, should 
convince our members that we are still at sea relative to what species 
occur in British Columbia, and also as to the respective range of some 
of the common forms of insects in the various orders. Insect-life in this 
country flourished almost everywhere in abundance. Perhaps the most 
noticeable phenomena was the scarcity of Heterocera (moths), attributed 
to the little or no darkness throughout the summer months; however, 
notwithstanding these conditions, it is indeed gratifying to learn that 
of what moths were taken nearly all were good species. It was not 
until early in August, when the nights began to show signs of darkness, 
that we availed ourselves of the use of the lamp. With this device we 
were greatly disappointed; our catch in four consecutive nights only 
yielded about a dozen Noctuide and several Geometride. Failing to 
attract the moths to light, a few nights were spent in visiting a few 
sugared tree-trunks, etc. Sugaring also proved futile, taking only four 
Euxoa divergens during the whole week. Incidentally, many interest- 
ing species of Diurnals (butterflies) fell to the net, several of which are 
entirely new records for the Province. Unfortunately, a number of the 
species known to occur in the district missed our observation, particularly 
‘those insects which are purely local to a limited area in the sections we 
were unable to search. Owing to our brief stay it was impossible to 
cover more than a small part of the vast unknown region, only scratch- 
ing, as it were, at half a dozen points throughout the country where 
conditions were most favourable for general collecting purposes. 

~ The Geometride collected are being reported upon by my esteemed 
friend and fellow-member, Mr. E. H. Blackmore. To this gentleman I 
am indebted in many ways, and also for his kind assistance in classifying 
and determining the insects belonging to this group. I may say that 
credit is due him for the energetic and painstaking manner in which he 


124 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


has devoted all his spare time, both in collecting and studying this group, 
for the past two seasons. Not only has he discovered new species on 
Vancouver Island, but he has been instrumental in bringing to light many 
species and varieties which for a number of years have assumed erroneous 
names, many of which were taken for granted as authentic. 

Odonata (dragon-flies) made their appearance early in June, and 
were abundant in suitable places during July and August. Six species 
were taken, all of which were submitted to Mr.. Raymond C. Osburn for 
identification. 

A very remarkable “ Syrphide,” Erastalis rupium, was taken. This 
is an entirely new record for America, being found common in Europe. 

Attached will be found an annotated list of insects captured in the 
Atlin District, together with a supplementary list to the Okanagan 
insects collected in 1913. 


LEPIDOPTERA. 
DrurRNALS (BUTTERFLIES). 


rc. Parnassius smintheus var. nanus Neumoegen (Northern Parnas- 
sian). Common at Pike River on July 27th, 28th, and 29th. A large 
series of over a hundred were taken, including a number of well-marked 
females. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

360A. Pontia occidentalis var. calyce Edwards (Western White). 
Fairly common at Wilson Creek in June. This form is the commonest 
white in the north. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 5 

38\. Pontia napi var. bryoniz Ochsenheimer (Alpine White). Not 
common. ‘Two specimens taken at Wilson Creek on June 12th. Also a 
single worn female at Hot Springs on July 7th. We noted several on 
the wing at Skagway, Alaska, on June 4th. It is possible they may have 
been the form alascensis. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

Synchlee creusa Doubleday & Hewitson. Common at Wilson Creek, 
where a number were taken on June 8th to 30th. Mr. McDunnough says 
specimens examined are typical. 

63. Eurymus hecla var. glacialis McLachlan. A single specimen 
collected at Anderson Bay on August 8th near the top of a mountain at 
5,000 feet altitude. No others were observed. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

658. Eurymus eriphyle Edwards. Abundant. Several taken at 
Wilson Creek on June 9th to 29th. Also occurred commonly at Hot 
Springs in July. Albinic females were also taken. (Mr. McDunnough 
states that this is the true form without a doubt.) 

72. Eurymus scudderi Reak (Scudder’s Sulphur). Appeared at 
Wilson Creek on June 2oth to 30th. Fifteen taken at Hot Springs and 
Pike River during July. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

102. Argynnis atlantis Edwards. Fairly common at Hot Springs on 
July 12th to 25th. Specimens taken were a trifle smaller than type forms 
from the Catskills, New York. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 


PROCEEDINGS, 1915. 125 


128p. Argynnis eurynome var. bischoffi Edwards. Two specimens 
collected at Pike River on August 8th. Mr. McDunnough states this 
is the silvered form of bischoffi Edwards, practically the same as var. 
washingtonia. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

t28p. Argynnis bischofi var. opis Edwards. A single specimen 
obtained at Pike River on August 8th. The type locality for opis 
is Cariboo District, but specimen is fairly typical. (Barnes & 
MeDunnough.) 

131. Brenthis myrina Cramer (Silver-bordered Fritillary). About 
fifty were taken at Hot Springs on July 5th to 9th, where it was common. 
Not observed in any other section. 

134. Brenthis triclaris Hubner. Fairly common at Wilson Creek. 
A number were collected at Gopher Dam Mountain at about 4,500 feet 
altitude. Did not occur on the lower levels. All were taken from July 
T5th to 20th. Mr. McDunnough until further examination refers them 
at present to Aphirape v. ossianus Boisduval. 

137c. Brenthis chariclea var. boisduvalii Dup. (Boisduyal’s Fritil- 
lary). Appeared commonly at Wilson Creek from June 15th to 30th. 
At Hot Springs a number were captured as late as July 20th. (Barnes 
& McDunnough.) 

138. Brenthis freija Thunberg; syn. freya H. & S. We found this 
the commonest Brenthis in the district. It appeared in numbers at 
Wilson Creek from June 7th to 30th, where a number were taken. ‘This 
species is the first fritillary to emerge, being the oniy form flying when 
we arrived at the Creek. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

139. Brenthis polaris Bdvy. Not common. Three specimens collected 
at Wilson Creek on June 15th and 26th. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

140A. Brenthis frigga var. saga Kaden. A number were taken at 
Wilson Creek from June 11th to 28th. Fairly common. 

140B. Brenthis frigga var. improba Butler. Eight specimens col- 
lected on the summit of Gopher. Dam Mountain, 500 feet altitude. Mr. 
McDunnough states that it is paler above than the typical specimen, and 
is still rare in collections. 

191. Phycoides pratensis Behr. Eight specimens taken at Hot 
Springs from July toth to 26th. Not a common insect. (Barnes & 
McDunnough.} 

218. Aglais milberti Goddart (Milbert’s Tortoise-shell). Two seen 
at Pike River on August 8th. Probably common later in the fall. 

2704. Erebia disa var. mancinus Dby. We found this beautiful form 
flying with Erebia epipsodea at Wilson Creek from June rith to 30th. 
About thirty specimens were taken. By no means common. (Barnes & 
MecDunnough.) 

273. Erebia epipsodea Butler (Common Alpine). Common at 
Wilson Creek throughout the month of June. A good series of fresh 
specimens were taken. Mr. McDunnough reports the specimens sub- 
mitted to him as a true typical form. 


126 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


282. Coenomympha kodiak Edwards. Only two specimens taken at 
Wilson Creek on June 26th. These are the only two records we have 
from British Columbia. Apparently not common, as no others were 
seen. 

292. CEnis jutta Hubner; syn. Balder Bdv. Not common. Eleven 
specimens taken at Wilson Creek during the last week of June. Fairly 
common. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

293. CEnis uhleri Reakirt. Rather common. Eleven specimens 
collected. at Wilson Creek from June 15th to 3oth. (Barnes & 
McDunnough. ) 

295F. CEnis norna var. taygete Hubner. Very common at Wilson 
Creek throughout the month of June. A large series of over a hundred 
were taken. This species is the common Arctic butterfly, and can be 
seen in numbers along the mountain trails and roadsides from 3,000 to 
5,000 feet altitude. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

396. Epidemia helloides Boisduval. Two specimens collected at Hot 
Springs on July 26th and five at Pike River on August 3rd. (Barnes & 
McDunnough.) 

Some of the Epidemia taken represent a form between dorcas and 
xanthoides. (McDunnough.) 

409. Cupido sepiolus Bdy. Common at Wilson Creek from June 
8th to 30th. Also common at Hot Springs early in July. Specimens, 
are rather off type. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

425. Agriades aquilo Boisduval. Thirty specimens collected at 
\Vilson Creek from June 15th to 30th. Barnes & McDunnough identified 
it as an intermediate Western form between aquilo Bdy. and rustica 
Edwards. 

432. Rusticus scudderi Edwards. Common at Wilson Creek in June 
and at Hot Springsin July. Over fifty specimens taken. The specimens 
are probably closer to true scudderi described from Lake Winnipeg than 
the Eastern form going under the same name. (McDunnough.) 

644. Hesperia centauree Rambur. Only two specimens taken at 
Wilson Creek, one on June 22nd and another on June 29th. (Barnes & 
McDunnough.) 


HETEROCERA (MOTHS). 
ARCTIID. 


869. Neoarctia yarrowi Stretch. A perfect specimen taken at 
Wilson Creek on June 28th. Several others were seen on the wing in 
June. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 


AGARISTIDA. 


o 


943. Androloma mac-cullochii Kirby. Fairly common in the moun- 
tainous sections in June. Specimens obtained at Wilson Creek from June 
12th to 28th. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 


ee eee we 


7 


PROCEEDINGS, IQI5. . 127 


Nocrutp®. 


1105. Caradrina extimia \Walker. Three taken on August 20th at 
Atlin. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

1223. Agroperina (Hadena) morna Strecker. Single’specimen taken 
at Pike River on July 29th, possibly a form of morna. (Barnes & 
McDunnough.) 

1232. Sidemia (Hadena) devastatrix Brace. Atlin, August 15th; 
Cariboo Crossing, August 20th. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

1281. Hyppa brunneicrista Smith. One specimen taken at Hot 
Springs on July 6th, probably this species. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

1390. Rhynchagrotis rufipectus Morrison. Two specimens taken at 
Pike River on August 8th. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

1431. Pachnobia littoralis Packard. Single specimen on July 5th at 
Hot Springs is a form of littoralis. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

1489. Agrotis (Noctua) fennica Tauscher. Five specimens taken at 
Atlin from August 8th to t2th. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

1730. Euxoa (Paragrotis) divergens Walker. Three specimens taken 
at Atlin on August 8th, rith, and 12th. Mr. McDunnough is not quite 
certain as-to the identity of this species. 

1737. Euxoa redimicula Morrison. Common at Atlin from August 
oth to 19th. Eight specimens collected. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

1798. Mamestra olivacea var. lucina Smith. Single: specimen col- 
lected at Atlin on August 8th. (Barnes & MeDunnough.) 

1840. Mamestra sutrina Grote. Single specimen collected at Wilson 
Creek on June 6th. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

1930. Anarta cordigera Thunberg. Common at Wilson Creek in 
June. Eleven specimens taken. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

1932. Anarta melanopa Thunberg. Not common. ‘Three specimens 
collected at Wilson Creek from June 14th to 18th. (Barnes & 
McDunnough.) 

1935. Anarta richardsoni Curtis. One specimen taken at Hot 
Springs on July 7th. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

1936. Anarta? sp. A single specimen, possibly a dark form of 
impinigens Walker was taken at Atlin on August 15th. (Barnes & 
McDunnough. ) 

1974. Cirphis (Heliophila) heterodoxa Smith. One specimen taken 
at Hot Springs on July 17th. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

2533. Autographa (Syngrapha) ignea Grote. Four taken at Pike 
River from July 27th to 29th. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

Autographa orophila Hampson. Two taken at Pike River on July 
29th. (Barnes & McDunnough.) ~ 

3223. Epicnaptera americana Harris. A female collected at Wilson 
'Creek on June 21st. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

41974. Albuna pyramidalis var. montana Hy. Edwards. Three col- 
lected at Wilson Creek on June 28th. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

‘ 


128 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


GEOMETRID-. 


3255. Philopsia (Talledega) montanata Packard. Common at 
Wilson Creek in June; specimens taken on June 12th, 16th, 21st, and 


Dring aE MN enSe) 


Eupithecia adornata Taylor. Three taken at Wilson Creek on June 


20thnand 21st.* (Ic:-W.S:) 

3350. Eustroma propulsata Walker. Taken at Atlin on August 
Tithe <CLe Ws S-) 

33514. Eustroma destinata var. lugubrata Moschler. A single speci- 
men taken at rest on a fence at Atlin on August 13th. (L. W. S.) 

3353. Eustroma nubilata Packard. Wilson Creek, on June 26th. 
CEaaWees:) 

33598. Rheumaptera hastata var. hastulata Hubner. Common at 
Wilson Creek from June oth to 30th. (L. W. S.) 

3300. Rheumaptera tristata Linneus. Fairly common at Wilson 
Creek from June 16th to 28th. (L. W. 5S.) 

3362. Rheumaptera luctuata Dennis & Schiffermuller. Wilson 
Creek, June 15th to 20th. (L. W. S.) 

3302. Rheumaptera luctuata var. obducata Moschler. Wilson 
Creek, June 26th to 28th. (L. W. S.) 

337908. Mesoleuca citrata var. suspectata Moschler. Wilson Creek, 
June 14th (L. W. S.) 

3381. Mesoleuca silaceata Hubner. Common in the mountainous 
sections in June. A good series taken at Wilson Creek. (lL. W. S.) 

3387c. Hydriomena furcata var. quinquefasciata Packard. Very 
abundant throughout the month of June at Wilson Creek. (L. W. S.) 

3419. Hydriomena magnoliata Guenee. Found it common at Wilson 
Creek from June 18th to 30th. (L. W.S.) 

3434. Stamncedes (Ccenocalpe) topazata Strecker. Fairly common 
at Wilson Creek in June. Previous record Mount Cheam. (L. W. S.) 
* 3449. Petrophora salvata Pearsall; incursata Hubner. Taken at 
Wilson Creek on June 30th. (L. W.S.) 

3450. Petrophora abrasaria Herrich-Schaeffer. Common at Wilson 
Creek in June. (L. W.S.) 

36003. Epelis truncataria Walker. Fairly common at Wilson Creek 
from June 12th to 3oth. 

3777. Enypia perangulata Hulst. Single specimen taken at Carcross 
on August 20th. (L. W. S.) 

3878. Jubarella danbyi Hulst. Two specimens taken at Wilson 
Creek on June 26th and 28th. (L. W. S.) 


PYRALIDZ. 


4404. Phlycteenia itysalis Walker. Common at Hot Springs on July 


17th. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 


Phlycteenia sp.? Pike River, August 8th; possibly tellealis Dyar. 
(Barnes & McDunnough.) 


PROCEEDINGS, I915. 72¢ 
5 


mens rubbed; the identification is not certain.) (Barnes & 
McDunnough.) 

Scoparia sp.? Hot Springs, July 7th. (Barnes & MeDunnough.) 

4510. Scoparia centuriella Dennis & Schiffermuller. Very common 
at Wilson Creek in June. A large series of this species were collected. 
Very variable. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

4503. Crambus pascellus Linneus. Common at Hot Springs. 
Several taken from July 5th to 1oth. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

4583. Crambus myellus Hubner. Fairly common at Hot Springs. 
Specimens were taken on July 4th, 5th, and 6th. (Barnes & 
McDunnough.) 

4776. Laodamia fusca Harworth. Nine specimens taken at Wilson 
Creek from June 15th to 30th. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

5071. Olethreutes bipartitana Clemens. Common. Six specimens 
taken at Hot Springs on July 8th and 12th. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 

Hysterosia homonana Kearfoot. Single specimen taken at Hot 
Springs on July 8th. (Barnes & McDonnough.) 


TINEID&. 


Nemotois belleta Walker. One specimen taken at Hot Springs on 
July 4th. (Barnes & McDunnough.) 


DIPTERA. (ATLIN, 1914.) 


(Idt. by Raymond C. Osburn.) 


TABANID. 
T. affinis Kirby. 
Tabanus sp. 
T. osburni Hine. 

BOMBYLID. 


Anthrax fulviana Say. 


SYRPHID®. 


Syrphus contumax O. Sacken. 

Syrphus intrudens O. Sacken. 

Syrphus (Catabomba) pyrastri Linnzus. 

Syrphus torvus O. Sacken. 

Hanmerschmiatia ferruginia Fallen. 

Ersitalis rupium Fabricus. New to America; common in Europe. 
Melanostoma sp. (Prob. new sp.) 


ODONATA (DRAGON-FLIES). (ATLIN, 1914.) 
(1dt. by Raymond C. Osburn and E. B. Williamson.) 


##shna sitchensis Hagen. (Osburn.) 
7Eshna eremista Scudder. (Osburn.) 
Enallagma calverti Morse. (Osburn.) 


130 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. _ Vi 


Enallagma cyathigerum Charpentier. (Osburn.) ‘ 
Leucorhinia hudsonica Selys. ( Williamson.) ; ; 
Leucorhinia proxima Calvert. (\Williamson.) 

Somatochlora hudsonica Hagen. (Osburn.) 


SUPPLEMENTARY LIST OF INSECTS COLLECTED IN THE 
OKANAGAN, 1913. 


ARCTIID. 


833. Eubaphe immaculata Reakirt. Penticton, June 27th, 1913. 
(Wolley-Dod.) : 
: NOcTUID#. 


1226. Hadena cogitata Smith. Penticton, July 7th.- (W.-D.) 

1496. Noctua unicolor Walker; syn. clandestina Harris. Five speci- 
mens taken at Penticton on June 28th. (W.-D.) 

1708. Hadenella subjuncta Smith. ‘Three specimens taken at light, 
Penticton, July 3rd. (\W.-D.) : 

1894. Xylomiges dolosa Grote. Fairly common on peach-blossoms 
at Okanagan Falls, May 5th. (W.-D.) ; 

1895. Xylomiges rubrica Harvey. Okanagan Fails, May 5th. Very 
common on peach-blossoms: A large series of 220 taken. Very variable. 
(W.-D.) ; 
Stretchia.angula Smith? Five taken at Okanagan Falls on May 6th, 
8th, and rath. (Mr. Wolley-Dod states specimens examined agree with 
the description of types from Arrow Head Lake, B.C., but he never saw 
the species before.) ~% 

. 2102. Xylina georgii Grote; syn. holicineria Smith. Seven taken at 

Okanagan Falls from May 5th to 30th. (W.-D.) 

2120. Colocampa cineritia Grote; syn. mertena Smith. Five col- 
lected at Okanagan Falls on May 6th and toth. (W.-D.) 

2142. Rancora strigata Smith. Five fresh specimens taken at light 
at Okanagan Falls on May 5th, 7th, and 8th. (W.-D.) y 

2240. Scopelosoma tristigmata Grote. Okanagan Falls, May 7th. 
(W.-D.) 

2405. Melicleptria honesta Grote. Vaseaux Lake, Okanagan Falls, 
May 26th. (W.-D.) 

- 2601. Eustrotia albidula Guenee. Penticton, June 30th, three taken 

at light. (W.-D.) . 

2761. Syneda (Euclidia) annexa Hy. Edwards. Common at Okana- 
gan Falls from April 26th to May 7th. (W.-D.) 


3 
4 
x 


HyYPENIN. 


3008. Epizeuxis americalis Guenee. Penticton, June 30th. Mr. 
Wolley-Dod states that 1t appears to be very rare in British Columbia, — 
the only previous record being one from the late G, W. Taylor’s 
collection. 


= PROCEEDINGS, IQI5. 131 


3039\. Chytolita petrealis Grote. Penticton, June 21st. (W.-D.) 
3168. Gluphisa severa Hy. Edwards. Two taken at Okanagan Falls 
on April 24th. (W.-D.) 


GEOMETRID®. 


3237. Cladora atroliturata Walker. Okanagan Falls, April 20th and 
2and. (L. W. Swett.) 

Nausina (Gymnocelis) melissa Grosbeck. Okanagan Falls, May 
Toth. (L.W.S.) 

3316. Eupithecia cestata Hulst. Okanagan Falls, April 18th and 
Botha (le. W.. Ss) 

3318. Eupithecia implorata Hulst. Okanagan Falls, April 18th to 
22nd, fairly common at light. (L. W. S.) 

3321. Eucymatoge tenuata Hulst. Okanagan Falls, June toth. 
(lesa. : 

3430. Marmopteryx marmorata Packard. Two taken at Shuttle- 
worth Creek, Okanagan Falls, on May 7th and toth. (L. W. S.) 

Leptomeris subfuscata Taylor. Fairly common at Shuttleworth 
Creek, Okanagan Falls, from May 23rd to 30th. (L. W. S.) 

3550. Leptomeris (Eois) sideraria Guenee. Okanagan Falls, June 
roth and 12th, common. (L. W.S.) 

3023. Deilinia variolaria Guenee. Penticton, July 3rd. (L. W. 5S.) 

3048. Sciagraphia denticulata Grote. Okanagan Falls, May 6th to 
Sila (sens) 

3062. Sciagraphia excurvata Packard. Okanagan Falls, May oth. 
(ESAS) : 

3850. Cleora pampinaria Guenee. Penticton, July 6th. (L. W.S.) 

3867. Lycia cognataria Guenee. Penticton, June 30th and July 2nd. 
GE Wie 53) 

3960. Euchlena johnsonaria Fitch. Okanagan Falls, June 25th. 


THYRID. 


4131. Thyris maculata Harris. Okanagan Falls, June 8th. (Wolley- 
Dod.) 
GEOMETRID& (ATLIN, 1913). 
3343. Eutcphria (Philereme) multivagata Hulst. Atlin, September 
oth. (L. W.S.) 
33804. Mesoleuca citrata Linneus. September 12th and. 13th. 


(L. W.S.) 


LIST OF HYMENOPTERA COLLECTED AT OKANAGAN 
FALLS, 1973. 
- (Idt. by J. C. Crawford.) 


Bombus occidentalis. Okanagan Falls, May 13th to 27th. 
Bombus edwardsii. Okanagan Falls, April roth to 22nd, May ard. 
Bombus separatus. Okanagan Falls, May 27th. 


132 B.C. EnromMoLtoaicaL Soctery. 


Bombus oppositus. Okanagan Falls, June 13th to 27th. 
Psithyrus insularis. Okanagan Falls, June 6th. 

Halictus lerouxii. Okanagan Falls, April roth. 

Halictus trizonatus. Okanagan Falls, June 12th. 
Agapostemon femoratus? Okanagan Falls, June 13th. 
Bombomelerta fulvida. Okanagan Falls, April 19th to 26th. 
Anthophora solitaria Ritz. Okanagan Falls, June 2nd. 
Sphecodes hesperellus. Okanagan Falls, June 2nd. 
Andrena kincaidii Ckll. Okanagan Falls, May 13th. 
Andrena vicina Smith. Okanagan Falls, May 7th. 
Ceratina submaritima. Okanagan Falls, June 12th. 
Megachile sp. Okanagan Falls, June 5th. 

Osmia sp. (two distinct var.). Okanagan Falls, June 2nd. 
Anthophora sp. Okanagan Falls, May 28th. 


Mr. Day: ‘That is a very interesting account of insects. I have 
had a little experience with the northern insects. My son was in Dawson 
several years ago, and he collected some insects and sent them down to 
me. I was much struck with the darkness of the insects, which demon- 
strated that the effect of the cold on moths was to generally produce 
dark specimens, and it is admitted that the cold has the effect of darken- 
ing moths. I think it is quite interesting to note that some go dark and 
some go light. 

Mr. Blackmore: The specimens are similar in some of the various 
forms. 

Mr. Day: Very similar. The next paper is on “ Interesting Habits 
of Some Lepidoptera,” by J. W. Cockle, Kaslo, B.C. 

Mr. Treherne: Mr. Cockle’s paper has been printed in Bulletin 
No. 5; however, as it is a paper which would be immensely interesting 
to all present, I beg leave to read it. (See Bulletin No. 5 for Mr. Cockle’s 
paper.) 

Mr. Wilson: I was reading the other night Darwin’s Diary on the 
Butterfly, and I took a little note of the insects that he found in Brazil, 
if I might read it to you. 


DARWIN, BUTTERFLIES IN BRAZIL. 
NoriceD BY DARWIN IN THE VOYAGE OF THE “ BEAGLE.” 


I was much surprised at the habits of the Papilio feronia. This 
butterfly is uncommon and generally frequents the orange groves. 
Although generally a high flyer, it frequently lights on the trunks of 
trees. On these occasions the head is invariably placed downwards, 
and its wings are expanded in an horizontal plane instead of ‘being 
folded vertically, as is commonly the case. 


PROCEEDINGS, IQI5. 133 


This is the only butterfly that I know of that uses its legs for 
running. Not being aware of this fact, the insect more than once, as 
I cautiously approached with my foreceps, shuffled on one side just as 
the instrument was closing and thus escaped. 

But a far more singular fact is the power- which this species 
possesses of making a noise. Several times, when a pair, presumably 
male and female, were chasing each other in an irregular course, they 
passed within a few yards, and I distinctly heard a clicking noise similar 
to that produced by a toothed wheel passing under a spring catch. The 
noise was continued but at short intervals, and could be distinguished 
at about twenty yards distant. I am certain there is no error in the 
observation. 

Mr. Doubleday described a peculiar structure in the wings of this 
butterfly, which seems to be the means of making this noise. He says 
it is remarkable for having a sort of drum at the base of the five wings 
between the costal nervure and the sub-costal. These two nervures, 
moreover, have a peculiar screw-like diaphragm or vessel in the interior. 


Mr. Treherne: Before we adjourn there are two matters of interest. 
There is reported to be a general outbreak of caterpillars in the Fort 
George District. 

Mr. Wilson: The caterpillar is working up the Fraser River. 

Mr. Treherne: ‘This is undoubtedly our friend the tent-caterpillar. 
Regarding the importing of bees into British Columbia, I have a letter 
from Mr. Robinson. At the present time the regulations of the Province 
‘demand that all bees and bee products be held in quarantine for thirty 
days, and if they are pronounced free from foul-brood they are allowed 
to enter into the country. Mr. Robinson was very strong on this- 
question. He claimed that holding the bees at the border was not right, 
as, if they are infested with this foul-brood, they would fly inland into 
British Columbia, and if they had the disease they would breed it, and 
consequently we passed a resolution requesting action on the part of the 
Government to alter this regulation by either prohibiting the importation 
from districts known to be infested or by putting a quarantine on the 
whole business. We forwarded this resolution to the Department of 
Agriculture, and no action was taken, with the result that in Burnaby 
and Hastings they have had a very serious outbreak of foul-brood, result- 
ing in the expense of several Inspectors being detailed off by this action 
of the Department. 

The President: This is very interesting and upholds our action of 
last year. Before we adjourn I find it necessary to elect our officers for 
the year 1915. The meeting is now open for nominations. 


134 B.C. EnroMoLocicaL Soctety. 


OFFICERS ELECTED FOR 1015s. 


President—G. O. Day, F.E.S., Duncan, B.C. 

First Vice-President—L. E. Taylor, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., Kelowna. 

Second Vice-President--E. H. Blackmore, Victoria. 

Secretary-Treasurer—R. C. Treherne, B.S.A., Agassiz. 

Assistant Secretary—H. H. Creese, West Summerland. 

Advisory Board—G. O. Day, L. E. Taylor, E. H. Blackmore, R. C. 
Treherne, H. H. Creese, Tom Wilson, W. H. Lyne, A. H. Bush, 
and E. M, Anderson. 


ERRATA. 
CORRECTIONS IN BULLETIN No. 4, B.C. Ent. Soc. Proc. 


Page 13. Orthosia ferruginoides should be Orthosia verberata. 
Mr. F. Wolley-Dod says that ferruginoides do not occur at the Coast; 
all that-he has seen bearing that name are verberata. Though much 
alike, they are distinct. Scepsia packardii should be Scepsis packardii; 
Leptarctia californice should be Leptarctia californiz; Leptarctia var. 
dimidata should be L. cal. var. dimidiata; Eupethecia should be 
Eupithecia; Perstroma nubilata should be Eustroma rubilata. 

Page 14. H. autumnalis var. crockeri should be H. autumnalis var. 
crokeri. 

Page 45, lines 9, 16, and 31. Junctum notata should read punctum 
notata. 

Page 45, line 28. Dysstroma should read Dysstroma citrata Linn. 

Page 45, lines 33 and 36. Variety nineifascia should read var. 
niveifascia. 

Page 46, line 2. Sentence commencing with “ Strange to say” should 
read as follows: “Strange to say that, although californiata has no 
described varieties occurring here, the [sastern form has two, one of 
which is Hydriomena autumnalis var. crokerii Swett.” 


VICTORIA, B.C.: 
Printed by Wittiam H. Cui, Printer to the King’s Most Excellent Majesty. 
* 
1915. 


= 


PROCHEHDINGS 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


OF 


BRITISH COLUMBIA 


So COA Wy a Th i 
NUMBER 7, N.S. 


Ras we aie 1 1915 } 


THE E PROUWCE OF ERIISH H COLNS A, mm Na, seu LS 
thi “tonal | ea 


VICTORIA, B.C.: 
Printed by Witiiam H. CULLIN, Printer to the King’s Most Excellent Majesty. 
1915. 


eA ee 
4 


PROCHEDINGS 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


OF 


BRITISH COLUMBIA 


JARRE NLS 15 
NUMBER T, N.S 


THE GOVERNMENT O} 
THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA. 


VICTORIA, B.C, : 
Printed by Witiiam H. CULiin, Printer to the King’s Most Bxcellent Majesty. 


1915, 


TABLE OF CONTENTS. 


Part I.—KELOWNA MEETING. Br 
NAGE SReSIGCM LS eA GEC SS —— ln Hi eA LOY sees, ois ois) afarsi ata storesceeteretsreagsseie cet aco) emacs ett 5 
Insect. Notes from Okanagan Valley, 1914—M. Ruhman .........:..-...+..2-0-- vt 
Control of Incipient Infestation of Codling-moth in a New District—W. H. Lyne 11 
Spraiysot Up-to-date Imterest— Bs. Palmer sess ke wien eranets tie de eae wins fale osteo 14 
abemvarnished.-Plant-bue— We C= Mrehnerme occ osc ctete crtehere oo oa anciale eral el ayaa apeueis tals 16 
The Part played by Insects in the Spread of Plant-diseases—J. W. Eastham ... 15 
Part II.—VANcOUVER MEETING. 
Correspondence MPa aRartemesnenceres ey uate ae au mer dae Ate ay shin ciccdal ated ay Aan ede tate epee tal ot elateliohen ens 22 
iP ESRC SR SASS © caine ae oer SO Soh aan rene Os AC Create More Te ae eoiar eo aot 24 
URNA) CEG en rede cel Cpe eal clo scal?oa cael Men onege rollstarecareleNe «aicaa fenshefeiene/aars «ite uetelaienele wishes Sheleres eve anany 25 
Insect Pests of the Greenhouse—G. I. Wilkerson .................2 ce eee e eee 25 
“Insects of the Lower Fraser Valley—F. H: Getchell .........0.. 000s 2 eee eens 30 
Comments on Some Peculiarities in connection with the Life-history of the 
Codling-moth on the Pacific Coast—W. H. Lyne ........-..... ee eee eee - 33 
Shade-tree and Ornamental Insects of British Columbia—R. C. Treherne ..... 35 
“The-Outbreak of Locusts of 1914—Tom Wilson .......0.... 0. -e cee eee eee 41 
Birds likely to be of Use in the Destruction of Locusts in the Nicola Valley— 
orate pam IsiNy, | Oe ee hanes. rants et hes ctr ais seus ce itere stare eicucee alc 5 eteis in elevovela, eqeral cya, abana lee 43, 
45 


The Kansas Remedy for the Control of Locusts—Arthur Gibson, Ottawa 


PART I. 


BRITISH COLUMBIA ENTOMOLOGICAL 
SOCIETY 


SECOND MIDSUMMER MEETING, 1914 


ZA\HE second midsummer meeting of the British Columbia Entomological 
Society was held at Kelowna, B.C., on August. 20th, 1914. The First 
Vice-President, Mr. Lionel E. Taylor, was in the chair. 

Mr. Taylor: If the meeting will now come to order, we will 
begin the business of the day. It gives me a great deal of pleasure 
to welcome you to-day to the Kelowna District, and I hope the fruit- 

growers_ of the district in general will profit from the discussions that I am sure 

will follow each of the papers on the programme before us. I have been requested 
to give an outline on the problems, entomological and pathological, that require 
solution in our orchards at the present time. 

Mr. Taylor then proceeded to address the meeting on the lines he would suggest 
as liable to render the most aid to the fruit-grower in his locality. He dwelt on 
some of the problems of the plant pathologist that require solution, in particular 
referring to the diseases known as pear-wilt, water-core, fruit-pit, and other condi- 
tions directly and indirectly resultant from irrigated conditions affecting fruit-trees. 

: He also touched on the insect troubles of obscure origin, mentioning the blight- 
The cartying proclivities of insects, the apple-blotch mite, tarnished plant-bug, . tree- 
: evickets, and locusts. Mr. Taylor also mentioned the methods that would appeal 
to him in instructing the fruit-grower as to his insect and fungous troubles, and 
condemned the principle of short daily meetings, and advocated meetings more of 
- the short-course nature. He also suggested that a chart be drawn up and circulated 
among the fruit-growers showing the sporing periods of fungous diseases and the 
“hatching periods of insects. : 
Mr. J. W. Bastham: In regard to Mr. Taylor's suggestion that fruit-growers 
be advised as to dates of spraying, it is needless to say that the time to apply 
depends on the condition of the crop plant at the time, and this in a large measure 
determines the date in a locality. Take, for instance, the peach-leaf curl. We say 
spray before bud-scales are open, and this necessarily depends on the season. Given - 
a very early season, growers may not be prepared. To give the farmer dates of 
sporing of his fungous diseases would be useful, no doubt, but it is not a main con- 
_ sideration. It would be a poor guide and growers might be misled. In regard to 
__ the more obscure troubles of the orchard, the blotching of apples is caused, according 
to Mr. Brittain, last year, by a species of mite. We have not found this mite this 
year, although the same conditions are noted. Lime-sulphur as a control does not 
work as well as might be supposed or hoped. The Kootenays have the same con- 
dition. As regards the disease termed “ pear-wilt,” we have no opinion to offer.” 
It is a new condition to me. We hope to work on it this coming year. Fruit-pit 
and water-core are physiological diseases and control is difficult. It might be 
interesting for you to hear that watered core can be restored to normal condition, 
- provided the water has not reached the seed-cavities.. Apples may be picked and 
_ sfored and the water absorbed. 


6 B.C. Enromonocicat Society. 


Mr. Treberne: In regard to the point raised as how to assist the farmer in 
his troubles, I need hardly say that it is one of the prime objects of the meetings 
of this Society in the summer-time to work with and help the fruit-grower to the 
best of our ability. It is a disappointment that more do not come to these meetings 
if there are complaints as to instructional work. We are trying to develop our 
own literature, especially relative to our local conditions, but this takes time, and 
we are a young Society and entomology in the Proyince is young. There is plenty 
of literature from outside sources which approximate our conditions, and those 
insects which are to-day causing most loss in this valley are already well studied. 
We have several, however, which are peculiar to this country which require study, 
but study of this kind necessarily takes time for sound results. 

Mr. Hereron: What we need is compulsory spraying. All fruit-growers 
should spray. Mr. Treherne is quite right; available literature is to be had. 

Mr. Crease: Occasionally we have sudden outbreaks to meet which require 
special treatment on the spur of the moment. We cannot always foretell outbreaks. 
Many of you know we have had a great deal of trouble with grasshoppers, especially 
in the Glenmore orchards. The ranges have dried up and the insects are undoubtedly 
hungry. I can inform you that Bordeaux mixture 4-4-50 will control grasshoppers 
absolutely. 

Mr. Cunningham: I have been impressed with the points raised. One point in 
particular should be carefully considered. Why are we not succeeding better in 
the matter of the control of our orchard troubles? In the early history of this 
Province fruit-growers had to work out their own troubles and conducted their own 
business. Farmers’ institutes now do the work, and the fruit-growers have become 
dependent. Poultry, live stock, ete., are all mixed up, instead of settling on horti- 
culture and giving all our efforts to horticulture. I hope we will be able to draw a 
distinction between fruit-grower and farmer; there is a difference. Mr. Crease is 
quite right about the grasshoppers and deterrents. Arsenicals are not so good. 
Heayy rolling of adjacent lands in spring will destroy grasshoppers. In regard to 
the pathological diseases, irrigation has a most direct bearing. 

Mr. Tom Wilson: Grasshoppers this year are a burden. In the Similkameen 
country the crops are eaten off. Patches of cabbages, etc., are being protected by 
trapping. This has given good results, for when in numbers many are killed. They 
are appearing in clouds and clover lands are bare. All this is due to climatic 
reasons and drought. I have also noted that many trees around Armstrong and 
Enderby have had their twigs injured. It is a mechanical injury. 

Mr. Taylor: Rolling grass for grasshoppers is good. Locusts in South Africa 
are destroyed that way. When eggs are observed being laid in the soil a report 
is Sent to the Bureau of Agriculture, where a map is being kept Showing every farm 
where eggs have been laid. These eggs will hatch out next year after a rain, 
Weather reports are kept, and as rain falls men are sent out to get the locusts. 
The locusts advance in millions, and the men go ahead of the horde with a water- 
cart and spray a width with arsenite of soda and sugar. All are killed. The locusts 
are gathered for poultry-feed or are made into flour for food by the Kafirs. As 
regards farmers institutes, it is my conviction that they are of little value. They 
may be good lecturers, but the time is too short and the average farmer has no 
knowledge to take all issues in. Take, for instance, a lecture on fertilizers. Unless 
one knows chemistry the lectures are of little avail. I advocate short courses for 
fruit-growers. Even if you only get six to ten men interested, they would impart 
information and the locality would be helped. 

I would like to say, before closing the discussion, that previous to the meeting 
I met the Hon. Price Ellison, and he wishes me to convey to you all his best wishes 
for your success, as he is entirely in favour and appreciates the value of our work 
as a Society. (Applause.) 

IT will now call on Mr. Ruhman to present his paper. Mr. Ruhman has been 
appointed assistant to Mr. Eastham in the Pathological Laboratory at Vernon. 


se 


rs 


4 


Procrrepines, 1915, 


on INSECT-NOTES FROM THE OKANAGAN IN 1914. 


By Max RuHMAN. 


Mr. President, Ladies, and Gentlémen,—I was asked by our worthy Secretary to 
prepare a paper on the “Comparative Prevalence of Insect Pests in Various Parts 
of the Okanagan.” Not having had the opportunity to make a survey of the various 
districts, I am compelled to use a considerable amount of data collected by others. 
I will first take those pests which occur generally throughout the valley. 

THE TARNISHED PLANT-BUG (Lygus pratensis). 

This pest seams to be increasing to an alarming extent in the Okanagan Valley, 
and I think that the Capsids of British Columbia should receive more attention than 
they appear to be getting. I fear that a great deal of the killing of fruit buds and 
blossoms which occurred so noticeably this spring must be placed to the credit of the 
Capsids. I have no positive proof that the injury was caused by them, but the 
nature of the punctures at the base of most of the buds examined leads me to come 
to this conclusion, 

THE PEAR-LEAF BLISTER-MITE (Lriophyes pyri). 

This pest is very noticeable in most orchards where pears are grown; the pest 
is of considerable importance, but is easily controlled. 

THe WooLtty Aruis or THE APPLE. (Through recent studies in Maine this pest was 
proven to be only another form of the elm-aphis (Hriosoma ulmi) ; this, 
therefore, is now the technical name.) 

This pest is present in all the older orchards throughout the valley, the amount 
of infestation being regulated principally by the care the individual orchards receive; 
the elm-tree form being particularly noticeable in Vernon and Kelowna. The root 

form is not so often met with. 


THE GREEN APPLE-APHIS (Ap/iis mali). 


eta This pest is very common and doing a great deal of injury; it is, on the whole, 


the mest widespread pest we haye. The amount of injury done to individual orchards 
is generally according to the amount of attention given to the control of the pest—too 
frequently none at all. A mixed spray of lime-sulphur and Black Leaf 40 applied 
as the buds are opening is, I think, the most effiective spray for the control of this 
pest. 

THE Rep Spiper (Tetranychus bimaculatus). 

This pest is found abundantly wherever prunes are grown in the valley, and is 
particularly noticeable and injurious in Vernon and Kelowna. 
THE OYSTER-SHELL Scate (Lepidosaphes ulmi). 

Is particularly prevalent in low-lying moist places on uncleared land. Crab- 
apples seem to be most affected. In orchards it is met with more often than 
desirable, particularly in Vernon and Kelowna. Young orchards that receive a 
reasonable amouut of care seem to be entirely free. 

Tir. CABBAGE-APHIS (Aphis brassicae). 

Very common and destructive everywhere on cabbage and turnip. Little effort 

‘seems to be made to control this pest. 
THE CABBAGE-WoRM (Pontia rape). 
Common everywhere ; little effort is made to control until too late. 


THe Rep-HUMPED APPLE-worM (Scihizura concinna). 


General and quite common some years, but easily controlled. z 


Tuer Brack Cnerry-apurs (Myzus cerasi). 


Fairly abundant everywhere; our most important cherry pest. 


8 B.C. ENroOMOLOGICAL Socrery. 


THE CURRANT-APHIS (Myzus ribis). c / 
This pest is general and of considerable importance. ; 
THe FxLea-BeerLe (Ppitriz subcrinata). 


General and doing considerable injury to tomatoes and potatoes, both directly 
and indirectly. 


THe PLuM-sPHINX (Hyloicus drupiferum). 


General; the larvie sometimes found stripping young apple-trees. 


THe CHERRY-TREE TORTRIX OR UGLY Nest (Archips cerasivoranda). 


General; very abundant on choke-cherries in the Vernon District this year. 


Tue FPruit-tren LEar-RoLtter (Arehips argyrospila). 


General; fairly numerous in both Kelowna and Vernon this year. 


THE CLICK-BEETLES. 


Quite a number of species of the Blaters are general throughout the valley, and_ 


doing considerable damage by feeding on the buds and opening leaves of young 
apple-trees—Corymbites inflatus being probably the most prominent. Cardiophorus 
fenestratus has so far only been reported from Shorts Point by Mr. W. H. Brittain 
as injuring young trees. 

THE Spruce GALI-LOoUSE (Chermes sp.). 


Is noticeable in all districts and frequently does considerable injury to orna- 
mental spruce-trees. 


THE -APPLE-LEAF Hopper (Hmpoasca mali). 

This pest is very abundant throughout the valley; their work on the leayes and 
their egg-punctures on the young wood is very noticeable everywhere. Some efforts 
seem to be made to control this pest, but in most cases the spray is applied at the 
wrong time; the only time spraying is effective is if the spray is applied when the 
hoppers are still in the nymph stage; spraying at other times is a waste of time 
and good material. ; ; 
THD TENT-CATERPILLAR (J/alacosoma pluvidlis). 

General, but not so abundant as usual this year. 


THe Prar-stua (Hriocampoides limacina Retz). 
General, but not so abundant as in other years. It is strange that a pest so 
easily controlled is so generally neglected year after year. 


THE Lesser APPLE-woRM (Hnarmonia prunivora Walsh). 
This little pest is general, but appears to be kept well in check. 


THE Fatt WeEB-worM (Hypantria cunea). 


General; fairly abundant again this year on both apple-trees and wild shrub, 
particularly in the Vernon District. 3 


, 


THE STRAWBERRY-ROOT WEEVEL (Otiorhynchus ovatus). 


Though present generally, doés not appear to be in sufficient numbers to do a 
great deal of harm. Grand Forks, in the Boundary District, has some quite serious 
local infestations. 


Tue Rose-Lear Hopper (Typhlocyba rose). 
Abundant on both the wild and cultivated roses throughout the valley. 


THE ONION-THRIP (Thrips tabaci). 
General, and quite serious, particularly in Kelowna this year. 


f : Proceepines, 1915. 9 


These are the more important pests obseryed or reported generally, except the 
grasshoppers, which are certainly plentiful enough to be taken notice of. Mr. Ben 
Hoy reports on the 14th that he visited a small orchard surrounded with range land 
practically defoliated by grasshoppers (species not identified) in Kelowna. I will 
now tike the insects observed or reported locally. 


A Puusta (Plusia californica). 


From Larkin, Vernon, Kelowna, Summerland, ‘and probably Armstrong. My 
attention was first attracted to the larve of this Plusia in Kelowna on June 2nd, 
where I found it doing a great deal of damage in a market-garden, lettuce-plants 
being particularly attacked and completely ruined. Although general in Kelowna, I 

a did not find any other places seriously infested, neither did I receive any later reports 
to this effect. My attention was next called to it on June 10th in Larkin, where a 
100-acre field of alfalfa had just been cut, and millions of the larvie were migrating 
to an adjoining alfalfa-field, and in transit cleaning up the home vegetable-garden ; 
sweet. corn being immune from their attack, potatoes nearly so, lettuce and peas 

being preferred, onions being also attacked, and large numbers were climbing on the 
walls of the house. The attack on the home garden seemed to be the cause of 
attention being first drawn to them. The same day I was called to an orchard in 
Vernon where alfalfa and clover was growing between the tree-rows; here they were 
also present in great numbers, particularly on the alfalfa, and considerable numbers 

- were on the fruit-trees, attacking both foliage and fruit and doing considerable 
damage. The larye appeared to be coming from the weeds in an adjoining orchard 
which was in a state of neglect. I collected in all 200 larve in various stages of 

~ growth and placed them in breeding-cages; a few commenced to pupate on June 12th. 
A disease attacked the larvie and large numbers were also parasitized, with the 
result that only eleven lary reached the pupal stage; the rest succumbed to the 
disease or parasites. Out of the eleven pupze only four adults emerged; from the 
other seven pup Tachinid flies emerged; in the case of pup of larvie taken in 
- Kelowna, Braconids emerged. Of those pup parasitized by Tachinids only one 
parasite emerged from each pupa, whilst in the case of parasitized larvee which did 
not reach the pupal stage two Tachinids emerged from each. Out of the 200 larvie 
taken only 2 per cent. reached the adult stage, and apparently the results were some- 
what similar in the field, as a second brood of larvee was not noticeable and only 
very few adults were observed. A specimen also reached me from Summerland, but 
- nothing serious reported from there. <A report of a serious invasion of the army- 
worm reached me from Armstrong, but did not get the opportunity to investigate, 

L neither did I receive any specimens from there, but from the descriptions I received 

~~ of the laryze I am led to believe that it was the same Plusia as I observed in Larkin, 

Vernon, aud Kelowna. 


Tue CopLinc-Morn (Carpocapsa (Cydia) pomonella). 


. An- incipient local infection in Kelowna. Mr. Cunningham with his usual 
thorough methods, will probably have it exterminated by next season. 


AWN APPLE-SAWFLY (Taronus nigrosomia). 


I first observed larvee of this sawfly in September, 1912, in Armstrong, and 
_ MM: W. H. Brittain found them about the same time in Vernon. The full-fed larve 
2 ah apparently come from the bush adjoining the orchard, evidently for the purpose of 
= finding a place to hybernate in, and had selected an Ontario and a Wagener tree 
bs ~ for the purpose. Every apple on the Ontario tree had either one or two larve; the 
2 au agener apples only had a few; a hole was eaten into the fruit slightly deeper than 
x _ the length of the larva, after which the larva either remained quiescent or left the 
ws ‘fruit for more comfortable quarters. Mr. Brittain bred some of the lary and had 
4 them: named. 


10 B.C. ENTroMOLOGICAL SocIpry. 


THE Mpary PLuM-aruis (Mylopterus arundinis Fab.). 

Taken in Vernon. 

THE IMPORTED CURRANT-BORER (AlZgeria tipuliformis). 

Reported as plentiful at Creston, in the Kootenays. Haye found currant-canes 
in both Vernon and Kelowna infested with larvee apparently of this moth, but 
reared no adults. I saw a few moths which appeared to be A. tipuliformis flying 
over currant-bushes at the end of May in an orchard in Kelowna, but none were 
taken. 


THE EvRopeAN FrRuItT-ScaLte (Aspidiotus ostreformis Curtis). 


Quite plentiful in the bush around Penticton, also on the Indian reserve at 
the same place. Has been reported on pear at Kelowna. 


THe Rosy APPLE-APHIS (Aphis sorbi). 
Found at both Vernon and Kelowna. 


THe Currant Fruit-FLy (Hpochra canadensis Loew.). 
Rather plentiful at Vernon. 


THE ONION-MAGGor (Pegomia ceparum Bouche). 


Present in small numbers in some Vernon gardens. 


THE CABBAGE PLUTELLA OR DIAMOND-BACK Moru (Plutella maculipennis). 

A number of laryre of this little pest were sent from Armstrong, where cousider- 
able damage is reported on cabbage and turnip. ‘This little moth is an importation 
from Europe, where I have at different times noticed considerable damage being 
done to young plants by the first brood. It makes its appearance at the end of 
May in British Columbia, and we get two broods, possibly three; in the Southern 
States five broods are reported, and I understand that in Florida broods are con- 
tinuous the year round. I have found preventive measures the best means of 
controling this pest—that is, by burning all the leaves and stalks of cruciferous 
plants left on the field after harvest in the fall, Cleanliness is as important as a 
preventive of pests and disease in the field as in the house and barn. The oldest 
reports I can find on this insect from the United States are dated 1877, by Cyrus 
Thomas. Out of fourteen pup I bred six adults and eight Braconids. 


THE SraLk-Borer (Papaipema nitella Gn.). 


The larva of this Noctuid was reported as doing considerable damage to young 
celery-plants in Armstrong; it is known to attack a large variety of plants; one 
larva may do considerable damage by migrating from plant to plant. As the eggs 
are laid in the fall on the stems of various weeds and grasses, preventive measures 
are obvious and easy, as the larve do not migrate very far. Keep your vegetable- 
garden and its near vicinity free from weeds and grasses. No adults were reared. 
Mires (Friophyes sp.). : 

A considerable amount of injury was done to apple and cherry leaves by a 
mite. Leaves brought in showed at first glance the typical appearance of silver- 
leaf, but on closer examination proved to be the wovk of mites, which were present 
in large numbers on both sides of the leaves. The attention of the growers was 
drawn by the wilting of the leaves as if suffering from drought, though plenty of 
moisture was present. 


A SAP-FEEDING BEETLE (Jps quadriguttata), 


This beetle was prominent in injuring the blooms of asters in seyeral Vernon 


gardens, 
THE CARPET-BEETLE OR BUFFALO-MOTH (Anthrenus scophulari@ L.). 


Larvie of this beetle were brought in for identification from Vernon, a house 
and stable being badly infested. 


Proceepines, 1915. 11 


Tue Bup-mMoTH (Jmetocera ocellana). 

This pest, although as yet only reported from Kelowna, is probably more wide- 
spread in the valley, is of great economic importance, and care should be taken 
that it is not allowed to become a serious pest here. 


Bup-werevits (Cercopeus artemisee and Minetus setulosus). 
Feeding on buds and opening leaves of apple-trees at Penticton. 


Tur FLAT-HEADED CHERRY-TREE Borer (Dicerca divaricata). 


Only reported from Vernon, where two specimens were taken by Mr. W. IH. 
Brittain in 1912. 
THE PEACH-TREE Borer (Sanninoidea evitiosa). 

This pest is only reported from Summerland, where a considerable number of 


trees have been killed by it; probably present to some extent in all the peach 
districts. 


THE PeacH-Twic Borer (Anarsia lineatella). 


A serious pest in the southern Okanagan, and very abundant this year, probably 
owing to neglect of thorough spraying. 


‘Mr. Lyne: To review all the insects mentioned by Mr. Ruhman would consume 
several days. I will confine my attention to those of most importance. The Plusia 
generally occur spasmodically owing to the extent of parasitism they are subject to 
im this country. Onion-thrips are very prevalent this year in Kelowna, and affected 
fields are especially easy to notice owing to the sickly greyish discoloration of the 
leaves and stalk of the onion. The result has been a reduction of growth. Onion- 
ground should be ploughed in the fall, the idea being to make it a difficult matter 
for the adults in the soil to emerge next season. Stir soil during the winter, if 
possible, to let the frost act. Except for the presence of the codling-moth in this 


_ locality, the peach-twig borer is very prevalent and destructive and most important. 


Unless spraying is done very few sound peaches will be found next year. We know 


this insect as very serious. This Society is posted as to procedure, for the life- 


history was published last year in Bulletin No. 3 of our series. Methods of com- 
bating this pest will be found in the account. The larve hibernate or pass the 
Winter in crotches of the tree under bark, etc. The peach-root borer is another 
injurious insect of prime importance. The larvie attack apricot and plum, as well 
as peach. These larvie, which may be found around the root, and a mass of gum 
will indicate their presence, and must be cut out by hand, using a curved bladed 
knife for the purpose. An account of this insect appeared in Bulletin No. 8 of last 
year’s proceedings. Copies of this bulletin can no doubt he obtained from the 
Secretary at any time. 


THE CONTROL OF INCIPIENT INFESTATION OF CODLING-MOTH IN A 
NEW DISTRICT. 


By W. H. Lyne, Assistant ProvinciAL INSPECTOR OF FRUIT PEsTs. 


The most practical method of dealing with a local incipient infestation of 
codling-moth depends upon the particular season of the year at which the infestation 
is discovered, and the time decided upon to commence operations with a view to 
its extermination. I need hardly preface my remarks by saying that it is the 


first object of this Department to exterminate an outbreak of this moth immediately 


on its arrival, for the Department has been brought up side by side with the growth 
and development of the fruit-growing industry of the Province. 
So far experience has taught us that there are only two drastic methods that 


p> will give satisfactory results. One of these consists in destroying every particle of 


‘g 


Be fruit within the infected area during the early summer, in order to prevent the larva 


12 B.C. ENrToMOLOGICAL Socrery. : i 


completing its life-cycle and carrying the infection over to another season. It should 
be realized, at this point, that our Province is now practically free of codling-moth ; 
consequently, with our staff of fieldmen posted in various parts of the country, we 
are for the most part able to “spot” an infestation before it has had an opportunity 
to get ahead of us. This point should be thoroughly realized, otherwise my few 
remarks may appear to be too theoretical, whereas they actually represent past 
experience and fact. The other recourse is that of systematic spraying with arsenate 
of lead, banding the trees, and a rigid quarantine of all fruit within the infeeted 
district. 

It often happens that the infection is not discovered until late in the season at 
a time when the first brood of larve have had their “innings” at the fruit, and 
many of them have already passed the pupa stage and new moths are on the wing. 
This could happen as early as the month of August in this latitude. Under these 
circumstances it would be very foolish to proceed with the destruction of the fruit 
unless the area was yery small indeed. Because by the time the area of infection 
could be ascertained and every particle of fruit destroyed the second brood would 
be so far under way as to give many of the larve an opportunity, to leave the fruit, 
spin their cocoons in a small hiding-place under the bark or elsewhere, and there 
remain until the following season, and the great sacrifice of fruit would not have 
resulted in utter extermination. So if the destruction of the fruit is the method to 
be adopted, with a view to utter extermination, as a reward for the sacrifice, it will 
be necessary to start destroying the fruit so early in the season as to ensure the 
destruction of eyery particle before the season is far enough advanced to allow any 
larvee the chance to winter over. 

This work of destroying the fruit is not nearly so simple a process as the mere 
mention of it might lead people to believe. Any experienced apple, pear, crab, or 
quince grower will agree that, even when harvesting the matured fruit is over, 
they will often think every bit of fruit on a certain tree had been gathered, to find 
when the tree finally loses its foliage that many specimens remain still adhering. 
This will give one an idea of how much more difficult it is to thoroughly dispose of 
partly developed fruit at the time it is necessary to make a thorough clean-up. It is 
also hard to realize the amount of opposition and refusal to co-operate on the part 
of many of the people whose future interests are at stake. Without the thorough 
and hearty co-operation of every one concerned, the extermination of the codling- 
moth is very difficult, if not impossible, as a very little fruit allowed to remain in 
the trees or even on the ground throughout a scattered district may defeat this 
attempt to eradicate the infection. ; 

To review the other method already mentioned, consisting of strict quarantine, 
inspection, banding the trees, and spraying, I will give the details that were carried 
out in dealing with an infected district of about one square mile in extent. The 
eause of infection was traced to a settler having arrived in the spring, with his 
household effects, from an infected district in Ontario, and the larve were carried - 
in some of the packing-cases in the pupal form. It was not until the beginning of 
September that infection in three or four adjoining orchards was first discovered, 
many of the first brood of lary being found in cocoons under the bark of infected 
trees, and also some newly hatched lary in the fruit ranging from a few days old 
and upwards. Several apples were found in which larvee had completed their work 
and left, accounting partly for those found under the bark in their cocoons, The 
trees averaged seven‘or eight years old, mostly Jonathans, McIntosh, and Wagener, 
all bearing considerable fruit. Four Assistant Inspectors were immediately ordered 
to inspect the whole district with a view to locating the exact area of infection. 
This proved to be one square mile in extent.. No fruit was allowed to leave this 
district, and ontside packing-houses were not allowed to send in any picking or 
packing boxes that would go into circulation again in outside districts or packing- 
houses. <A temporary packing-house was erected in the infected district, to which 


re Procrerpines, 1915. 13 


all fruit was ordered to be taken. During this time the Inspectors were still busy 
locating the infection, which proved finally to exist only in three or four orchards. 
When this condition was ascertained they were instructed to destroy every larva 
that could be found in the fruit, on the trees, or under the bark or crevices. The 
trunks and limbs of the trees were scraped clean of rough bark and banded with 
gunny-sack. As a further precaution, every apple, crab, pear, and quince was 
earefully inspected by our own Inspectors at the packing-house provided for the 
exclusive handling of fruit within the infested district. 
i After passing this inspection the fruit was packed and hauled direct to the cars 
to which they were consigned for shipment to points outside the Province. The 
following spring and summer every apple, crab, pear, and quince tree in the infected 
district received a thorough spraying with arsenate of lead, and during the balance 
of the season the orchards were patrolled by two of our Inspectors on the look-out 
for the first sign of reinfection, but none has been found during the last two years. 
This fact in itself speaks for the efficacy of the proceedings, and fortunately we 
are conscientious enough to recognize infection when it appears, and so may truth- 
fully say we do not know that any codling-moth infection exists in the orchards 
above mentioned. Given a free hand and thorough co-operation on the part of the 
growers, we believe all normal infestations may be conquered. 

Mr. Treherne: This admirable paper speaks for itself and represents a clear 
case of conscientious effort for the welfare of the Province. It has been frequently 
mentioned, privately and officially, that the cost of control and the wholesale total 


elimination of orchard pests is more than the cost would be to the grower if the 


pests were present. This is without doubt true, and probably, in some cases, the 
expense is greater, but the name and value of having clean fruit in the markets of 
the world is worth more than all the costs of control put together. It is largely a 


‘matter for the future, but undoubtedly the cash value will become apparent some 


day, and that not far distant. I should like to ask Mr. Lyne if he has practised 
the former method he mentioned—viz., the total purchase and condemnation of fruit 
in an area found to be infected. 

Mr. Lyne: Why, certainly. We had a case last summer at Armstrong, brought 
to our attention first by Mr. Brittain. He observed in the month of June a larva 
in a fruit when the apples were still quite small. Immediately we went to work 
and rounded up the infection, which finally we found was confined to three orchards 
of approximately S00 trees, five- to eight-year-olds, of which, if I remember correctly, 
about twenty were actually found infected. We bought the crop outright on the 
trees in the early summer, amounting to approximately 1,000 boxes, and boiled the 
fruit in sacks in scalding water. Since then no further report of infection has come 


in from this district. 


ft 


Mr. Taylor: How many outbreaks have occurred in the Province at one time 
and another? 

Mr. Lyne: Four or five definite outbreaks have occurred. 

A member: And do you consider the methods you advocate satisfactory under 
all ordinary conditions? 
4 Mr. Lyne: So long as we retain the confidence and the co-operation of the 
fruit-growers, certainly. I may say we have been very fortunate in being able to 
catch incipient infestation so rapidly. So long as the codling-moth remains a rarity 


— and we have an efficient orchard patrol, we will keep out the moth for many years 


yet. 
Mr. Treherne: I am inclined to agree with Mr. Lyne that provided a careful 


, orchard patrol is continued and Inspectors be properly informed, and the Depart- 


ment is properly endorsed by the Government, the matter of control of incipient 


A 


infestation by codling-moth is simple, and growers sheuld rely on and endorse the 


work. I may mention, however, that the moth is gradually working its way north- 


~+ 
h 


wards from the State of Washington; hence, we cannot always hope to be immune 


from attack. 


‘d 


14 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL Socrery. 


= 


SPRAYS OF UP-TO-DATE INTEREST. 
By L. L. PALMER. z 


Among the different sprays, insecticides, and fungicides of proven value and in 
practical use are some of more recent date which, to the writer’s knowledge, have 
not been extensively tried under Okanagan conditions. These I have been asked to 
discuss under the above title, “ Sprays of Up-to-date Interest.” Since many of them 
are worthy of long, detailed study, it will not be possible to consider the relative 
values of each at any great length. 

The 1914 season found the fruit-growers of the Okanagan still fighting the same 
insect pests and diseases that troubled this district in 1915, and, in addition, many 
instances of new insects and previously unknown diseases have appeared to augment 
the already complex spraying problems; at least, it is correct to state that effective 
spraying was never in greater need by Okanagan fruit-growers than at present. 
Perhaps I should put the question more strongly and say, as I believe, that many 
growers have practised false economy in 1914 by neglecting to spray where so doing 
meant bigger crops, cleaner fruit, and healthier trees. Consequently, the question 
of sprays and spraying is of more vital importance than eyer before. 

Before entering into the subject of “Sprays of Up-to-date Interest,” the writer 
wishes to prelude his remarks with this statement: Do not attempt new or untried 
sprays if the ones you are accustomed to are giving desired results. No matter 
how interesting or novel experimental spraying may be, on a commercial scale the 
average orchardist cannot afford it, and even if he could, from an economic stand- 
point, he would probably loose money. Still, in the Okanagan Valley many insect 
pests and diseases thrive unchecked, and the orchardist must in the future do more 
spraying. In the majority of orchard conditions in the valley I believe the common 
and well-known insecticides and fungicides, properly mixed or combined and sprayed 
in the correct season by men and machinery competent to do the work thoroughly 
and effectively, will control the chief economic insect pests and diseases. 

However, there may arise, either through neglect or especially adverse climatic 
conditions, an orchard status which requires an exceptionally seyere spraying or a 
spray combination which will positively not burn fruit or foliage. To meet such a 
necessity we have some new and interesting sprays, tested and proven in some other 
locality for the same reason for which we are trying them. A few such combina- 
tions are worth studying. But you must remember, after all, that they do not differ 
greatly from the common sprays to which you are accustomed, and some of them 
contain the same chemical compounds. 

Since sprays composed of insecticides and fungicides, mixed or combined, and 
applied to the trees in one application are becoming more and more needed as the 
pests and diseases increase in number, the importance of the problem as to just 
which spray materials can or cannot be combined has also grown. I am therefore 
tabulating a few ‘“dont’s” for guidance in the combining of different insecticides 
and fungicides. , 

(1.) Do not combine Bordeaux mixture and Black Leaf 40 or other nicotine 
ingredients. 

(2.) Do not combine Bordeaux and acid arsenate of lead. (Nore.—Most 
standard arsenate pastes are acid arsenates and not safe in combination spraying.) 

(8.) Do not combine lime-sulphur with acid arsenate. 

(4.) Do not combine lime-sulphur with soap or kerosene emulsions, 

(5.) Do not use atomic sulphur in place of lime-sulphur in dormant insecticide 
combinations. 

(G.) Do not use any spray materials the purity or strength of which is in doubt. 

The first four combinations may be used in dormant season with little danger, 
but for spring and summer application they are apt to be disastrous. 

Among the most interesting and effective of the newer insecticides are the 


different oil sprays. These have been especially brought to our attention through 


an 4 


i“ 


PrROcEEDINGS, 1915. 15 


experimental and practical use in California. They are very closely allied to the 
common insecticide, “ whale-oil soap and quassia-chips,’ and the more recent 
“kerosene emulsion.” ; i 

The orchardist can obtain commercial oil emulsions and miscible oils of different 
penetrating strengths, just as he can buy commercial lime-sulphur of guaranteed 
strength, but, as in the case of comparative costs of commercial and home-made 
lime-sulphur, the commercial is a great deal more expensive. Even though this is 
an important economic fact, the average orchardist would do better by buying the 
prepared oil sprays than by attempting to make anything but the simplest oil 
emulsions on the ranch. 

There are many factors hard to overcome in the home manufacture of oil 
emulsions. The ideal emulsion is undoubtedly one made from miscible oils, which 
are those made by mixing mineral oils of paraffin base with vegetable and some 
creosote oils, and are not oils in their natural crude state. In simple words, a 
miscible oil, or one which mixes uniformly in water and is therefore capable of 
dilution for spraying, is an oil for which a proper soap has been found for the 
purpose of emulsifying. Thus in British Columbia we can buy many different types, 
such as crude oil, topped crude oil, fuel and stove distillates, and kerosene, all 
of which need a different soap for proper emulsion. 

Not only does each type of oil require different soaps, but the penetrating power 
varies greatly with the gravity strength of the oil, and therefore the amount of 
dilution necessary to prevent injury is hard to ascertain. Oil companies sell their 
products under certain tests indicated in degrees Baume. It must be noted that the 
higher the figure in degrees Baume, the lighter the oil. In measuring densities of 
liquids lighter than water, the Baume scale begins at 10, which is the density of 
water. For measuring liquids heavier than water, the density on the Baume scale 
is placed at zero. Consequently the Baume scale is an almost obsolete measure of 
density, and in order to get the exact density of any liquid, conversion tables are 
necessary if the Beaume hydrometer is used. 

The different prepared emulsions put on the market are carefully made from 
oils of a definite gravity test in an emulsion carrying about the following propor- 
tions: S5 per cent. hydrocarbon oils (paraffin series), 4 per cent. phenols (mostly 
cresylic acid), and about 11 per cent. inert matter. These have proven to be very 
satisfactory in commercial use when diluted so that 20 and 16 gallons respectively 
make 200 gallons of spray, and seem to carry nearly correct physical characteristics 
to give proper penetration without injury to trees. 

Both the ernude and distillate oil emulsions contain the same ingredients as 
given above, the advantage of the distillate over the crude being mainly that for 
spring and summer use it dilutes more uniformly and can be sprayed on the trees 
with less danger of injury. The crude-oil emulsion is used chiefly as a dormant 
insecticide. 

Now, in home manufacture, the orchardist can but follow certain cautious 
principles gleaned from the experience of those engaged in scientific manufacture, 
and so make the best of oils obtainable, such as kerosene, gas, lubricating, stove, 
and slop distillates, and crude oil. He will have to emulsify them by using ordinary 
whale-oil soap (olin acid) with common lye. Emulsions made from crude oil or slop 
distillates, in the writer’s opinion, should be used only as dormant insecticide sprays. 
As such they are effective and fairly safe. Tested by Baume scale, they will run 
from 13 to 19 degrees, with a specific gravity of 0.9800 in crude oil to 0.9400 in the 
slop distillates. This, you will note, is not as good an oil as the commercial concerns 


-put into their crude-oil emulsion, which is generally a natural crude oil, testing 23° 


Baume, and is not commonly obtainable in British Columbia. Howeyer, for purely 
winter use, a safe insecticide can be made from a 19-degree slop distillate by the 
following formula used successfully by Oregon State Experimental Station:  Wish-oil 


or whale-oil soap, 5 Ib.; lye, 1 Ib.; crude oil, slop distillate, 6 gallons; water, 43 


gallons; making a total of 50 gallons. 


16 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOcIery. 


—= 


4 

Close attention must be given to mixing. Water never should be added after 
the oil has been poured into the solution of soap and lye. Dissolve the soap in 8 to 
10 gallons of boiling water and place in barrel or tank; add the rest of the water to 
make up 43 gallons. If using tank, start the agitator, add the lye, follow up with 
the oil, pouring the same slowly into the_thoroughly stirred suds. 

(Nore.—This will not make a stock solution, which can be safely kept any time, 
so should be sprayed as made.) 

i Whenever a better oil or distillate is obtainable, I would not advise the use of 

the above crude oil, since often it contains so much foreign matter that it forms 

a poor emulsion and makes spraying more dangerous through non-uniformity of 

mixture. This crude emulsion should never be used except where it is possible to - 
apply at least 200 Ib. pressure with a good angle nozzle which throws a finely divided 

spray. 

The chief advantage of the crude-oil emulsion is its apparent cheapness, but in 
reality the cost is about the same where a good stove distillate testing 29° Baume 
can be procured. Laid down in the Okanagan last year the costs were about as 
follows (to make up 200-gallon tank), F.0.B. Vernon: Slop distillate (crude oil), 
19° Baume, 10 to 12 cents per gallon; fuel distillate (little better than stove), 35° 
Baume, 18 cents per gallon. 

To make up 200-gallon tank requires: Crude oil, 24 gallons-at 10 cents, $2.40; 
fuel distillate, 16 gallons at 18 cents, $2.88; kerosene, 12 gallons at 28 cents, $3.36; 
lime-sulphur, 20 gallons at 13 cents, $2.60. m 

(Norr.—kKerosene used by ordinary formula would take approximately 12 gallons 
to make 200 of the dilute emulsion. Lime-sulphur for comparison only.) 

In making the stove-distillate emulsions the same ingredients should be used, 
but both the amount of soap and the quantity of oil should be reduced. The 
following is satisfactory: Whale-oil, 4 lb.; lye. 1 Ib.; distillate, 4 gallons; water, 
45 gallons; total, 50 gallons. In the use of distillate, as in crude oil, do not add 
water after the oil has been poured in. In other respects follow the same rules. 

There are several other interesting new sprays, such as the soda nitrate, used ~ 
to stimulate growth and early development of fruit-buds, and powdered arsenates 
of lead to replace the ordinary paste. As a fungicide, atomic sulphur has proven 
very effective, and combines readily with both oil emulsions, soap solutions, Black 
Leaf 40, and arsenates of lead, therefore being more adapted to combination spraying 
than its predecessor, Bordeaux mixture. 

Any of the above-mentioned spray materials could be studied separately, but 
time will not allow it here. Neither have I taken up the insects and diseases 
combated by the sprays mentioned, since they are known through study of more 
common sprays, which are all applied at the time most suited to kill or control 
the insect or disease in question. 


THE TARNISHED PLANT-BUG (LYGUS PRATENSIS LINN.). 
By R. C. TREHERNE, FreELD OFFICER, DOMINION DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY, AGASSIZ, B.C. 


In consideration of the comparative prevalence of fire-blight (Bacillus anvylo- 
vorous) in various parts of the Okanagan District, I have thought it advisable to 
draw your attention to the fact that the disease is capable of being spread by 
means of several and sundry insects of the orchard. Mr. L. L. Palmer, Horticul- 
turist, Coldstream Estate, at the meeting of this Society last July in Vernon, made 
mention of the fact that the several species of aphides are chief among the 
economic pests of the Okanagan. This is an important point, for it is elearly 
proven that aphides, and in particular the green apple-aphis (4. pomi), are capable 
of spreading the disease. 

Naturally, then, the disease of fire-blight varies in extent in accordance with 
the prevalence of aphides, and the obvious control of the blight is accomplished, in 


Proceepines, 1915. 17 


due proportion, to the control of the aphides. I é¢annot do better than draw your 
-attention to the very excellent article written by Mr. Palmer and published in 
Bulletin No. 3, N.S., British Columbia Entomological Society, on “Some Problems 
of Aphis-control in the Okanagan.” 

Obviously, all insects that feed, more or less, on portions of plant-tissues or on 
plant-exudations affected hy fire-blight are capable of transmitting the disease to 
healthy plants. Such insects, as numerous flies, wasps, bees, ants, bugs, borers, all 
effect their quota in transmitting the disease. Pruning alone may be practised with 
any degree of success against such visitants, which in very many cases are known 
to be a benefit to a tree rather than otherwise. The veterinary slogan ‘“ Remove 
the cause’ may well apply. 

There is one insect, the name of which heads this article, the tarnished plant- 
bug, which requires some attention. Mr. W. H. Brittain, who during the past 
summer held the position among you as Provincial Entomologist and Plant Patholo- 
-gist, records this insect among his papers (printed in Bulletin 4, British Columbia 
DPntomological Society) as noted “ attacking a wide range of crops” in the Okanagan. 
“ Probably,” he states, “the most damage was done to nursery stock. Leaves that 
are attacked when young become wrinkled and curled. Sometimes small areas of 
the leaves become brown and die, subsequently dropping out and producing a ‘ shot- 
hole’ effect. Blossom-buds attacked on fruit-trees are retarded in development, if 
not killed. Leaf-buds, when pierced at the base, frequently die and drop off.” 

In the same issue of our Proceedings (Bulletin No. 4) I have recorded this 
insect as being prevalent in the Lower Fraser Valley, and especially noted as a 
serious pest in greenhouses. Its presence is also noted in the orchards of the Lower 
Fraser Valley, although during the past two years I have not observed it as being 
especially destructive to fruit or blossom buds or to the leaves. 

In view of the undoubted presence of this insect in our orchards, T heg leave to 
quote Professor Stewart, of the Cornell Experiment Station. In Bulletin 329, 1913, 
“it is believed that the most important agent in transmitting the ‘blight’ parasite 
to healthy trees has been the tarnished plant-bug (Lygus pratensis).” I would 
suggest, therefore, that those of you who are especially interested in the control of 
the fire-blight organism pay attention to the presence, prevalence, and control of 
this bug. 

The adult belongs to the Heteroptera and to the family Capsidie, or leaf-bugs. 
When fully mature the adult measures about 6 mm. long, and is shield-shaped in 
general outline, brown in colour, and marked with black, red, and yellow. There 
seems considerable variation in the colouring; some are inclined to be greenish or 
yellowy brown. The winter is passed in the adult stage beneath rubbish in the 
orchard or in such places as fence corners, clumps of leaf-mould, etc. Early in the 
spring, and possibly to some extent in the fall previous, oviposition commences. 
For a long period of time the season of the year and the place of oviposition haye 
been in doubt, owing to the difficulty of successful breeding in captivity. 

Within the past few years steps have been taken to more fully determine this 
point in the life-history, for obviously it is most important. In the Journal of 
Beonomic Entomology, 1908, Professor E. P. Taylor has recorded the fact that 
injuries to young developing fruit, “formerly classed as that caused by the plum 
or apple curculio, was instead the result of egg-punctures made by the tarnished 
plant-bug.” Professor Taylor has not observed oviposition in apples at any time 
except in the yery- early spring immediately at or just after blossoming, and then 
particularly on the early-blooming varieties. Peculiar ‘ dimples” are produced in 
the after-fruit, which outgrows the injury caused from the spring attack. 

In 1910, Professors F. H. Chittenden and H. O. Marsh, in the same Journal, 
stated that they found eggs Jaid in the following places, viz.: (1.) April 19th— 
deposited on kale “ slightly inserted on the upper side of the leaf.’ (2.) May 23rd— 


on yolunteer turnips, deposited “in the seed-stalks, stems, and leaves, scattered 
» 
about singly and in irregular rows or groups, sometimes three being placed close 


~aee 


18 x B.C. ENroMoLocicat Socrery. 


together.” Wvidently eggs are ‘deposited chiefly in the stems, less seldom in the 
midribs, and occasionally in the leaves.” (3.) On mullein—“ eggs being inserted | 
in the petiole or leaf-stem and in the midrib.” 

“From these notes it would appear that oviposition in the early spring takes 
place in yolunteer plants, weeds, and developing fruit. Yet a further reference is 
found in the Journal of Economic Entomology for 1913°by Professor Hasemfiin, of 
Missouri. He believed that the bug “does not deposit its eggs in the tissues of 
plants, as some maintain, not even in the soft stems of weeds.’ He claims that the 
ovipositor is not strong enough to drill into the tissues of plants. In Missouri, he 
claims, the bug “deposits its eggs in the fall of the year at least, only in the 
blossoms of flowers such as daisies, asters, and particularly ‘mare’s-tail’ (Hrigeron 
canadensis). Professor Haseman has further determined that the life-cycle may 
be completed in about a month. 

We may judge, therefore, that, although this insect is among the commonest in 
our entomological fauna, there still remains a doubt as to its oviposition period. 
There seems little doubt that eggs are laid, as stated and observed, in the fall and 
in the spring, and for the most part in weeds. While the actual points of oviposition 
remain in doubt, yet it would seem that weeds act as the host-plants in the fall 
and in the spring; consequently the net value of these records to the farmer and 
fruit-grower remains the same, Destroy weeds. 

In the spring, in due course,-the eggs hatch to nymphs or immature stages of 
the bug. Probably four or five moults are undergone before the mature adult is 
formed. The adult, of course, sucks its food, and it possesses a long beak fully 
one-third the length of its body, which is folded beneath it when not in use. The 
adults are very active, darting off immediately they are disturbed. The only hope 
of capturing them is in the very early morning in spring, when they are partially 
dormant. They may then be shaken off the plants. 

As Mr. Brittain noted last year, the chief injury at present is in the effect of 
the attack on the terminal shoots, and especially noted in nurseries. Peaches, pears, 
and apples are attacked, and no doubt also a variety of other plants, by the bugs, 
which suck the juices from the buds, causing a cessation of growth, followed by a 
twiggy formation or by a complete check. It may be noticed that there is a certain 
difference in the growth of the various varieties of fruit-tree growing under like 
conditions. Pear-trees develop most rapidly in midsummer; apples a little later. 
Furthermore, conditions of growth vary in accordance with climatic arrangements 
for the year, and induced growth at periodic intervals may be forced under artificial 
or irrigated conditions. All such conditions have an important place in our orchards, 
when it is realized that a succulent condition of growth is a determining factor in 
reference to the spread of fire-blight in certain varieties by such insects as the 
tarnished plant-bug. Given a succulent growth, the presence of L. pratensis, and 
the blight organism, it will be noted that the attack will be more severe than on a 
growth hardening up or previous to sap activity with the same two agents present. 

Yor control measures may be recommended the destruction of all weeds and the 
cleaning-up of fence corners in the orchard. The trapping by sticky shield or by 
beating in the early morning and the application of kerosene emulsion in dilute 
form to the leaves at the time when nymphs are present. Sprays of dilute nicotine 
extracts may also be used, applications in this form being applied about every ten 
days, especially under greenhouse conditions. 


THE PART PLAYED BY INSECTS IN THE SPREAD OF PLANT-DISEASES. 


By J. W. EastHAM, PROVINCIAL PLANT PATHOLOGIST, VERNON, B.C. 


Plant-diseases are of two kinds. In the first place, we have the so-called 
physiological or non-parasitic ones, which are due to some irregularity or disturb- 
ance in the processes going on in the plant and induced by external conditions, such 
as deficiency or excess of certain chemical substances in the soil, too much water, 


Procuepines, 1915. | 19 


- rapid change of temperature, ete. On the other hand, we have diseases directly 
due to a parasitic organism obtaining an entrance into the tissues of the plant, 
and growing there, bringing about malformation or death of the attacked parts. 
Obviously, insects can only be concerned in the spread of diseases of this type when 

an organism or “germ” can be conveyed from one plant to another. Disease- 
producing organism are of two kinds, fungi and.bacteria. While both of these are 
for the most part microscopic, they are nevertheless very different in their relative 
size. A fungus often forms a “body” or mycelium of considerable extent, while 
bacteria are always exceedingly minute, and their destructive action depends upon 
their rapid multiplication, large masses of individuals being soon formed. 

Fungous diseases are not usually directly spread by insects, although the spores 
may be carried about and distributed to some extent by their agency. Usually a 
parasitic fungus produces quantities of spores which are most effectively distributed 
by wind and rain. To produce infection, however, these spores must have sufficient 
moisture to enable them to germinate, and the germ-tube so produced has either to 
dissolve its way through a very resistant membrane, the cuticle of a plant, or to 
grow along until it finds some natural opening like a stoma or a place where the 

- cuticle has been broken. It is in this latter respect that insects may greatly favour 
infection. It is probable that the flea-beetle in this way aids the spread of the 
early blight of the potato and tomato due to Alacrosporium solani. Perhaps the 
best instance, however, is the spread of the brown-rot (Sclerotinia fructigena) in 
plum and peach orchards in the East through the agency of the plum-curculio 
(Conotrachelus nenuphar). The punctures made by this insect result in an exuda- 
tion of gum which affords an excellent situation for the development of the spores 

_ of the fungus, which, moreover, are often carried and introduced into the wounds 

_ by the insects. The control of the plum-curculio has hence been found to be essential 

_ in the control of brown-rot in the East. 

: In-the case of bacteria we find that these organisms have usually no power of 
penetrating the cuticle of a plant. They are for the most part dependent for an 

_ entrance on natural openings or injuries, except when the tissues are exceedingly 

delicate and without cuticle, as in the nectaries of flowers, root-hairs, and perhaps 

the young growing tips of shoots. They also do not produce externally anything 

4 corresponding to the spores of a fungus, but live internally in the host-plant. Hence 
the role of insects as agents in the distribution of such disease is much more 
important. 

A very good example is the wilt disease of Curcubita, which attacks cucumbers, 

_ muskmelons, pumpkins, or squashes. This is caused by Bacillus tracheiphilus, which 
develops in the sap-vessels of infected plants to such an extent that the vessels 

are completely plugged up for long distances. Later the walls of the vessels are 

a destroyed and the conducting system broken down. As a consequence the whole of 

_ the plant above the infected vessels wilts and dies. So far as is known, natural 

- infection can only take place through insects feeding on an infected plant, getting 

their mouth-parts smeared with bacteria and then biting into a healthy plant. The 


, 


. 


* 
"two insects mostly held responsible are the striped cucumber-beetles, Diabrotica 
om 


wittata and D. 12-punctata. The chief gap in our knowledge of the life-history of 
the disease is with regard to the way in which the organism passes the winter. 
Probably the remains of attacked plants in some cases retain bacteria in a living 
| condition over the winter, and the first infections of the season may be, so to speak, 
more or less accidental. I do not know that either this disease or its insect carriers 
og are found in this Province, but the disease is known in Nebraska and Colorado, and 
the insects, I believe, have been found in Washington, so it is quite likely we shall 
= ultimately have to deal with this disease. 
_ A disease which comes nearer home to most of us, and in the distribution of 
which insects play an exceedingly important part, is the fire-blight of apple, pear, 
- and quince. So far as we know, the first infections of the season are always pro- 
~ duced by insect infection of the blossoms. The exudate from hold-over cankers 


Le 


20 B.C, EnromMoLoeicaL Sociery. 


— 


serves to contaminate the insects which come to feed on it, and if such an insect 
visits a blossom within a short time after, the honey-glands of the latter are likely 
to become infected. The nature of the insects visiting these running cankers affords 
scope for much further observation. Probably many kinds of flies may serye to 
carry the disease. Wasps haye also been rather frequently recorded as visiting the 
cankers, but I am not sure that these insects are very common visitors of orchard 
blossoms. Chiefly on the strength of the observations of M. B. Waite, of the United 
States Department of Agriculture, the honey-bee has been put down as a carrier of — 
the first infection, but I have been able to find very few other trustworthy observa- 
tions of honey-bees visiting the cankers. We also know that many moths are 
strongly attracted by sticky, sweet substances, and that the “sugaring” method is 
a common one with entomologists for collecting night-flying Lepidoptera, and I think 
it is quite possible that these insects may play a part in disseminating fire-blight. 
There are, of course, rather grave practical difficulties in the way of securing proper 
data on these points. In the first place, it would be necessary to have running 
cankers under observation, both night and day, for some time. Such cankers would 
also have to be freely exposed, and in a region where fire-blight offers such difficul- 
ties in the way of its control an experiment of this kind would not be likely to be 
viewed with much fayour by neighbouring orchardists. We should be very glad, 
however, to receive specimens of any insects which may happen to be found on 
running cankers about blossoming-time. 

A question sometimes asked is whether the blight bacillus can live through the 
winter season in the hive or nest of the bee. If so, it is conceivable that bees 
might become contaminated with the germs and carry the infection to the flowers 
during their honey-collecting trips in the spring. So far as the honey is concerned, 
there would seem to be very little danger. Nectar, it is true, affords a medium 
suitable to the rapid multiplication of the blight bacillus, but the nectar of a flower 
is different in composition from the stored honey. Such examinations as have been 
made of comb-honey have shown it to be almost uniformly sterile. 

It is at the same time worthy of note that germs of a rather remarkable nature 
ean be isolated from the intestine of the honey-bee. Dr. Franklin White states that 
he has thus isolated the colon bacillus and that of hog-cholera. Whether the fire- 
blight bacillus could exist for any length of time in the intestinal tract of the bee 
or not, I do not know for certain, and I do not know of any work on this phase of 
the subject. I should think, however, it would be very unlikely. In the first place, 
the germ is not a spore-former, and has therefore only very limited powers of 
resistance to unfavourable conditions; and, secondly, being adapted for plant- 
parasitism, the conditions of temperature, oxygen supply, ete., in the intestines 
would probably be very unsuitable. The same objections would probably apply in 
a less degree to the possibility of the germs wintering over elsewhere in the hive. 

Once the disease has been introduced into the first blossoms, there is no doubt 
that subsequent blossom-infection results from bees visiting such infected blossoms, 
hecoming smeared with the germs and then leaving them behind in the healthy 
flowers visited. The number of flowers which may be infected in this way after 
one visit to an infected flower is probably very large, although I have no data. 
Surprise is often expressed that so many blossoms on a tree should show the blight 
almost simultaneously. Considering, however, the method by which it is spread, a 
yery few contaminated insects would be sufficient to explain this. 

It is sometimes stated that blossoms may show the effect of blight before they 
have opened. In this connection it is to be noted that there is liability of confusion 
between the effects of blight and of certain insects—e.g., tarnished plant-bug. On 
the other hand, it is quite possible that some small insects may visit cankers and 
afterwards creep into unopened blossom-buds. More observation is required in this 
connection. 

A question of practical importance is whether there is any relation between 
the number of bees kept and the prevalence of biight. In some parts of the 


‘3 


AY 
; 


Procrepines, 1915. Zi 


Okanagan the part played by bees in distributing the disease has so seized upon 
the minds of the growers that any person setting up an apiary is regarded with 
considerable disfavour by the rest of the community. Now, I do not know that 
any one has ever noticed a correlation between the number of bees kept and the 
prevalence of blight. From what has been previously said, it will also be seen that 
a very few bees may be as effective in spreading the disease as a large number. 
However, if many bees are kept and there is a scarcity of flowers in early spring. 
it is possible they might be more attracted to running cankers and thus produce 
more primary blossom-infection. On the other hand, proper setting of the fruit is 
largely dependent on bees, and in the districts mentioned there are some indications 
of defective pollination. On the whole, it would be much better policy to make 
every possible effort to clean out hold-over cankers rather than place bee-keeping 
under a ban, as in any case it will not be possible to control or exterminate wild bees. 

In the spread of the disease later in the season several insects are implicated, 
the tarnished plant-bug, aphides, and leaf-hoppers being probably the worst offenders 
in this part of the country. In Ontario the bark beetle (Scolytus rugulosus) has 
been shown to be a very potent agent in disseminating fire-blight in the pear. If a 
pear-tree is suffering from attacks of both blight and bark-beetles, there is great 
danger of the beetles leaving such a tree and boring into healthy adjacent trees, 
and thus communicating blight, which is often “ body-blight ” and rapidly fatal to 
the tree. 

TD. H. Jones records a case where a pear-tree infected with body-blight was cut 
down but not remoyed. The beetles migrated from this tree into two rows of young 
pear-trees adjoining, with the result that GO per cent. of these became attacked, a 


beetle being found in every blight area. This beetle has not, I believe, been yet 


discovered in British Columbia, but beetles of similar habits occur and such infec- 
tions may be considered possible. 

The extent of the danger resulting from leaving the blight-cuttings under the 
tree instead of at once removing and burning them is a matter of practical impor- 
tance. While the danger may not usually be great, it may hecome considerable under 


_ certain conditions. I have seen fresh cuttings of blight-infected twigs lying on the 


ground and swarms of ants running over and amongst them and then up the trees. 
Aphides were present on the twigs of the trees, and ants are very prone to mingle 
with aphides on account of the honey-dew they excrete. If fresh exudate had been 
present on the blight-cutting, we should have had all conditions present for reinfec- 
‘tion of the trees. At the time the weather was hot and dry and moist exudate was 
not cbserved, thus reducing the chances of infection under the circumstances to a 
minimum. 


22 B.C. EnroMoLoeicaL Socrery. 


PART II. 


BRITISH COLUMBIA ENTOMOLOGICAL 
SOCIETY. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1915. 


p= Be Fourteenth Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of British 
Columbia was held in the Auditorium of the Aberdeen School, Van- 
couver, B.C., on January 16th, 1915. The meeting was called to order~ 
by the President, G. O- Day, F.E.S., of Duncan, B.C., at 10 a.m. on 
January 16th. The day was divided into morning, afternoon, and 
evening sessions. 

Mr. Day (President): It is only right that the meetings should be held in 
different places, and this year it has come to Vancouver, and I hope that there will 
be a large number of members present, and also that in the course of time this 
Society will come to Duncan. We just want to start the meeting by discussing a — 
little business. I hope Mr. Treherne will tell us what we shall have brought 
forward. 

Mr. R. GC. Treherne: There are several points I would like to bring up before 
the meeting in order to get things started. There is a resolution I would like to 
place before you: “That the following names of individuals and institutions be 
added to our complimentary mailing-list; that is to say, in addition to those that 
have already been printed in Bulletin No. 4: Library of the University of British 
Columbia, Vancouver, B.C.; Library Department of Education, Victoria, B.C.; 
Dr. Matheson, Division of Entomology, Cornell, Ithaca, N.Y.; Library, McGill 
University, Montreal, Que.; Library, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn.; 
American Entomological Society, Logan Square, Philadelphia, Pa.; Geo. Moznette, 
Division of Entomology, Corvallis, Oregon; E. O. Essig, Division of Entomology, 
Berkeley University, Cal.; Agricultural Gazette, Publication Branch, Department 
of Agriculture, Ottawa, Ontario; Library, University of Illinois, Urbana, I11.; 
Edmund Jarvis, Division of Entomology, Brisbane, Australia; Laboratorio di 
zoologia general & agraria, Portici, Napoli, Italy.” 

Most of these people and institutions have written for our bulletins, and I 
think it speaks very well for our Society to receive requests from Australia and 
Italy. I think it speaks well for the progress we are making. I will just put this 


in the form of a resolution that these be added to our complimentary mailing-list; ~ 


also Barnes & McDonough, Decatur, Tilinois. 

Mr. Blackmore: I suppose our friend Mr. L, W. Swett, 501 Washington Street, 
3oston, Mass., is on the list. 

Mr. Anderson: Of course you have-the Columbia University, Barnard College, 
New York, N.Y. It should be in the resolution that these names be added to our 
mailing-list. 

Mr. Tom Wilson: I second it. 

Resolution carried. 


Procrepines, 1915. 23 
‘ Mr. Treherne: At the present time I have the following members to be added 
fax to our membership: Mr. Howitt, Prince Rupert, B.C.; Mr. Hook, Cobble Hill, B.C. ; 


Rey. Canon Hincheliff, Chilliwack, B.C.; Mr. Geo. Raley, Chilliwack, B.C.:; Miss FE. 
Warren, Barnston Island, B.C.; Mr. Henry Bailey, South Hastings, B.C.; Messrs. 

4) ea Er. Baggs, T. A. Hamilton, C. W. Mathers, M. G. Stevens, C. L. Thornber, and 
T. Williams. 

Mr. Day: Have you had a request from Miss Sellence, of Duncan, B.C.? 

Mr. Treherne: I do not believe I have. 

Mr. T. Wilson: I move that they be made members. 

Mr. Day: I second it. 

Resolution carried. 

Mr. Treherne: There is another matter I would like to have put in our pro- 
ceedings, as a feeling of regret that one of our members, Dr. de Verteuil, was 
drowned off H.M.S. “Good Hope” off the Chilean Coast. He was a member of 
this Society and well known in Vancouver. He went to the war as a naval surgeon. 

: Mr. Day: I think it would be nice to send a copy of this resolution to his 
; relatives if they could be found. : 

Mr. Treherne: There is another point I would like to bring up in connection 
with the war. I have received a letter this morning which is an example of several 
I have received. This is from a member at Creston. He states as follows :— 

“ Owing to my departure to the war in the very near future, there will be no 
sense for the time in renewing my connection with this Society. However, wishing 
it every success in future as it has had in the past, 

“T remain, 
“HH. S.. PIOZGERALD:” 


_ There are one or two other men who have gone to the front who have not 
forwarded their dues but wish to retain their membership. I propose, therefore, 
that we should send their 50 cents out of the funds of our Society to the Ontario 
Society to retain their connection, so that they will receive their bulletins. 

Mr. Day: I do not think we can do anything less; it is nothing but right. 
Mr. Treherne: With reference to the resolution we passed this time last year 
in connection with the buying of insects froin the members of our Society, I took 
_ this matter up with the University Council, having in mind that Mr. Cockle would 
probably have a fine collection of insects to dispose of, and I have received the 
following reply from Dr. Wesbrook :— 

3 “Last night I brought your letter regarding the collection of insects before the 

Board of Governors. The Board would be very glad, if at any time collections are 

available, if we might be informed, although as yet we shall exercise great care in 

securing collections until such time as the Department is manned, so that we will 
have the benefit of the judgment of its head and his staff.” 

Mr. Blackmore: Are there any collections on the market? 

Mr. Treherne: Yes. ‘ 

Mr. Day: They have not yet started their building, so are not in a position to 
make any offer. 

Mr. Treherne: There is another letter which I receiyed which I have not got 
here. It is from Saskatchewan from Mr. Johnston, of the Saskatoon High School, 
and he states that he has noticed the proceedings of our Society and has been much 
interested, and has been moved to frame up an Hntomological Society for Saskatoon. 
The proceedings of their Society, which they formed a couple of years ago, has 
-been printed in a local newspaper. They have now approached the Government, 
and they are going to give them this spring a small grant, very much like what we 
are getting, and they are proposing to publish their proceedings. This is very 
interesting. 

There is another point that I have taken up privately, although I understand 
it was taken up, more or less, as a Society matter in the Bast. The annual meeting 


24 B.C. EnroMonLocicaL Sociery. 


of the Ontario Society was held last November, and in order to publish it in time 
for this meeting I wrote a personal resolution in my own name, suggesting that all 
of these Provincial Societies should be boiled down, and that we should no longer 
try to enlarge the scope of the proceedings of British Columbia, Quebec, or Noya~ 
Scotia. I made mention that we were a branch of the National Society, which had 
become known as the Ontario Society. I suggested that the publications of pro- 
ceedings be amalgamated and formed into a bi-monthly national bulletin. Further- 
more, we have from time to time practically taken from the Canadian Entomologist 
papers that were offered to us because they were British Columbia subjects, advising 
us that if we did not want them they would send them to the Canadian Entomologist. 
This is undesirable. If we form a National Society we may get a bi-monthly 
bulletin. These proceedings (Bulletin 4) were given in January last and came out 
last September, being eight months before they got to the public. It would be much 
better to have a National Society and have them published quarterly. 

I suggested in my resolution that the Dominion Hntomologist be requested to 
approach the various Preyincial Governments, asking for a separate grant from 
each proportionate to the membership, and to establish headquarters in Ottawa or 
some other place from which the bulletins can be issued. This was taken up, I 
fear, as coming from this Society. However, if this Society desires to go on 
record 

Mr. Day: I think we should have an opinion from the private members; it 
is a matter that requires thinking about. 

Mr. Treherne: I have also been informed that Dr. Bethune and Dr. Walker, of 
Ontario, are considering the matter. 

Mr. Anderson: Has the private opinion of the other Provincial Societies yet 
been aired? “ 

Mr. Treherne: Not yet; in the meantime their replies are still pending. I 
wrote Mr. Brittain in Nova Scotia suggesting that he get busy along the same lines. 

Mr. Treherne: Jt is an expensive proposition getting out bulletins like this. 

We have to get our own plates and pay for them ourselves, and if we could only 
get a National Society together we could use a great many plates which are in the 
Bast. 
A Mr. Day: Would the proceedings of the National Society be extensive enough 
to inelude all such proceedings as are now published by the Provincial Society? 
Would they not eliminate a great deal? That would be a point we would have no 
contro] of, what they will print or will not print; whereas if we publish our own 
proceedings we can print what we want and use our own discretion. They will 
leave out a lot of things which we would like to have put in. 

Mr. Treherne: I suppose the committee would be representative of the different 
Societies. I fancy there should not be any difficulty from that, because the number 
of issues published in the year would greatly exceed the supply. Say here we have 
80 pages in this bulletin, and the Ontario Society is not much larger than that. 
If we split it in four and spread it over a year it would cover all. 

Mr. Anderson: All details sent in from each Society should be printed? 

Mr. Treherne: If we had an Advisory Board, it would rest with them as to 
what should be printed. 

Mr. Day: It is an important question, and perhaps we ought to take the 
opinion of this Society, and in the meantime ascertain the feeling of the other 
Societies and lay it over for another year. 

Mr. Treherne: It appears to me that it is only a question of time and it will 
haye to come down to this bi-monthly proposition. This annual report business 
seems to me to be absolutely antiquated. Each one is trying to publish a little 
bulletin of its own Society, while they really all should come under one head. That 
is my point. One Society is in competition with the other, and competition is 
always wasteful. If you care to leave this over until this evening or lay it over 
for another year, we can think it over. 


Procerpines, 1915. 25 


Mr. Day: I think Mr. Treherne should be commended for what he has done; 
he has taken a very important step. 

Mr. Treherne: I think it was taken up wrongly by the East as coming from 
this Society as a resolution passed at our last annual meeting. 


FINANCES. 


Mr. Treherne: The finances of this Society at the present time are in excellent 
shape. We received a Provincial grant of $350 last April. The Minister of Agri- 
culture has for the last two years allowed us $250 each year. When writing him 
last spring I asked him for this grant of $250, and informed him that we were $100 
odd in the hole, and he very kindly remitted us the grant of $250 plus $100, which 
more than covers the deficiency, so now at the present time our accounts have 
already heen certified O.K.. and the balance in the bank at the present time is 
$183.30, and $34 has been received in fees, and half of $84 would be $17, which added 
to the $183.10 will give us the total sum we have in the bank. An account of the 
finances to date is published in Bulletin No. 5 

As a matter of form, I wrote to the Minister of Agriculture again and requésted 
him for another further grant this year. I received a letter from Mr. Ellison in 
which he stated :— 

“T note your request for a grant of $250 this year as previously. In reply, 
would say that I shall endeavour to get this grant passed in the estimates, although 
Fr T cannot say whether it will go through.” 

I also wrote to Mr. Seott, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, and he replied :— 

“ Adverting to your letter of the 28th, I take pleasure in advising you that the 

‘Honourable Minister of Agriculture has authorized me to place the sum of $250 
on the estimates for your Society. This will accordingly be done, and provided it 
is passed by the Executive, will be payable at the beginning of the ensuing year for 
the work of your Society.” 

I do not think there is anything else to bring up. 

The President: I think the next business will be the reading of the papers. 
The first one is: ‘“(a@) Aphid Notes from British Columbia; (0) Myzuphis (Aphis) 

_ abietina (the Green Spruce-aphis),’ by H. F. Wilson, Corvallis, Oregon. 

Mr. Treherne: This is a paper Mr. Wilson wrote for our Society regarding his 
experiences when he was up here the summer before last. We are getting out a 
little bulletin which will be Bulletin No. 5, and this paper will be given there. It 

refers to the green spruce-aphis, which is doing more damage than any other insect 

on the Coast at the present time. It is a periodical visitant. This bulletin will be 
published in about ten days, so that I do not think it is necessary to take this 
matter up before the Society. 


Z¥ 


ane 

‘ Afternoon Session. 

= The President: The first paper this afternoon is on “Insects of the Green- 
_ — house,” by G. E. Wilkerson, Victoria, B.C. 

om Mr. Treherne: Mr. Wilkerson had to return to Victoria this afternoon, so 


- handed in his paper to be read. 


a 5 INSECT PESTS IN GREENHOUSES. 

. 

me : By G. E. Wikerson, Vicrorrs, B.C. 

3 In dealing with this subject I will endeavour to give a short description of the 
_different pests, and to go more fully into the damage that they do and how their 

oa ‘presence may be detected, and the best way to eradicate them, or, at least, keep 


them in check. This I will give from my own personal experience in greenhouse 
work for the last twenty years in Victoria. I will endeavour to give only such 
descriptions as any person connected with greenhouses can understand. 


26 : B.C. ENroMoLOGICAL Socipry. 


GREENHOUSE THRIPS. 


The first pests I will deal with are greenhouse thrips. The best description I 


can give is that taken from Bulletin, Volume 11, Nos. 1 and 2, of the ‘“ Monthly ~ 


Bulletin of Injurious and Beneficial Insects of California,” by E. O. Essig, which is 
as follows :— 3 


General Appearance.—The adult insect is characterized by having the antenne 
eight-segmented and twice as long as the head, while the surface of the body is 
distinctly reticulated. The abdomen is yellowish-brown, with head and thorax dark 
brown, and antenne, legs, and wings colourless. 

Life-history.—The very minute, bean-shaped, colourless eggs are inserted in the 
leaf-tissues of food-plants, usually on the under-side. They hatch in about ten days. 
Each female lays from ten to twenty eggs. The first hatched lary are colourless, 
with seyen-segmented antenne. As they age they become darker in colour and the 
antenne become eight-articulated. The larval and pupal stages occupy from four 
to six weeks. All stages feed throughout their life-cycles. There are continuous 
and overlapping generations, estimated by H. M. Russell to be twelve a year. 

Food-plants—Food-plants are, with very few exceptions, all plants grown in 
greenhouses. My reason for dealing with Thrips first and giving them the most 
prominent place in this paper is because I consider that they do as much, if not 
more, damage than all the other pests combined, and are by far the hardest to 
control around Victoria District, but they cause most loss in carnations. ier 

The grower may not suspect their presence until one-third, or I have known 
one-half of his crop ruined by this pest. The first indication he will notice of the 
presence of Thrips will be that the edge of the petals of the blossom is discoloured, 
having a dried or burnt appearance on the light-coloured flowers, and the red and 
crimson ones will have white spots on them. Now, by carefully pulling the flowers 
apart, there will be found from one to a dozen of these pests working very 
industriously. 

Control.—tThis is a very difficult matter, as I am satisfied that Thrips work very 
little among the carnation-foliage, but lay their eggs and are hatched out in the 
bud of the carnation, and during this time they are almost hermetically sealed in 
the tight folds of the carnation-bud, so I consider spraying of very little value; at 
least, that is what I have found. I have tried heavy fumigating with red pepper 
and tobaceco-stems to be of considerable value, but the best remedy, at least the one 
we have most success with, is fumigating with nico-fume, or Black Leaf 40. This 
is best applied by painting the return pipes and turning on the steam; as soon as 
this has been done, taking care that all ventilators are tightly closed. If the grower 
does not heat by steam, he can get the same results from hot water, providing he 
can heat the pipes to a temperature of not less than 190° Fahr., and more, if possible. 
Failing this method, the next best way is to vaporize the nicotine solution over a 
spirit or coal-oil lamp. The quantity of nicotine solution to use depends on the size 
of the house to be fumigated, but full directions are given on the tins containing 
these solutions, and I have found these directions very satisfactory. 

By keeping the temperature of the houses in as moist.a condition as can be done 
with safety, and by frequent syringing, it will have a strong tendency to keep these 
pests in check, as they do not like moisture. This can be done with comparative 
safety during the months of July, August, September; and the first two weeks in 
October in this district, these being the months in which the most damage is done 
by Thrips; after this time they practically disappear until the following season. 
A great help is to keep the greenhouse perfectly clean, allowing no rubbish, dead 
flowers, etc., to be around on the paths or on and under the benches. 


Some growers use 14 to 1% oz. of potassium cyanide and 3 oz. of sulphuric acid, ~ 


C.P., dissolved in 4 oz. of water; but, personally, I do not like this method, as it is 


dangerous unless very carefully handled, and the results are sometimes very dis- 
astrous to the plants. I have found when using cyanide that one time you get 


b 
- 


ProceeDines, 1915. 


apparently satisfactory results, with little or no damage done. to the plants, and the 
next time I used it, although using exactly the same quantity, there was a large 
amount of damage done; this, I believe, is caused by a possible difference of tempera- 
ture and humidity in the atmosphere of the houses. 

The damage caused by Thrips on roses is similar to that on carnations, as they 
attack the rose-buds almost in the same manner, and the same treatment is 
applicable. 

The procedure of attack on chrysanthemums is considerably different. When 
attacked, plants show on the tips of the leaves a slightly yellowish appearance, also 
a thickening of the young leaves. On the tips of the plants, upon close examination, 
numbers of the insects will be found on the under-side and sometimes on the top 
side of the leaves. To destroy these, spraying can be done, as, different from the 
carnation or rose, you can reach them with the spraying material. TI have found 
that the nicotine solutions before mentioned, with a little soap added, to be very 
satisfactory, also the whale-oil soap and quassia-chips do very good work. 

Take 1 Ib. of quassia-chips and § oz. of whale-oil soap; boil together for. one 
hour in 1 gallon of water, then strain. Make up evaporation caused by boiling so 
that you have 1 gallon of the liquid. When using, add twelve parts of water. 
This is a yery economical and efficient spray. 

Thrips attack most of the commercial pot-plants that are grown in greenhouses, 
such as gloxinia, cyclamen, fuchsia, ete.; but if taken in time, spraying or dipping 
in the before-mentioned remedies will be found efficient. 


Rep SPImDer. 


This insect, I consider, is next in line as causing most loss and damage in the 
greenhouse. 
~ General Appearance.—They are exceedingly small and individuals are seldom 
noticed. Their colour is red with a yellowish tinge, and usually with two darker 
spots on each side of the body. Their appearance will first be noticed by the leaves 


‘of the plants haying a pale and unnatural green colour, and upon examining the 


under-side of the leaves there will be found numbers of these insects. It attacks 
nearly all plants grown under glass. 

_ Control.—This pest, fortunately, is easily destroyed and kept under control. All 
that is required is heavy but careful syringing by water, but it is very necessary 
that the under-side of the leaves must be syringed, and there is no excuse for any 
grower who possesses a good water-supply to receive much loss from the depreda- 
tions of this insect, although, if not kept in check, red spider will cause the loss 
of the whole crop of chrysanthemums and other plants. 

Sometimes during the middle of winter, when it is unsafe to syringe carnations 
and roses very heavily, red spider will get a foothold, especially those plants close 


_to the heating-pipes, but just as soon as the days lengthen and we get more sun- 


shine, syringing can be resumed and little damage will have resulted, providing that 
the plants have been kept clean from this pest previous to such time when syringing 
had to be discontinued on account of weather conditions. 


7REEN APHIS. 


This insect hardly needs any description, as it is so commonly known. It 
attacks practically all plants grown under glass, and if not destroyed or kept in 
check will do a lot of damage; in fact, it will ruin any crop that it attacks unless 
means are taken to destroy them. Fortunately they are the easiest of all insects 
to kill. 

I have found that any of the before-mentioned nicotine solutions will destroy 
them, used either as a spray or vaporized. The whale-oil soap and quassia-chips 
are also very effective, but vaporizing is the best method, as by that means you 
kill all of the young aphides, when by spraying you only kill those that come in 


contact with the spray. 


28 B.C. ENroMOLOGICAL Sociery. 


Green aphis is active all the year round, but more particularly so from April 
to November. The best way to keep it down is by frequent fumigating and spraying, 
so as not to let it get a strong hold. If the greenhouses are fumigated regularly 
every week or ten days, little trouble will be experienced from this pest. 


Brack APHIS. 


This insect is similar to the green aphis, excepting in colour, but does not attack 
as many varieties of plants. In fact, I have found that the only serious attack has 
been on Chrysanthemums, and the same remedies as advised for green aphis will 
do for the black aphis. In fact, I have found it easier to exterminate than the 
green aphis. 

WHITE Fry. 


This is the common name that this insect is known by in the Victoria District, 
but from the same authority as quoted re Thrips, I do not think I can give a better 
description, which is as follows :— 

General Appearance.—The adult white flies are about */;, inch long, the males 
being slightly smaller than the females. The bodies are yellow and the wings pure 
white. The eggs are exceedingly small, oblong in shape, at first light green, growing 
black with age and attached by a short stipes. The laryve are light in colour, trans- 
forming to flat pup about */,, inch long; oblong oval in shape; light green and 
supporting noticeable wax-like rods or spines, which make this species readily 
distinguishable from all others. 

Life-history.—The eggs are laid upon the leaves of the plants, each female 
depositing over one hundred. These hatch in about two weeks into larvee, which 
begin feeding very shortly, and after three moults, covering nearly a week, they 
become pup, which after two more weeks are ready to emerge from the old pupal 
skins as adult insects. The adult feed constantly throughout their existence of some 
thirty days. i 

Food-plants.—Tomatoes and cucumbers seem to suffer most from the attacks of 
this pest, though a large number of other plants are infested, including the bean, 
egg-plant, melon, lettuce, grape-leaves, aster, chrysanthemum, salvia, lantana, fuchsia, 
rose, coleus, geranium, primrose, ageratum, etc. 

This insect, I have reason to think, was imported into this district some eight 
years ago. That is when it first came to my notice. I think it must have been 
brought in on plants imported from Eastern Canada and the Bastern States, as 
previous to seeing them here I had noticed their presence mentioned in the different 
trade papers, and inquiries made about them and as to the best way to combat them. 
In this district they are most troublesome to the tomato-grower, and I have known 
instances when the plants have been infested with thousands of them. Some 
growers use the Gerod process of fumigating to destroy them, but, unfortunately, 
I have known as much injury, if not more, has been done by this than what the 
insect would do. So far, I have found the best method is to fumigate with the 
nicotine solution as soon as the pest is noticed. By this means we have been able 
to keep it in check sufficiently, so that our loss has been very slight, but we take 
great care that all plants, after the crop has been gathered, are burnt up. 

If the grower, after his crop is gathered, and the plants burned and the green- 
house is empty of all gther plants, I believe that it would be a good plan to fumigate 
with potassium cyanide, but care must be exercised that the walls between the house 
fumigated and the adjoining house are tight—that is, if the houses are adjoining— 
and as a matter of precaution the adjoining houses should have their ventilators 
left open while the affected house is being fumigated. J think that the resin spray, 
as recommended by the Proyincial Board of Horticulture, as a summer spray, should 
prove of value in fighting this insect, and if we are troubled with it very much this 
season I intend to try it. 


ap 


ne 


Procerpines, 1915. — 29 


CUTWORMS. 


These cause considerable loss, especially in chrysanthemums, but as soon as 
their presence is noticed they can be easily eradicated and destroyed by, the use of 
poison bran. Take a pail of bran and thoroughly mix in about 1 to 14% oz. of Paris 
green, then moisten with sweetened water and spread on the ground and on the 
benches on which the plants are attacked, and in the course of a day or two these 
pests will have disappeared. 

In this paper I have not dealt with all the insect pests that cause loss to the 

grower of plants, etc., under glass, but have dealt with the most important which 
trouble us in this district. 
\ In conclusion, I would strongly impress upon the grower to keep a close watch 
at all times for any signs of attack, and at once use the remedies recommended. 
Do not consider the expense of purchasing the different sprays, as you will lose 
ten times the amount that these will cost by allowing your plants to be overrun. 

I would like to call the attention of this Society to the advisability of approach- 

- ing the Dominion Government regarding the removal of duty on all nicotine solutions, 
such as nicoticide, nicotine, nico-fume, Black Leaf 40, etc. As far as I know, they 
are not manufactured in Canada, or likely to be so. Now, as these preparations are 
only used for the extermination of the natural enemies of the growers, I consider 
it would be a good policy to enable the grower to procure these at the least possible 
expense. 


Mr. Day: Any questions you would like to ask about this paper? Mr. Treherne 
will be pleased to give you any explanations he can. 

Question: What is the best way to destroy insects that get down into the root 
of the cabbage? 

Mr. Treherne: That is a fly known as the cabbage-maggot, and it is a little 
white grub at the root of the cabbage. It is the worst insect found in truck- 
gardens, as it is believed to destroy 75 per cent. of the cabbages in this part of the 

world. The best remedy against it is to get a piece of tar-paper and insert around 
the plant on the surface of the ground. 

Question: TI tried it last year, but it did not have any effect. 

Mr. Treherne: Perhaps your paper was too light; if it is not heavy enough it 
will curl with the sun. Under experimental work we have had 90 per cent. efficiency 
during the last two years with this same method. There is a solution you can use; 
carbolic acid and soap mixed into a solution and dilute it 1 to 15 and pour about 
“5 oz. around each plant once a week during the early part of the season, and it 
will take about eight applications, but this solution will not give you as good results 
as the tar-paper. 

Mr. T. Wilson: Talking about this same thing, I was talking to a gentleman at 
Chilliwack, and he had tried both methods with a good deal of success. He used 
this carbolic solution which I had told him about and he added so much arsenate of 
lead, and before planting he dipped the roots into this solution and he had S80 per 
cent. success. 

Mr. Lyne: I believe that arsenate of lead diluted at the rate of 2 lb. to 50 
gallons of water would not be injurious to the plant, and would be a sufficient 
quantity to stay on the plant; and if it did it would be perfectly impossible for 
the laryee to consume any of the plant. 

Question: I would like to hear more about the tar-paper. 

Mr. Treherne: Do you know how it works? You make a disk of the tar-paper 
about 3 inches diameter with a slit in the centre, and as you put your plant in 

~ the ground you place this disk flush to the surface of the ground around the neck 
of the plant. The idea is that if the tar-paper is fresh it will keep the fly away; 
and if it does not, the eggs will be laid on the surface and often perish. 


30 B.C. ENromMonocican Socrery. 


x 


Question: How long do these plants have to be protected before the maggots 
cease to act? 

Mr. Treherne: The fly will be laying eggs until September, but probably the 
plant will be so well established by the middle of July that further control against~ 
it would not be of practical value. _ = : 

The President: I will now call on Mr. F. H. Getchell, Vancouver, B.C., for his 
paper on “ Insects of the Lower Fraser Valley.” 


NOTES ON SOME INSECTS OF THE LOWER FRASER VALLEY. 
By F. H. Grercwect, Fietp INSPEcToR, PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENT or FRuIT PEsTs. 


During the past three seasons I have had the opportunity of collecting a few 
notes on the habits of insects frequenting the orchards of the Lower Fraser Valley. 
Through the courtesy of my Department I am permitted to give the Society a record 
of some of the notes obtained under their authorization. Many of the insects I 
have recorded in my notes have already been well reported in an article by Mr. 
Treherne in Bulletin 4 of the British Columbia Entomological series, and con- 
sequently it will not be necessary to deal at any length with any one individual 
insect. I have, however, several notes of local importance which may well supple- 
ment the facts already recorded. 


Tue Wooitty Apuis (Hriosoma lanigera). 


This insect is found in nearly every orchard in the valley. During the past 
season I have spent considerable time both in spraying and investigating this insect 
in the orchard owned by J. H. Lawrence, Hatzic, which numbered 2,500 trees from 
four to seven years old. Upon my first inspection I found one corner of the orchard, 
consisting of about 300 trees, seven-year-olds, badly infested with woolly aphis; 
the old stem mothers and the young brown aphides having, for the most part, 
wintered over on the trees. As a result of their work the small limbs and spurs 
were split and covered with the usual galls. <A spray of Black Leaf 40, 1-800, and 
ordinary soap, 2-50, was applied, combined with lime-sulphur. In another set of 
experiments the lime-sulphur was replaced by soluble sulphur, a new spraying com- 
pound freshly come on to the market in these parts. The Government Bean power- 
sprayer, with Friend nozzles, was used at a pressure of 200 lb., and at a moderate 
estimate 75 per cent. of the aphides were killed at the first spraying. Although it 
is perhaps a trifle premature to make any definite statements about the relative 
virtues of the two sprays, lime-sulphur and soluble sulphur, yet I may say that, 
from this past summer’s experiments, I haye so far seen no difference in the 
effective values. 

Twice during the summer they were treated by hand with coal-oil, once 
immediately after spraying. They were again sprayed with the machine the second 
week in August, with Black Leaf 40 from 1-800 to 1-1,000, and whale-oil soap 2-50. 
During this spraying I found it necessary to leave the district temporarily, but in 
a week’s time I took the work up again. JI soon discovered the aphides -were 
migrating to a greater extent than I have ever observed before, and some of the 
older forms were dying. The date was the first week in September. 

Later I observed a few of the migrants settled on the main bodies of the pear- 
trees in the neighbouring orchards. This is in itself an interesting observation, 
but I noted, further, that pear-trees as late as October still contained specimens of 
woolly aphides on them. These aphides were observed to be quite active when not 
eyen disturbed. I judged that, as the species does not habitually frequent the pear, 
they were ill at ease. Besides the movement to the pear, I noticed that a migration 
also took place to apple-trees where apparently the aphides localized and would 
remain there until the following year. I have no doubt, further, that many of the 
migrants, in searching for suitable trees on which to settle, failed to locate, and 


-.- -Procwrpines, 1915. - 31 


thus many were lost; furthermore, I haye no doubt also that a percentage of the 
brood did not move at all, but remained on the same trees as they were on during 
er the summer. However, the migration as a whole was most marked, as I observed 
before. ; ; ? 

= — Two apple-trees were so covered with aphides in September that in appearance 
Ba they resembled snow. These trees were sprayed with Black Leaf 40 and whale-oil 
: soap. This spray was very effective, as no aphides were found to survive. 


~ THe PEAR-LEAF BLISTER-MITE (Hriopyes pyri). 


This insect, which I have found in some orchards at Mission, had destroyed all 

- the fruit. It is not necessary to mention the damage to the foliage, as. this injury 

_ -is well known. The former. observation is, of course, the most important. A little 

a infection occurs in every orchard visited in the valley, which indicates that it is 
spread throughout the whole valley. ~ 


 THr Bup-more (Tmetocera ocellana). 


De This insect is steadily increasing in the valley. Some orchardists believe it 
thins out the fruit on the tree; consequently they believe it a benefit rather than a 
eg detriment. The fallacy of this view I need not expose. While spraying the past 
season I found it working on the opening buds and blossoms the first week in April. 
Saad applied arsenate of lead, 2 lb. to 50 gallons water, with good results, though 
further demonstration spraying with this insect would prove beneficial. Its dis- 
_—- tribution is general, and it is probably the most serious of our pests. 


“e THE OYSTER-SHELL SCALE (Lepidosaphes ulmi). 

ei This insect requires little comment pertaining to its life-history, only as regards 
_ spraying during hatching season. At different points from Haney to Mission I 
found this scale hatching, and in some cases set by May 15th; while in 1912 it was 
about the first of June before similar conditions were noticed. This indicates a 


aa 
wide range, due to local climatic conditions. : 


THE TENT-CATPRPILLAR (Malacosoma erosa). 


- ‘ - These insects were hatched and well developed and doing considerable damage 
ae ‘at Haney on May 20th, having almost entirely disappeared at Mission by June 12th. 


> 
- 

q _ THE OBLIQUE BANDED LEAF-ROLLER (Archips rosaccana). 

s This insect was very numerous in this city as well as on the Lower Fraser 
y ‘Walley this past summer. I am convinced that this insect can be easily controlled 
7 by the use of arsenate of lead applied about May 15th, judging from this season’s 
e. observations. 


5, 


8 THE Rosy Apwis (Aphis sorbi). 

at This aphis is proving to be a pest of marked importance and is spread over a 
large territory. It works on the opening foliage and is more difficult to control than 
other aphides, as it curls the leaf quicker than other species. In an orchard near 
Mission there was considerable damage caused by this insect during the two 
_ previous seasons. The aphis as a rule disappears to a large extent by the middle 
2 of June, and reoccurs on apple-trees in September. I believe this is about the time 
of their migration, but the secondary host as yet has not been learned. I have used 


ar 
' Black Leaf 40, 1-800, on this aphis quite successfully, the essential point being 


earliness. 


Tur Lesser APrPLe-worm (Znarmonia prunivora). 
- It is indeed reasonable that this insect should demand its share of investigation. 
_ It existed in orchards where it had not been found before this summer. There 


nd. The first larvee appeared about the middle of July, and the last about the 
Liddle of September. They were more numerous in orchards bordered by woods, 
ie 


32 - B.C. EnroMoLocicaL Society. S 


+ - = 


where the insect must hibernate. In the season of 1912, while spraying an old 
orchard near Abbotsford the first week in July, arsenate of lead was added to the 
spray. <As the result of this experiment not half a dozen worms were found, while 
in the previous season this orchard was badly infested. 


SPRAYING. 


The value of spraying is often doubted by the average fruit-grower. But this 
misapprehension is largely due to an ignorance of results. It has been proven, 
however, that more eonsideration should be given spraying, both as to method and 
time of application, also the amount of material used. I have been requested to 
add a few practical facts on this subject. 

The following is an estimate of some figures I have obtained concerning the 
cost of spraying. Lime and sulphur is sold at the rate of 27% cents per 40-gallon 
barrel, and arsenate of lead at 14 cents per 100 lb. A five-year-old tree will require 
the use of 1%4 gallon of diluted spray, and a twenty-year-old tree 5 gallons of such 
spray. This may seem to be a close estimate, but using a power-sprayer with an 
equal pressure, and careful work, I have figured this to be 5 cents per five-year-old 
tree and 20 cents per twenty-year-old tree, or, as one good authority has stated, 
1 cent per tree per year. 

I am now desirous of making a few conclusive remarks relative to the best 
sprays to use, their number, also some results. I would unquestionably not omit 
the regular dormant spray of lime and sulphur applied at the time the buds are 
breaking, and the 1-3 scab sprays, the number of the latter depending on the season, 
with the first coinciding with the first lime-sulphur spray. Soluble sulphur has 
proven to be very effective, but its use as yet cannot be recommended for summer 
work. A fall spray of Bordeaux mixture should be applied to apple-trees for 
anthracnose, and one additional, if infection is very serious, according to the season. 

From my experience of Fraser Valley conditions I realize that at the present 
status of our knowledge it is extremely difficult to lay down any definite rule which 
will cover any definite number of years and give equal results. As I have attempted 
to point out, especially as regards the spring development of buds and the consequent 
hatching of insects, in special reference, as this paper shows, to the cyster-shell 
seale, the season is extremely variable. I have no doubt that some years a single 
spray applied judiciously in the spring will accomplish as much as three sprayings 
could in an unfavourable year. During this past summer in particular, which was 
the driest we have experienced in the valley in twenty years, we did obtain good 
results with one spraying applied as the buds had well broken. In another year 
with a moist, wet spring the same results could not have been obtained with three 
sprayings. Consequently, we are down to this fact: that the individual fruit-grower 
in close co-operation with the Department of Horticulture will have to decide on the 
programme, one year with another. 

As a general rule, however, allowing for the above-named limitations, I may say 
these three sprayings are required: (1) Winter spray, lime-sulphur, 1-9, with 
arsenate of lead, 214-40 gallons, as the buds are breaking; (2) summer spray, lime- 
sulphur, 1-25 to 30, with arsenate of lead, 2144-40 gallons, after blossoming; (3) 
Bordeaux, 6-6-40, in the fall after the first rains (usually late in September or till 
October 15th). 


Mr. Day: I am sure Mr. Getchell will be glad to answer any questions regarding — 


his paper. There is one question I would like to ask; that is regarding the woolly 
aphis, which very often hibernates in the roots of the apple-trees. How would you 
control it? 

Mr. Getchell: I think some have successfully combated it by applying tobaceco- 
leayes to the roots, but for an orchard, personally I do not think it would be a very 
practical thing to do. A 


ast 


-~ 


. PrRoceepinGs, 1915. : 33 


(Then followed a general discussion regarding the woolly aphis.) 


Question: Have you any remedy to keep strawberry-plants from being 
destroyed? Sometimes when the plant is in full bearing it dies down, and the 
heart of the plant turns quite black. 

Mr. Treherne: In our experience with strawberry-plants we find three distinet 
causes. The first is caused by the dampness of the soil that produces a rot of the 
root; secondly, of the leaf; this is due to the dampness of the soil, as well as the 
lack of lime in the soil. The soil around here would stand 2 tons of lime to the 
acre without doing any damage to it. Then the second cause is overproduction. 
AF The spring opens up so moderately that, unless a spring frost comes, we often get 

an overproduction of fruit, resulting in some dried-up strawberries. If the spring 

frost comes along and nips off a quarter or half of the blossoms, then you will have 

a good crop. Thirdly, you will find a white grub in the roots. These are the various 
y causes, and I do not know to which one you refer. 

F Mr. Day: I will now call on Mr. W. H. Lyne, Assistant Inspector of Fruit 
z Pests, Vancouver, to read his paper on “ Remarks on the Life-history of Codling- 
moth on the Pacific Coast of British Columbia.” 


COMMENTS ON SOME PECULIARITIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE LIFE- 
HISTORY OF THE CODLING-MOTH ON THE PACIFIC COAST. 


By W. H. Lyne, Assistant Lyspector or Frurr Pests. 
J 


Fr The history of the codling-moth on, the Pacific Coast appears to have been a 
repetition of misunderstandings as to the insect’s ability to acclimatize itself. to the 
peculiar atmospheric conditions near the sea-coast. Perhaps the first locality to 
experience its mistake was Santa Cruz County, California, where it was prophesied 
that on account of the salt air and damp, foggy weather that prevailed so much 
during certain seasons, the codling-moth would not thrive, and if it managed to 
exist at all would never be of any economic importance. 

However, the facts are these: that within ten years from the time of inception 
this industrious insect had become the scourge of the apple-growers in that locality ; 
and so it has repeated its history at one point after another in California, Oregon, 
and Washington, until about five years ago we suddenly awakened to the fact that, 


. although a few stray specimens were known to have been in existence for a few 
% years previous in the Victoria and Saanich District on Vancouver Island, the 


codling-moth had finally demonstrated its ability to become just as great a pest 

and nuisance to the apple and pear growers of Vancouver Island as in many other 
: places. The situation as discovered demanded immediate action on the part of 
those who were responsible for keeping the pest out of the Province, and it was 
: during the campaign of exterminating this invader that special attention was paid 
_ to many details peculiar to its habits and life-history in general. 

Just about this time there was considerable discussion by experts and others 
in the Western States as to whether the moth could be controlled with one applica- 
tion of arsenate of lead at the time blossoms were falling, or what is often termed 
“ calyx-spraying,” the aim being to fill the calyx-cup of the fruit, just forming, before 
it closed, after which the inside cavity is fortified against the attack of the young 
larva attempting to enter. Those in favour of one spraying appear to haye been 
under the impression that nearly all the larvie of the first brood entered the fruit by 
way of the calyx or blossom end, and by so doing consumed the poison in the calyx- 


cup, thus ending their career. 
: During the process of searching every tree for wormy fruit, in order to ascertain 
the amount of infection and destroy all that could be found, a close check was kept 
. 3 


34 : B.C. ENToMOLOGICAL Socrery. 


as to which part of the apple or pear the larva made its entry, resulting in the 
following record :— 


Entered | : | 
Infected; Larvie | Fruit at) Larve | Larvae 
Year, 1909, Victoria District, Apples entered Points | Doubt- found | found ~ 
commencing July 5th. and Fruit at other ful. under | under 
Pears. Calyx. than Bands. | Bark. 
Calyx. 3 
Tilye Mee eid Feo eos 247 140 82 | 25 Mie tener 
PATI BUSES eieepstese einer este thas 5,118 2417 2,361) | 640 239 bes 
S\agi@ue) (se Bir ho sol dain ae 2,245 630 1,253 | - 362 420° 4 2-50 
PROBA Srisese atone ater ameness 7,610 | 2,887 3,696 | 1,027 659 | 50 


The table of infection proves that the greater number of moths hatched out 
between July Ist and August 15th, and during the whole season not more than 
50 per cent. of the laryze entered the fruit at the calyx, thus making it absolutely 
necessary to spray a second time at least, so that the enlarged surface of the fruit 
that had developed since the first spraying should be protected against the attack 
of the young larve that had hatched from the eggs deposited on the fruit by the 
moth, which did not commence to fly, or practically exist, until a month to six weeks 
after the first spraying. This, I think, proves clearly that the first spraying would 
only account for about 50 per cent. of the larvee, which was all that made any 
attempt to enter at the point containing the poison,—viz., the calyx. 

I think it well to say that I am fairly well acquainted with the liteyature pub- 
lished in the United States and Canada on the codling-moth, and have known that 
the majority of investigators have determined that about 75 per cent. enter at the 
calyx and 25 per cent. at other points. I am inclined to think that the records of 
Victoria, B.C., conditions, of 50 per cent. calyx-infection, are unique, so far as this 
point goes. I am satisfied to state that our records were made from a complete set 
of records, involving the entire area of infestation, where every apple was examined 
individually and carefully. When it can be shown that the entire outbreak involved 
the examination of 7,610 fruits, we were not able to go very far wrong. 

This much may be said, however: that the calyx-infestation percentage was 
higher in the early summer, but it gradually decreased, with the result at the end 
of the period of hatching the points of entrance were equalled. This may be due 
to the gradual opening of the spring, accompanied by cool nights and a longer drawn- 
out emergence and hatching period of the moth. 

Our records show that the first moths did not begin to hatch out from their 
winter cocoons until the middle of June, and very few were on the wing before 
July 1st; by the middle of September the pupating or hatching season was over, and 
the percentage of the second brood was so small as to be scarcely recognized. 

Considerable difference of opinion exists as to the exact time for codling-moth 
spraying and the number of times to spray. Everything depends upon the peculiar 
characteristics and life-history of the moth in any or every district, as atmospheric 
conditions have everything to do with regard to the number of broods hatching out 
in the one season. 

In order that the first or calyx spraying should be sufficient to control the 
infection, it would be necessary for all the first brood to enter at the calyx, but 
unfortunately, as has been shown, the larva chooses to use its own discretion as to © 
just where and when it should enter the fruit. Some preferred to enter at the side, 
where two apples were touching, or in contact with a leaf or branch, while others 
entered at the stem end. No larva was discovered to have left the fruit until after 
_ the middle of August, proving that none of the worms infesting the fruit during that 
month were from a second brood. It required about thirty days for a larva to gain its” 
full growth in the fruit. Those that pupated again during the same seascn were about 
twelve days from the date of leaving the fruit until hatching out to the new moth. 


ive) 
Or 


ProcerpiNnes, 1915. 


These details, on the whole, appear to tally pretty closely with the metamorphosis 
of the moth in other latitudes, with the exception that the number of broods per 
season are not so numerous this far north as they are to the south. 

So far as our success of getting rid of the codling-moth on Vancouver Island is 
concerned, I felt quite safe the other day when I informed a gentleman that, if I 
‘gaye him $5 on condition that he find me a codling-moth larva, he would think he 
‘had more than earned the money. 


(Then followed a general discussion regarding the codling-moth.) 

Mr. Day: I will now call on Mr. R. C. Treherne, Field Officer, Dominion 
Division of Entomology, Agassiz, to give his lecture on “Insects affecting Shade- 
trees and Ornamentals around Vancouver.” 


af 7) -SHADE-TREE AND ORNAMENTAL INSECTS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA. 


= 


By R. C. TREHERNE, FIrtpd Orricer, HENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH, DOMINION DEPARTMENT 
x OF AGRICULTURE, AGASSIZ, B.C. 


be The subject I propose to take up to-day is naturally one that appeals to garden- 
lovers and those especially interested in the beautification of boulevards and parks. 

Ido not propose to make an exhaustive study of all the insects found on shade-trees 
and ornamentals, but merely to touch upon certain of the more important and most 
noticeable, which year in and year out attract attention by their presence. 


ss HEMIPTERA (TRUE Bugs). 
SCALE-INSECTS. 
iy Scale-insects are those which cover themselves with a waxy shield or scale, under 
which they lie protected and hidden from yiew. It is only necessary to draw your 
attention to the very familiar oyster-shell scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi) to give you an 
excellent illustration of the type of insect referred to as a “scale-insect.” This 
-— oyster-shell scale occurs on a great many different species of shrubs and trees in this 
part of the world (see Bull. 5), and being very plentiful and numerous may readily 
be taken and studied, in a general way, as a type. Its common name indicates 
its appearance, and there is no other insect so readily available that has such 
. characteristic markings. Beneath these protecting scales the soft-bodied insects lie 
immoyable, but are able to grow and reproduce. Fach one is furnished with a 
minute ‘ sucker,’ which is inserted into the plant-tissue, thereby obtaining nourish- 
ment for itself: 
: Other scale-insects of ornamentals may be observed in the vicinity (Vancouver, 
 B.C.), notably the following :— 
The rose-scale (Aulacaspis rose). 
The cottony maple-scale (Pulvinaria innumerabilis Rathy.). 
The European fruit-scale (Aspidiotus ostrformis). 

; Lecanium spp. on maples, laurels, ete. , 

: Chionaspis palm-scale (Chrysomphalus dictyospermi). 

~ The cottony maple-scale, found on stems and twigs of maples and many rosaceous 
plants, presents a familiar appearance with its white cottony exudation beneath a 

‘brown shield or scale. The European fruit-scale, found on the mountain-ash, 
flowering crabs, ete., may be recognized as minute black specks with orange-coloured 
centres or “nipples.” The Lecaniums, of which it is believed two species occur in 
ee Vancouver on maples, laurels, ete.—viz.. hemisphericum and hesperidum—are known 
as somewhat large, spherical brown scales on the stems and leaves. All these scales 
may be controlled by the use of kerosene emulsion in the spring, or by caustic-soda 
; applications during winter. The palm-scale is peculiar to plants and ferns in the 
~ greenhouse and conservatory, and the rose-scale has been taken in North Vancouver. 
-ApHIpEs. 
“s These insects, commonly referred to as “ green lice,’ form colonies on the leaves 
and twigs of plants they attack. The species frequently found on roses may be taken 


” 


wy) 
SS 


B.C. ENroMoLoGican Socrery. 


as a type. Each species of plant, for the most part, has a different species of aphis— 


attacking it, but despite the varietal differences all are similar in structure, and for 
the most part in habits also. They are soft-bodied creatures, slow-moving, usually 
green, brown, or covered with a whitey, woolly excretion. All are sucking-insects 


and can be controlled by applications of soapy solutions, kerosene emulsion, or caustic 


spray, the only requisite being necessary that each individual receive attention. 
Black Leaf 40 has been found particularly efficaceous and easy to apply. 
THE TARNISHED PLANT-BUG (Lygus pratensis). ; 

The malformations of such plants as chrysanthemums, dahlias, and asters, pro- 
ducing often a one-sided flower-development or sometimes a total ‘‘ blighting” of the 
flower-bud, are due in a great many cases to the attack on the bud by the above- 
named insect. The adult is very active, about 144 inch long, and darts away rapidly 
when approached; brown in general colour, but frequently adopting a yellowish or 
red tinge. The latest report on this insect (Cornell Bull. 346, June, 1914) records 
the satisfactory contrel as ‘still an unsolved problem.” Under garden conditions 

sprays of nicotine or kerosene emulsion or dry applications of pyrethrum, sulphur, 
or ashes will give relief. 


THE RoOsE-LEAF Hopper. 

Frequenfly on the under-surfaces of rose-leaves a number of small white hopping 
insects may be observed. If the bush be disturbed these ‘ hoppers” will fly out in 
great numbers. If careful watch he kept, it will be seen that each insect is methodi- 
cally absorbing the juices of the leaf with its sucker inserted into the tissues of the 
plant. A peculiar white mottlish appearance shows on the upper surface of the 
attacked leaves. When these conditions. are observed we are usually dealing with 
the above insect. Control of this insect, again, is a difficult matter, but careful 
sprays of nicotine or kerosene emulsion applied in May, preferably early in the 
morning, and especially directed to the under-surfaces of the leaves, will assist 
materially in the control. 

SPITTLE-INSECTS (Cercopide). 

These insects produce a peculiar saliva-like excretion on many plants in the 
herbaceous border and on grass. Within this liquid excretion a small yellow insect 
will be seen. During the past few years this insect has been the cause of much 
inquiry. Applications of kerosene emulsion or a strong driving force of water from 
a hose will destroy a number of these insects. 


LEPIDOPTERA (BUTTERFLIES AND MorTHs). 


THE OBLIQUE BANDED LEAF-ROLLER (Archips rosaceana) (Tortricide). 

The larval form of butterflies and moths are referred to in general terms as 
caterpillars or ‘ worms,” and it is only in the larval form that they attract attention 
of the gardener. We have several insects in the vicinity of Vancouver which yearly 
cause damage by devouring the leaves and flowers of ornamentals. One of the most 
important in this regard are the caterpillars of the above moth. They are familiar 
to all amateur rose-gardeners and horticulturists. 

They are usually light green in colour, with an evidence of a darker colour of 
green along the centre of the back; head very dark brown, almost black. They may 
be seen in the curl of some leaves, doing damage to both leaves and flowers by 
devouring the tissues. When disturbed they wriggle rapidly backwards and drop 
to the ground by means of a thread of silk. They quickly make a rose-garden look 
unsightly and the destruction of the bloom causes great inconvenience. The food- 
plants of this insect are very numerous, and from the number of egg-masses which 
may be seen by any one in this city (Vancouver, B:C.) on the trunks of maples, 
mountain-ashes, apples, and several other boulevard trees, as well as on the veranda 


woodwork, it is evident that it attacks more plants than actually Lave been observed — 


Bir Procrrpincs, 1915. : 37 
5 


so far in these parts. It has been estimated that a single female moth will lay on 
the average of 305 eggs, and that a cluster of eggs will contain an average of 117 
eggs, thus indicating that a single moth will deposit one or more clusters of eggs. 
(Sanderson. ) 

During the past winter I collected a number of these egg-masses and estimated 
that medium-sized clusters contained on the average of 48.5 eggs, with an average 
hatching fertility of 56.6 per cent. Parasites play an important part in the control 
of this insect during the summer, as has and may be shown by breeding tests, other- 
wise the former figures would indicate a serious outlook for the safety of our shade- 
trees. The brown moths fly in July and may be collected in thousands around the 
electric lights in the streets and on verandas. 

- As a control nicotine sulphate has been proven yery efficacious, and infinitely 
more satisfactory to use on plants growing over verandas, steps, or trellis-work 

> around houses than arsenate of lead, mainly for the reason that it does not mark 
the paint or woodwork. Arsenate of lead, apart from its unsightly effect in a rose- 
garden, is an admirable insecticide. 


THE Rose Bup-worm (Olethreutes sp.) (Tortricidie). 

A species resembling the Eastern nimbatana has been taken here (Vancouver. 
B.C.), reared from apple. Literature of the species records it under the above 
common name. Apparently its habits on the rose, as, indeed, the whole ‘* make-up” 
of the larva itself, closely resembles the former species, A. rosaceana, so that the 
two are hardly distinguishable. 


THe FRrvuit-TREw LEAP-ROLLER (Archips argyrospila) (Tortricidie). 
, This is another insect closely related and similar to the two foregoing Tortri- 
cide. It has been reared on the Pacific Coast from apple, and as it is a very general 
feeder on all kinds of ornamental shrubs and trees, there is little doubt it can also 
be incorporated in this article. The full-grown larva is dark green in colour, about 
34 inch in length, with the head, thoracic shield, and legs of brown. 


THe ALPALFA-LOoPER (Phylometia (Plusia) californica) (Noctuidie). 

During the past season (1914) this insect has been prevalent. There was a 
serious outbreak recorded for the Okanagan during the early part of the summer. 
(See page 9.) Its attack on rhodedendrons, laurels, bollies, roses, and several 
other shrubs and plants has attracted attention on the Coast. The larvee are capable 
- of completely defoliating a bush, and are recognized as olive-green caterpillars, with 
bright-green heads, mouth-parts brown, and black thoracie legs. When disturbed 
they curl up and drop to the ground, then refusing to move. Fortunately parasites 
, played an important part in the control of these insects. While they were very 
common this past season, there is little likelihood of damage being caused in the 
_ 1915 season. 3 


THE West Coast PAINTED-LADY (Vanessa carye) (Nymphalinie). 


S 
2 The over-wintering butterflies of this species may often be taken in the first 
warm days of the spring. While the adult is one of the most beautiful of our Coast 
E butterflies, the larvee are by no means so prepossessing. During this past summer 
ms 


the caterpillars were plentiful on many malyaceous plants, and hollyhocks in partieu- 
lar suffered severely in Vancouver. Both V. atlanta and V. cardui oceur on the 
Coast, the former being rare, while the latter may frequently be found on thistles. 
Vanessa californica is mainly confined to interior points of this Province on its 
natural food-plants of the Ceanothus family. 


THe Biues (Lycienide). 
The laryie of one of these butterflies this summer destroyed the appearance of 
- patches of violets in the gardens of the city by riddling the leaves with feeding 
4 areas and in some cases by totally destroying the leaf. 


38 B.C. Exromonocican Society. 


Tur Tussocn-mMotH (Hemerocampa antiqua) (Lymantriide). 


During the past two summers the larye of this moth has been very destructive 
to azaleas, laurel hedges, and hollies in the city, and may be found on such trees on 
the boulevards as elm, birch, willow, poplar, maple, chestnut, ash, mountain-ash, 
as well as on the varieties of apple. The attack on the last-named trees is likely 
to pass notice until at a last moment, in a year of special prevalence, when parasites 
are limited, the attack becomes so marked that great damage results. City Hfe is 
particularly suited to the growth and reproduction of this insect. The matter of 
control is a very simple matter, for the reason that the female is wingless, and 
consequently is forced to remain localized on one tree, provided it is not transported 
artificially or by contact of branches to another. At this time of year, during the 
winter, the egg-masses may be seen in a cluster of dead leaves still adhering to the 
trees on the streets. In the experience of other cities in Canada, notably to my 
knowledge in Toronto with Hemerocampa leucostigma, the attacks by this insect 
in past years has become so pronounced at times that the city authorities have 
found it expedient to follow the recommendations of the entomologists. Boys were 
employed on the bounty principle to collect these egg-masses during winter. Up 
till the present time Vancouver and. other Coast cities have not suffered to any 
marked extent, but the presence of these caterpillars during the past two seasons 
would indicate that close watch should be kept for fear of an outbreak in the future. 


THE TENT-CATERPILLAR (Malacosoma erosa) (Lasiocampids). 

This is another insect which appears as a periodical destructive visitant. When 
if does occur it causes an extreme amount of damage to shade-trees and shrubs in 
these parts (Vancouver). It is fully dealt with in Bulletin No. 4 of our series; 
consequently it does not need to be mentioned to any extent here. 


THE Fatt, Web-wormM (Hyphantria cunea) (Arctiide). 

During the past few years this insect has not heen oyver-plentiful. During the 
years surrounding 1908 the webs of this Arctiid were “ very conspicuous.” It is my 
impression that it is again obtaining an ascendancy over its parasites, for the 
unsightly webs frequently recur to one’s notice. e 


THE Curworms (Peridroma saucia) (Noctuide). 

Cutworms of all descriptions have proven themselves at times destructive, but 
the above species, this past summer and in former years in the Province and on 
the Coast, has been especially injurious to many kinds of plants in the garden. 
The greasy-looking worms are mostly nocturnal feeders, and only in cases of extreme 
prevalence do they adopt daylight-feeding habits. Frequently one finds a plant very 
badly defoliated or suddenly cut off at the ground, and for a time one is at a loss 
to assign the cause or observe the culprit. By carefully sifting the soil around the 


plant the eutworm may be found. If it belongs to the above species it will be, when 


full grown, about 124 inches in length, dull brown in colour, mottled grey or black, 
with a row of four to six yellow spots on the back. As°a control for this class of 
insect a mixture of 50 Ib. bran, sugar syrup, and 1 lb. Paris green, all mixed together 
and placed around a plant in the evening, will be effective. = 


THE DIAMoND-BACKED Morn (Plutella maculipennis). 

A small green worm measuring about 144 inch or rather more when full grown 
has been very destructive this year, more so than in any of the past three years 
to my knowledge. Stocks and sweet peas suffered greatly, as did the cruciferous 
garden-truck crops. The larva is very active when disturbed and quickly falls to 
the ground. The cocoon is formed on the leaves of the plant attacked, and is 
recognized as a delicate silk gauze-like structure resembling a loose-mesh piece 


and probably a third supplementary brood in the Fraser Valley. 


see ¢ Proceepines, 1915. -: 39 


THE HeEMLOCK-LOOPER (Vherina sp.). 


: Two ‘loopers” occur on the Coast, one attacking hemlocks (Vancouver) and 
= the other oaks (Victoria). The former, I believe, is referred to as 7. fervidaria, 
> while the latter has been called 7. somniaria. I am not satisfied that we are entirely 
correct as to these specific names, and it is advisable to make more certain. The 
former species on the hemlock is one of the specially injurious in Stanley Park at 
the present time. 


CEDAR-LEAF MINER. 

The larva of a small moth is commonly to be found mining the leaves of the 
cedar. It is very prevalent in certain sections of Stanley Park, and greatly dis- 
4 figures the trees. It will be recognized by its habits of turning the leaves brown 
=. and hy producing a swelling on the affected leaf-tissues. 


THE SPRUCE-CHERMES. 

These and other insects affecting the timber of the Pacific Coast have been the 
subject of considerable investigation by Mr. J. M. Swaine, who has charge of forest- 
insect investigations under the Dominion Entomological Branch. It is to be hoped 
that when Mr. Swaine has completed his work, in which he is being assisted by 
: Mr. I. N. Chrystal, he will be able to give our Society some of the benefits of his 
S researches. 


ay COLEOPTERA (BEETLES). 
Otiorhynchus sulcatus. 

A large white grub may frequently be found in and among the roots of several 
plants in the herbaceous horder, notably in primulas. Frequent reports have been 
received in the city regarding this insect. It also has been ohserved affecting straw- 
berries, and growers of this crop in a few cases have lost severely. The larve may 
be found embedded in the roots of the plants, actively deyouring the tissues, while 
those specimens in the soil will devour the roots themselves. The result is that the 
< plants die, the effect becoming most noticeable in the spring. The eggs of the species 

are laid during August, and the minute larvie hateh in September, and become 
quarter-grown during the fall. A partial dormancy is experienced during the winter, 
but in the spring the attack again progresses. It is at this time that the plants 
suffer most. Pupze are formed in the soil during May and June, and the adults 
appear in June and July. 

_ A close relative, O. ovatus, is found to be the more injurious of the two species 
to the fruit-grower, but O. sulcatus las proved more important to the gardener. 
K The life-histories of the two species closely resemble one another, and a report on 
O. ovatus with control measures may be seen in Bulletin No. 2 of our series, page 41. 


CLICK-BEETLES (Elateride). 

We have many species of click-beetles recorded in our proceedings; several of 
them have been shown to be injurious to blossoms of trees while in bloom. The 
A ~ damage, of course, to the fruit-grower is more serious than to the gardener, for the 
¥ reason that the attack destroys the possibility of the resultant fruit. However, 
it is interesting to note that the adults of these beetles are also injurious to 
ornamentals. ' 


CHRYSOMELIDS. 
These leaf-feeding beetles at times pay us visits, as they did last summer, and 


me 


~ Tue PorLar-BorerR (Saperda calcarata). 
This beetle is also recorded for the Proyince as injurious to willows and poplars. 


od 


40) - B.C. EnromoLocicaL Socrery. 


DiepTteRA (IF LIEs). 


There are two flies which are gaining in importance in the garden and green- 
houses of Vancouver—viz., the chrysanthemum leaf-miner and the narcissus-fly. 
The former I reported in my paper of last year, and an account may be seen in 
Bulletin 4 of our series, as affecting white daisies and chrysanthemums. The latter, 
howeyer, the narcissus-fly (Merodon equestris), while also reported on at length in 
the same Bulletin 4, requires further mention. I again wish to warn those who are 
interested that this insect is rapidly increasing its sphere of prevalence. During 
the past spring I observed an extraordinary bad attack from this insect just out- 
side the city limits of Vancouver. Upwards of half an acre of bulbs, buried in the 
ground and neglected, were severely infested. This instance is only one of many 
in which careless growers of bulbs neglect their grounds to increase the breeding 
area of this insect. I understand that when there is no sale for the bulbs it is the 
practice by commercial gardeners to “heel” in the bulbs, trusting to make money 
by any chance blooms during the spring. This practice cannot be too strongly 
condemned, as the unfortunate private residents of the locality suffer as a direct 
result. I have known cases of individuals in the City of Vancouver who have 
failed to harvest their bulbs owing to this fly, and Ihave no doubt, further, that 
many bulbs suffer which we do not hear about. , 

Three years ago the Victoria District was suffering severely, and at-that time 
we only had actual references of a few cases of infection in Vancouver. Last year 
the attack was noticed in private gardens, indicating an increase. This year I feel 
sure that it has increased to a remarkable extent, more so than we can gauge from 
exact data. Furthermore, Mr. Tom Wilson, Dominion Inspector of Indian Orchards, 
informs me that less than 1 per cent. of a large bed of daffodils planted on the 
All Hailows grounds at Yale, 150 miles inland, matured. The sisters in charge 
remarked on the condition and produced the insect in question. 

To those who are not familiar with this insect will find references in Bulletins 
1 and 4 of our series. It may be recognized as a large grub within the bulb of 
daffodils, causing a rot. Extreme care should be taken to examine the bulbs before 
planting, and, when, digging, to determine whether or not the bulb is infested. No 
bulb should be left undisturbed during the winter; all should be pulled up for spring 
planting. 

OTHER ANIMALS. 
THE LINDEN-TREE GALL, 

The gall produced on the leaves of basswoods and lindens, and recorded mainly 
from Victoria, but also occurring at points inland, is referred to, in one of the late 
Dr. Fletcher's reports, as the work of Eriophyes abnormis Garman. 

THE Rep Spwwer (Tetranychus bimaculatus ). 

Early in spring, frequently showing activity in the month of February in the 
City of Vancouver, these mites may be seen, forming webs of fine silk over the 
trunks of many of our boulevard trees. Their presence on the trunks of trees is 
readily discernible, resembling in a way as if the trees were dusted with sawdust. 
I took active specimens on February 20th this year.- To satisfy myself, specimens 
were forwarded to Dr. Nathan Banks, of the Washington, D.C., Bureau, and he 
believed them to be the above species. 


DE 
This mite also occurs in association with the red spider, causing discoloration 
of the leaves of ornamentals. 


THE CLOVER-MITE (Bryobia pratensis 


THRIPS. 


According to Comstock’s Classification these insects belong to the Physopoda. 


If you tease open any flower you will usually find a large number of very minute, ~ 


active ereatures; these are usually Thrips. They may be found on yery nearly 


ci Procerpines, 1915. 41 


every kind of flower—viz., aster, dahlias, chrysanthemums, daisies, roses, and many 

others. The damage caused by them is often lost sight of, but in the order we have 
several economic pests, the most important, in our connection, being the greenhouse 
thrip, which is credited as being one of the most injurious of all greenhouse insects 
in these parts. As yet we have had no one to study these insects under our local 
conditions; consequently there is some excellent work ready at hand for those 
interested. 


SLuGs. 

Slugs in the soil in this part of the world frequently are met with, and their 
slimy nature make them very disagreeable. Their presence is largely accounted 
. for by somewhat sour conditions of soil, such as we have in the city. Applications 

of lime will give relief. 


MOLEs. 

According to Mr. E. M. Anderson, Museum, Victoria, we have two species in 
the immediate vicinity of Vancouver—viz., Townsend’s mole (Scopanus toiwnsendi 
Bach.) and Gibb’s mole (Neuwrotrichus gibbsi Baird). The former is 6 inches in 
length, while the latter is only 3. They are both beneficial, though at times a 
nuisance. 


Mr. Day: I shall now ask Mr. Tom Wilson to read his papers on: (a@.) “ The 
Oyster-shell Scale” (published in Bulletin 5). (0b.) ‘The Remarkable Outbreak of 
Locusts of 1914.” 


THE OUTBREAK OF LOCUSTS OF 1914. 
By Tom Witson, F.R.H.S., DOMINION INSPECTOR OF INDIAN ORCHARDS. 


This past summer has been remarkable for an outbreak of locusts which 
occurred. The immense range areas of the Interior and the fruit lands of the 
Okanagan have suffered equally from the attack, each in its own respective manner. 

Vrue locusts, or short-horned grasshoppers, belong to the entomological family 
Acridiidse. Some of the most numerous and destructive insects belong to this family. 
They are widely dispersed throughout many different parts of the world, and do 
periodical damage in those different parts of the world. They are mentioned in 
many ancient writings; for instance, we read of a plague of locusts in ancient 
Egypt, a country which still is subject to occasional infestations. They are found 
in both the Old and New Worlds: Southern Europe, Algeria, India, South Africa, 
jn the Eastern Hemisphere, and in the Argentine, Mexico, and ‘some of the Western 
United States, as also on the Canadian great plains, and now, owing to several 
> different trains of circumstance, in British Columbia. 
mo! ; The insects of this family have antennze short, much more so than the body; 
the ovipositor of the female also short and composed of four separate plates; the 
tarsi are three-jointed. The hind legs are the longest and usually have stout femora, 
so especially near the base. , 
. Amongst those species of this family that did most damage during the past 
Season, for there were several species involved, were Jelanoplus affinis and H. femur- 
rubrum, the red-legged locust. The first district in which they came under the 
writer’s notice was in the Similkameen Valley, near Princeton, about the middle of 
July. They were so numerous that the flight resembled a snow-storm. We found 
that crops of clover, alfalfa, and the ordinary hay-crops had been much injured, so 
much so as to bring about an appre¢iable shortage in weight per acre, while the 
é ranges or cattle-grazing grounds had been rendered bare. 

_ A little later in the season we were in the Okanagan country near Kelowna, and 
. the same conditions were found to exist. In one young orchard which we visited, 


42 B.C. ENromMoLoGicaL Society. 


the young orchard trees. These trees seemed to have been planted about two years. 
Every tree would have a dozen or more locusts busily eating off the foliage. and 
even the young branches being stripped bare of leaves, petioles, and bark. Where 
the wood was too hard to cut off we found that in many cases the bark of the trunk 
had been girdled. I may say that it appeared that only on clean-ecultiyated orchards 
was this extreme injury found to be the case. Where there was a crop between 
the trees or where there were a few weeds along the roadside or by the fences, the 
trees were more or less untouched. 

In the Spallumcheen country I found the locusts again very numerous, but 
doing no great amount of harm to farm or garden crops, owing, I suppose, to there 
being a goodly supply of their natural food. They had, however, denuded such 
shrubs as the saskatoon, wild roses, willows, buck-brush, ete. 

The grazing-grounds in the vicinity of Nicola Lake were also severely attacked 
and many thousands of acres were rendered useless. Our Secretary, Mr. Treherne, 
made a special trip to the Nicola country to investigate the conditions of the out- 
break. Possibly we may persuade him to tell us more of the exact conditions as 
they appeared to him. I will, however, leave that to him, as the work was done 
at the special request of the Dominion Entomologist in Ottawa, to whom the report 
was forwarded. 

For the benefit of those of our members who may not be acquainted with the 
life-habits of this family of insects, I shall describe briefly the life-history of these 
creatures. = 

The eggs are daid underneath the surface of the soil in an egg-pod in shape 
something like a bent flask. Each of these pods contains from twenty-four to thirty- 
six eggs. Each female in her lifetime usually deposits two of these, though some- 
times three or four may be laid by the same female. The insects pass the winter 
in the egg stage, and the young locusts hatch out in the spring. The period between 
hatching and maturity is from eighty to ninety days, and the grasshopper passes 
through several moults, usually four or five. Only after the last moult does the 
young grasshopper get its full wings. In about a week after reaching maturity the 
adults pair and oviposition commences. 

The egg-masses during winter are largely preyed upon by the larvie of blister- 
beetles, which devour the eggs readily. In connection with this, I may say that I 

found several species of blister-beetles in different parts of the interior of British 
Columbia during the past summer, notably Cantharis cyanipennis, whieh I found in ~ 
large numbers in the Similkameen country usually congregated on the wild vetch. 
I found them beth singly and in copula. They were also noticed in the Boundary 
country on vetches and alfalfa. 

I mentioned in the beginning of this sketch that there were several circum- 
stances which might have bearing on the present infestation and the reasons it 
should have reached the dimensions it did, because, like many other insects, we 
have the grasshoppers always with us, but not in such overpowering numbers. 

The first reason I advance was the abnormally hot and dry season we have 
‘experienced, even for the Dry Belt. This condition was most conducive to the — 
spread of these sun-lovying dry-country insects. Second, the influx of settlers and 
the consequent diminution of the natural food of the locusts. Thirdly too heavy 
grazing on the range, or perhaps, more correctly stated, injudicious grazing on the 
range, has done away with the food-plants and forced the locusts to places where 
they could obtain the requisite amount of nutrition. ; 


Mr. Treherne: Mr. Wilson has correctly stated that I made a short stay in 
the Nicola and Quilchena country investigating the outbreak of locusts that occurred 
the past summer. This was done at the request in the first place by the Forestry 
Branch of the Department of Lands, Victoria, and later by authorization from the 
Division of Entomology in Ottawa. A full report of my trip was forwarded in the — 
usual manner to Ottawa, where a memorandum will no doubt be made out for the — 


ens »ProceEDINGs, 1915. 43 


~ benefit of the Forestry Branch and the ranchers of the Nicola Valley. Without 

as trespassing on the grounds of this memorandum, I may say that I found that the 

spread of these locusts commenced from the Minnie and Courtenay Lake Districts, 

and that they travelled north at least as far as Kamloops, and extended west as 

far as Merritt and east as far as Kelowna. These areas are merely arbitrary as 

representing the probable centre of the infestation. ‘The investigation into the 

Nicola country was begun in the first week of November, 1914, a very unpropitious 

time to study the adults, for very few could be found, and those adults found were 

dead and mutilated in the stacks of hay. The eggs were easily found, and in some 

instances in extreme numbers, indicating clearly that no disease of the adults had 

destroyed the females before their eggs had been laid. Where eggs were found in 

concentrated area, blister-beetle larvae were also numerous enough, no doubt, to 

effect a fair means of control by next spring. Eggs on the range were normal and 

apparently healthy; consequently there is every indication that we shall again be 

bothered by the adults next summer unless one of the usual periodical diseases 

intervenes. I gathered that the outbreaks occur every seven years or so, and that 

‘ the years when the locusts were most numerous and did most damage were 1889, 

: 1898, 1907, and 1914, and that great damage was effected for about three years 

surrounding these dates. It is interesting to note that in one of Dr. Fletcher's old 

reports for 1898 (late Dominion Entomologist), on the authority of Dr. Scudder, the 

following species were involved: ‘The great mass of material was Trimerotropis, 

probably cincta.” Out of the balance he made out the following species: Camnulla 

pellucida, Cercotettiz verruculatus, and Melanoplus atlanis. These species were 
named from specimens from the Nicola District. : 

The next paper is one written by Mr. Lionel I. Taylor on “ Notes on Birds 

- likely to be of Service in the Destruction of Locusts in the Nicola Valley,” and will 

ask Mr. Anderson to read this paper. 


: NOTES ON BIRDS LIKELY TO BE OF SERVICE IN THE DESTRUCTION OF 
Fe ‘GRASSHOPPERS IN THE NICOLA VALLEY. 
By Lionet FE. TAytor; F.Z.S., M.B.0.U., Assoc.Mem.A.0.U. 


The following notes are based on the reports on economic ornithology issued by 
the United States Department of Agriculture and from other sources; they do not 


= pretend to be in any way complete, as the literature at my disposal is limited. The 
___ Species of birds mentioned are those which may with some certainty be presumed 
- ___ to oceur in the Nicola Valley in considerable numbers. There are many other species 


which occur in small numbers or at infrequent intervals, but these have been omitted, 
as it is not thought that they could be of economic importance. 
It must be pointed out that almost all birds will eat grasshoppers at certain 


- - times, and especially when they are feeding their young. It is also important to 
4 note all investigation points to the fact that grasshoppers are exceedingly palatable 


to birds, and that when an incursion of these insects occurs a great many species 
of birds will depart from their usual diet and live almost entirely on grasshoppers. 

Unfortunately there are no birds in this country which exist in such numbers 
as to be able to seriously cope with a large outbreak of grasshoppers as is the case 
in many other countries, and notably in Africa, where such birds as storks, pratin- 
coles, kestrels, and others are eapable of destroying entirely enormous swarms of 
locusts by.their own efforts. In case, however, any doubt may exist on this point, 
I may mention that these flocks of birds frequently contain tens of thousands of 
- individuals, and that they follow the swarms of locusts sometimes for weeks on end. 
f It must not be presumed from this that because we have no such enormous 
‘flocks of birds very litle good can result. In California, where grasshoppers are 
annually a plague in one part or another, often numbering twenty-five to the square 
yard, it is conceded that the birds are not able to cause an appreciable decrease in 


44 B.C. ENroMOLOGICAL Sociery. 


the number of grasshoppers; but, at the same time, it was estimated that on a 
square mile in an infested area the birds accounted for 120,445 grasshoppers daily, 
which must mean an enormous saving of damage, ; 

The following is a list of useful birds likely to occur in the Nicola Valley. The 
nomenclature is that of the A.O.U. Check-list, 8rd edition. It must be pointed out 
that the figures given as to the percentage of grasshoppers eaten does not always 
refer to the particular species or subspecies found here in the West, but to the 
Eastern form. 


WESTERN Mbapow-LarK (Sturnella neglecta). 

This will probably be found to be the greatest locust-destroyer, and being present 
in large numbers during the summer it is of great economic importance. The per- 
centage of grasshoppers eaten is 29 per cent. for the year and 42 per cent. during 
August. 

DESERT SPARROW-HAWK OR Kitty Hawk (Falco sparverius phalenda). 

This bird ranks very high as a grasshopper-destroyer and is abundant every- 
where during the summer. Of 410 stomachs examined, 314 contained insects mostly 
grasshoppers. I have seen a great number of these birds shot under the impression 
that they are destructive to poultry; this is a popular erroneous idea, and farmers 
should be warned against shooting them. It is very seldom that they take birds, 
especially chickens, and then only when they are very small. 

ARKANSAS Kinepirp (Tyrannus verticalis ). 

A very abundant species, with a great liking for grasshoppers; percentage for 

year, 20 per cent. 
Kinepsirp (Tyrannus tyrannus). 

Similar habits to the above. 

WESTERN Biuesirp (Sialia mericana occidentalis). 
Mountain Biuepirp (Sialia currucoides). 

Although it might not be expected that so small a bird as the bluebird would 
be capable of consuming many grasshoppers, yet these insects form 22 per cent. of 
its diet throughout the year and GO per cent. during August and September. 
Western Rosin (Planesticus migratorius caurinus Grinnell). 

This bird, which is particularly common during the late summer, feeds on 
grasshoppers to the extent of 10 per cent for the year and 30 per cent. for August. 
NORTHWESTERN Crow (Corvus caurinus). 


Grasshoppers form the leading diet of this bird during August. 


BLACK-HEADED JAy (Cyanocitta stelleri annectens). 

Grasshoppers form 5 per cent. of the diet for the year, 14 per cent. for July, 
18 per cent. for August, and 10 per cent. for September. They are not found in any 
numbers except in the wooded regions, 
BrEWER’S BLACKBIRD (Buphagus cyanocephalus). 

Tn California this bird ranks with the meadow-lark in being the most useful 
grasshopper-destroyer. 
COLUMBIA SHARP-TAILED GROUSE (Pedioecectes phasianellus columbianus). 


Although this species is said not to be of such value as the true prairie-chicken, 
yet it is probable that they consume large quantities of grasshoppers late in the 
summer. From nine stomachs examined, six contained 174 grasshoppers. 


Biur Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus richardsoni). 


The young of this Species is fed largely on grasshoppers; the stomach of one 
examined contained twenty. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1915. 45 


NorTHern SuRike (Lanius borealis). 
Bee. This bird is only mentioned as it is one of the greatest grasshopper-destroyers, 
but unfortunately is not plentiful enough to be of any importance here, 
IXItLpEerR (Oxryechus vociferus). 
This bird, which is plentiful here in summer, is of considerable value as a 


locust-destroyer. 
Sparrows of various species are of considerable importance; in June, when the 
I J I : 


larger species of grasshoppers are young, they form 36 per cent. of their diet. 
z BATCHELDER’S WcopPEecKER (Dryobates pubescens homorous).- 
r Grasshoppers’ eggs are said to be freely eaten by this species. 
It is perhaps superfluous to add that domestic fowls and turkeys are amongst 
= the greatest destroyers of grasshoppers, a fact which should not be overlooked when 
dealing with small areas. 
x 
The meeting adjourned until S p.m. “ 
In the evening Dr. S. Hadwen, Veterinary Pathologist, gave a lantern-slide 
; lecture on the Gustride. The lecture was well attended and an enthusiastic 
‘ discussion took place. 
= The meeting adjourned at 10 p.m. 


THE KANSAS REMEDY FOR THE CONTROL OF LOCUSTS. 


By ArrHur Gipson, IN CHARGE OF FIeELD-crop INSEcT INVESTIGATIONS, ENTOMOLOGICAL 
BraNcH, OTTAWA. 


In Entomological Circular No. 5 of the Dominion Department of Agriculture, 
: which is now in press, and which is entitled “The Control of Locusts in Eastern 
Canada,” I have given briefly the results in Eastern Canada following the use of 
the recently devised Kansas formula for the control of destructive locusts. When- 
ever opportunity occurs, we should be glad if farmers or others in British Columbia 
would try out this remedy and report to us, after the mixture has been given a fair 
trial. 

The formula eonsists of: Bran, 20 1b.; Paris green, 1 lb.; molasses, 2 quarts; 
Jemons,‘'5 fruits; water, 84% gallons. The bran and Paris green are mixed thoroughly 
while dry. This may be done in a wash-tub or on a cement floor. The juice of the 
lemons is squeezed into the water, and to this is also added the pulp and peel after 
cutting into fine bits. The molasses should then be added, and when dissolved the 
mixture should be poured on to the dry bran and poison, stirring the whole constantly 
so as to dampen the bran thoroughly. When required for use, the bran-mash is 
sown broadcast in the infested locust areas early in the morning. The above 


“ quantity is sufficient to treat 5 acres. By scattering the mixture thinly a large 
number of locusts are killed, and when thus applied there is no danger of birds, 
~ 

: - poultry, or live stock securing a sufficient amount of the poison to kill them. 


4 In our experiments near Ottawa, counts of dead locusts were made four days 
_ - after the mixture had been broadcasted, and these gave from 50 to 414 to the square 
2 yard. In Quebec Province, however, from 900 to 1,200 dead per square yard were 
4 counted. 
The Entomological Branch will be glad to correspond with farmers or others in 
- British Columbia who may be troubled with locusts, or, as they are more commonly 
called, “grasshoppers.” Specimens of the destructive species are desired. The 
P - “circular above referred to will be sent to any one on request. 


INDEX. 
3 4. x : = PaAGr 
_ Apple, green, aphis ...+....... Fate RSS ae os Rese Oe RRs sf ee 7 
é ek LSBU eo Saye Teyeaisrored St os Bien Sie Ne ccc Pe Baa tee eos on ROR Oe ed if 
DR aA SH VuTT Vast cease AaB I re OK OOe ee Maer cd itanne Pieh Sore nee yea) 
Bice RRS DIE FeO De eT RR oS OMELET Perig ERO eae AES PUSS ct OS 3T 
PAM SeAMPyTOSpilate eo ta ees 3, ee ah en aes he adn Wire ene ies IO OT 
eae ESTO SACCHTI NS 5: fs hotest a a en a en wae oe ea ke eee 31, 36 
BUS MSHI TE LOmNIC Ole VEIN OVer cis. clad ..w'c a.ctaveten teeter ere el cavers Premiere adie Claes aueeren ae 
BS OF ICIS ona kadthg ganog aco sOMBRntE ape A aber st omedno Gomer ane ito 2 37 
FES THEIL Ulmer apa Oe, ee Schenk ee Merten oy CrAt ste. 2. one feel dee 11, 31 
ny \ACRHITRS RS id SRS Ciao Sein tn Op Oke Ae ernei ena i aM ec Siar ee aN rey aes ee maby 
Buffalo carpet-beetle ............ TEU RO Sag Be act Seon ee rae See STIG ca 2 10 
A HEFT SCART ILS Wc yecce cet car Nasr ape PSRaLS ord, ey ow etorauaae pees tab lag ors a iaragadeose hy orederank Sela ces SNS 7 
Bete Ty utelia sh eae ee nas otto eRe oe eae 10, 38 
4 BETTE TPR eas Me toc nee ae ie ere eh do 29 
Es a BUMS spare ntetesoheccestc = Pere ote ten sisson slot a Aue milcke ib, Shaya tpter eons. it wehaverereuehe a eee Beipanc au 
MLC CT SLCHI THIMGN A epee chelcteats aasle pase ess ies, serene Saiicl ons 07 c ladvas delete e's Sadia teres oh Re 39 
MSCS SUI MOLD Oreja pees alert are as ian s adtane sla, ccclastiee Goals crabs, een tiers ee ee 10 
»  Chermes of spruce -....... Saeee nn eaten hr ene oae ta tee Vaan ies an agence ates pieeR Sen he G30 
OS ANS AIRING CITI Eley ISS ORS on bcd Gene tc soc Sanere sige bConic SOornner aro conn 6 art 2¢ 
ie : A; ICV his eryha icra seen cre aie 5 SRS Mean rEeieeech Bec ceee pet tera tomo 40 
SISO ERA Rp Se os eae eet, Vietnam necator yeaa) eRe Wal Rae, hsb mem IN Se REN 7 
: <6 | AAHBD INTE Shc Se pond Sodpetocs FUOcd on Od bude Cob qo dhe pen Ccen wR snc ce 11 
Be Ben LTC COR LUST: LET ra ford c rote, ore oe Noha oonte ee, aie fo sagas a se (recat ave Sane WSN DETRLOTURS re bielavete. ue) at Fata ve 
Chionaspis TAIT ES CAT Cy 292 are eter nem eee arose arate eae Rae anos ei orotate ‘ a) 
Bemmclinycomelid: leat-beetles a2) aioe os tele wi 300 otagiitue ss Pei worst whine teens oaeee ues 39 
SCIP EWI a De clbobadeadocscodian Soobcare sascbd “meso Dos pots veo uno naan. we 1, 39 
BER Tomvereniiten <= pr ges ie need ee cet icta Gora, edn seins MN aacer en Lcigiten aime nN hats 40 
Be oe RTO TINO LNs sei ayst ocean oe =e arene tatone aca rv epoka distaste hovons otros cisi@ade ss lerstelage sc yesebate Qualdeacss 
ROI O GIES OLICEM COme ah, ora apa ate ercbeiora ape oetsress Sorter aie aysio’ wie e's sta eas store aT e wave aiate Crore etd 23 
CRA Tmt RR Si ane eh, Pern SR eh oe em ee ne Me a Ke 
Noe th VOGEL Cater cgister So reuerete rojak cove et ahecevccetavonecare Soabe Riaadie’e rend A ways Saami oe he Moa aerate elo ence 10 
MS ULUIUT LLY i aie hov arco age ots ioie cl ceate lees fore ope ntreraie aieie) aT atone loco Tare ort aloha roi eve a. etetadeseeth Susie 10 
«CHIT SL OEELETTS HR si cas ae ty ce Nae cr ae an Pea oa OP eee Peres Ne Ja 
Hipyrem Tay =Liel CHR CATO UN pep taracsinssrchesege Ree jst cs clove he arcras eT aiageso Sora stsre ees re avsihs Seen 10, 38 
Beiinstham, J. W. (Article by). ..-.ss-..-++-leclsssessesecues ik epee sae 1s 
Beewriophyes ......:..- A OSE SU SAS OL CES Ee oe cee eee Tne iy Stes 10, 40 
Meuropean-truit-scale-s.../.0.:2-cn.s-2.0scsoeeeos READ TOON DeF ac DOD EGOE SET AA c 10 
all) SEG Oeil Seno lee doe Rene Deen AER: RA OOEdt EEA A ACRE RIED SE nti Meme ete S, 38 
WOES ino Se Sa lclamG ow aie Sole oceocks.e GUC Bin paride icriice: noi a evan acetate 0 25 
BEBeHe noe cured ee can pik nase Etats eas ool aeal eee Ts ub tene 7 
STi LL COMI CRT TO NET are rh cvaye sare, = -\ ares sue helni oy aici oYansjinys)sje"treveley=)*) Velweelsi@ ue 'siglaval> 8, 31, 36, 3h 
Ree TBR EL cCATTICIEN OY payer tests Tied we hen Pe cpu tovs elo el in Sind sw ha Bs 29 
SCENE ATEN LT (CALPLIGIET DY:) nic: shstedeiehercsees, cree sie tues ois vetive cis Sees wie Ui saws eee aye See 45 
UOIGITT GunviltSs pe oo SpistgHe. dog nue BRU O.c 0 ao Eas Coo JOAP SRG tenis Bok ore Omen or 3 27 
PaENEN CH SEMATOL Ie Seads oes shnc ev otetaramsr tasters gta cha feIe Nel coroners Sieseiiele Sia, bial weve). oua) she: o Nano Cayseane te Py 


ae BUISEGUS evatine topsite Wa oleycnelepeme re acts aks faahe 6 oS whe GAELS i letele Sova «, eheie wraps mieke 25 


¥ ts \ 
48 INDEX. Laer 
: PAGE. ~ 
GO CUSES, 55 och eee Ries eae de Ie SBs BPE area cue cane Seo eat he eters ion an ORE: terrae eRe eee ae 41 
ys GONE OL OL A scab kre, He aap e) ante oes nc bene Sesh ae rane eo pean Aner 45 
Trym WVis SET: ACA CI GIG = Ds) f= Siesta ah che eesti eS el ot eres upieae mbank dle a ane eee opera eee 11, 33 
AER OG eC ae ao eer crt min OS DATE ORI AAS OCLs pve Aa 2 og oh oS 35 
INLQUES = Stirisc/Sco See eaOe sw ohehapesotets fe pescts ieiaahe Shale le weet near ean ates Sve se eee eerie ae eM Seto al 
IVER Shes Sate erates actin at ue ee a dtnlic oe acetal ee tones Smoke eee eae ee Oe APR tikes Sis ain SE BOS 10 
DE SESS s AS a by ptt te soak oe Noe go Po iw Aca lie tet Geebels cacy CIALIS cy LOERA(: ccd See 40 
(OLN TB ear is2 a) nae cia ge ee REN oI AI In Ie echo OOM CRS SCN ceo car acto kc 10 
 REDML A OU Os pb aOR A parently FUP eee oral Ar etic Crier Wie nee a 8 saat. heey poems 8 
OMMAmental SSS Ce sy ce: eS eisai hanewaea se eleew eee eae elcoeegate oan aeilshs fois, aes chelate Sac aue ane ee 35 
Osireet OLMIS SCALES S CX Se Se cate sal seionni bs eae cites on ste che Uae eae Patines ena moran peat ates 10, 35 
WPSTATESH STS Cau Gites. sien ate i's. a/ Sinus ecu ye teat Glas eka SY pr otiore se) Shas scale aay ORAM SUMS ae cme eee T, 31, 35 
pIMers serps): CNEL CLA, DY.) aiecaa ok soca. cua tes coeaterateragote aah be tect acetals Sacer ee eee 14 
SPR SCMT OD fey e et oy sieteo aie cas akan ei eee ea NSIS: chet ouetehialion sha) a la gee ePeidmyeedus one ete caleiateh eens eae aaa 30 
Penrshkeafablistensmiites vin fo. sce stecctere ie leisectaela te Sre teresa bse abel Sean apenth nese Raa Rare (ee | 
sere SIE eee nici Sk oo eee ate Soacen he Gy SEN Nicoll OI oe Es Ain ea Petes: 
PCA CHET CD ORE ae ecetesosscarssiahitecel shots sah Steie or ene Ventstete Vetakciitne ohedeyee ca chal spore Rc etches cae et ote 1 
HB Behl By’ Fed COL ge ER ER Re ae ee ee SET yan ines Pe ick ERO CAPS ue aN Tebedats or 11 
RETA LS 4 Be, Siew eccree peas Note ae Pain encssls Paar ein Neen Es SANA ate Oe ree Se LO 
PA iS) OL EDR ES. aye a, eiercieco es eaten Cpe = era ats Chaite Oe ROO Ia eis 6 Rittuetcas eno Tf 
PSA “CALIFOP TIGR x ois.0 abit cc ote ds etee cise top seb Slane sees eck poe. els ciaierantnre aioe G2 ae e(ee 9, 37 
TSOTAGCOMA CASDECULE me paxvec cts hans sta shotereee tn tenes Canals iesoliawe =e ih/ Seat pat oie icnotelisrau ted sani ragtemeteal een oben 7 
ial Mh nA WOKS Ces or ae Ge amen che dO SEOOD OG OC CUT Oo UDO OBO mac Coes cnaemoce 39 
COE UIME sorts Sera royeuctory=peterc jelous onaeele sonclcccueNalloeRelchetelaket atte steele tie eeaunt oe Ramee aerate 40 
Pat CISCASE) AS pr SAGs Of as eyes, oct ace acces CaaS ge le Saag ena c ene ie Gee aH pevests 2 cee te eral 18 
PulvinaniassinuurberaDiliss tps. se src ue e apeptienete ict apeereuntoicl ers oh onmbacPaciteveie Teraeeie valet eeeaemetate 35 
Tevexs Minyulioay piezo by 010) ey, \(ole 6b tea ae eect nomi obimcacits ca Baten aURcnO oA sco Aidnabectc 7 
VOCS LEI iiteas tach aeeese sc lobe saareneiiorreecenstetln ateapactam/aianerokc tram chetetere fe eashceialon eatchamnneeaers he 2, AD 
JIo}Sava 221) 0) ay (ay OLS ee eae Re IBD ro Sica Co Dono oo.Or aan Mme dG itis aes as you 5 10, 31 
GSM UC WOLU Urea) deestorces tae terse overseer sPeasiale/atamerele fave, chore tone ey atataices ice reche eeanetent Bens 37 
KcYin taal Va) 0) 012) ane ike eer RO CRAIN ME Clea, DIME CREM GO HAS Habla ise a SETS S 8, 36 
BSSHRNS SG i cee o oSei isan wnaf aif vmllat sce iter encased Syace Sie Ueght ol ale len ongUae hus (aleteponsniire ro teste aaa 3D 
Ware WE CATT TCO Dy) ia ck ola saudi tev ene sees e tedois <i'etame same eliete wus tehickes dtvtinpa: aca acde haere 1G 
Sap seadins Weatle? % toa qs Sic jcare cries Serene eral eee cote, epee ler teat oh Nerve hadale te econ 10 
SCHULZ UTA COT CIITA fea, 5 ek chests aise cece ees coe cel ooene ts ree Paved cawsticave: ote eee Rate ete Renae Fy eils; ey age ee T 
NIT OLE GES SIM SO CES Gertie lareten cp saat eeicigo wa netiel ese sabes alah Cee nome panicle otal ote pevene reco gciena te ey rae 5 
Spittle-insects ......... CoN Fos so Dede U sao oRcceS TQbcue ae oobbe Ab aide oeiccds 
IS TERS  ore aber suas os to Tabane co VoL tueRca eee) ee eA rar nate Hap ckcter au choatare pallet eral eno Me palinys oma mus eects etn pete 14, 
SDEMBEMHalIlOUSeis aise Seocie Niky ec se sonst o eke Steel oo ete eueyiat a scaly Sie Reiser eareen ene eienepoy seater 8, 
SiPawberryer OOl WEEVIL as cts ics sre le cok cs cid active (eRe chee researches mace ReS IR e pale he tae Site a Reng 
ZH KOLO) pe NEN aS. en RRO ISAO Sr Oe ce nMOS 
EPELTSTUUS CCH AT) UNITE TAUE Ob toga - eis sad ae lap =: a= tal eystoteyetmevete secote tote ie eeiaer eevee Roeser nea Ea EER 1G, 16; 
Marvy Ora. Ase CAMLIGIE SD Yi) Starteecscue ciere arekolccl ote he *Ohomets okermtcheasectc ieee tees ener tenet sie a tears 
ERUEVISURNCH MMe teats: cota cele aks areata eyes Upareeya cele asce /otatmrested ea auacs So terin mrcape (ena tenet fel Senne hina Aterats ea ae 
ERITH CH CORP NI ke ave ratane iret ls rede tena olay &) otekaeealches Neneeons set ofehele lata Sick herctel tee taps ime tee pene Maeils 
AME LORETO COMA Bre satcorss cereus evenste neta a>- aie kel stenede cassette ist teh tie el exencral seme) ere aenen gle ible 
chrehenneye es. Cao CAME CHET Dah ameeaerchesateicyeacha Siete: napepeeatedaneh ete hapaneMenra testes) eaten eee 16, 23, 
PASSOGRMIVOLIs setiieeev chs een iaiecs, acckePaieyahede nd hile "exane pote stp ca te a ba rence tana ota REG) re ene 
WSU) CSS AMES TO Do eerarare io faihice tea eis Ten ciisiie ceucheretedete voisuetiarctawes celine tenlehecs Meera ike Pavene xeeeee ee ete SRC rac aeawer ee : 
WV TOVE EDLTLO fe eangtavccectugs Monette ai dacnscchel Clee orale ce lebe yet s)he tucheteNeie Reatiatslat stall eateRcic Cena eer mee en 
EVROGDY Aap LEAS tate clepencyc ee asksele aie cnpele | wren etone ie cre Suite init at estrada Reka aan a cane ts 
AWATLTIGENSELY <2 ints onamyiapetmeeva-sicie anus oh-yae OST oI thators verted ala keverel ole =iiubie ts 1 are valerate aneae kite tana 
Wilkerson. 'Gs Deo CArticle py.) tans chet suc ratay tetera be elig feet as anil elaine peas 


Wilson "DOn (‘AT bUCLe mB ) ier wiish 5) serait eee ded ches wus tay = tes eee wen Fane cote co Ke er 41, 


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SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT 


To the Proceedings of the 


British Columbia 


Entomological Society 


APRIL, 1916 
TA 


ictoria, B. 


V: i : 
The Thos Cusack Presses 
16 


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BRITISH COLUMBIA 
ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


Regular Annual Meeting, 1916 


BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS. 


The Fifteenth annual meeting of the Entomological Society of British 
Columbia was held in the Provincial Museum, Parliament Buildings, Victoria, 
B. C., on March 11th, 1916. Among those present were the following: Messrs. 
E. M. Anderson, J. R. Anderson, E. H. Blackmore, Dr. Seymour Hadwen, 
R. S. Sherman, Lionel E. Taylor, H. Thornber, R. C. Treherne, E. W. White, 
G. E. Wilkerson, Tom Wilson, W. Hugh, A. J. Crocker, G. E. Parham, A. G. 
Brown, W. Downes, D. Todd, J. A. Brydon, F. Kermode and several visitors. 


The President, Mr. G. O. Day, Duncan, B.C., was unfortunately ill «at 
the time of the meeting, hence was unable to occupy the chair 


The Vice-President for the Coast, Mr. E. H. Blackmore, therefore was 
asked to open the meeting and to conduct the business of the Society and 
its proceedings. 


Mr. Blackmore (Vice-President): | am very glad to accept the honour of 
presiding at this meeting. We are all sorry, and I am in particular, to hear 
of the indisposition of our President, Mr. Day, and we all sincerely hope he 
will soon recover. I am sure I am expressing the feelings of the Society as 
a whole when I say that we are fortunate in having such a President as Mr. 
Day. His work with the Society during the past three years has been of 
exceptional value, and we are indebted to him to a very large extent, for the 
excellent position and standing we are in as a Society. 


Our Secretary, Mr. Treherne, is, I see, first on the programme, and will 
give us the business details that have engaged his attention during the past 
year and | fancy, that from his remarks you will gain an impression of the 
excellent position we are in. I will now ask our Secretary to bring up the 
first order of business. 


Mr. Treherne (Secretary): The first order of business is placing this 
annual meeting in order. If you refer to our By-Laws you will see that our 
regular annual meeting should be held in January of each year. This ruling, 
however, we could not follow this year. I took the matter up with the Ad- 
visory Board, and received their unanimous consent to postpone the meeting 
until suitable. Hence a resolution placing this meeting in order would he 
the first item of business. 

Resolved that this meeting be approved and considered in order. Movers 
—Parham, Sherman.—Carried. 


The Secretary: The next item of business is that relative to the finances 
I am pleased to say we are in excellent standing financially. I take pleasure 
in presenting the following statement. I have included a complete statement 
of the expenses of the Society from its resuscitation, in 1911, until the present, 
for reference. 


SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT, 1916. 


FINANCIAL STATEMENT 
December 9, 1911 (Reorganization Meeting) 


1912. 

Credit. 

Members Subscriptions (Jan. 31, 1912)... $ 22:00 
Postage Stamps 
Post Cards 
Stationery 
Printing: (Programme -.--.c.ccc-.-c.-.-. 
Janitor, Aberdeen School, Annual Meeti1 
Subscription to “Canadian Entomologist”... 


60.00 


Private Subscription Loan 
70.00 


Members Subscription (Jan. 31, 1913) ere 
arinuin ews EROS tanatne ec ct 2s. en a” Oe 
geinini ee 122 Reporte stn een nels Ay Seine 
LEON cl Cees eter ne ans wae be ; 
Stationery ....... e 
Subscription to “Canadian Entomologist 
Bneravine: Map of Bi Chu... 8 2 2 
500 Copies of Map printed 
Print of Photo Group.............. 

Copper Plate of Group for Report 


1914. 
Semi-Annual Meeting Expenses (Vernon)...0.00cccccc- 


a Cae CALCU AT site. nek cone ee atc ee EY oe 
Stationery 
Subscriptions = 95:00 
rovincial Government Grant o..cecceccccec eee, ... 350.00 
Paying off Loan and Deficit (R.C.T.) 


Electrical Fittings (Annual Meeting). 


Wamtern Slides 2.0.......2...--. 


Stenographer (Annual Meeting) 
Lantern Slides (Bishop and Christie)... 
Printing, Bulletin 5, (News Advertiser)... = 
Provincial Government Grant ............. $250.00 
Arranging Library (G. H. U.).... 
BEPGeGS MO tAIpS sete. (REG. ds)u ae 
Subscription to “Canadian Entomologist”... 


SSEEISGUIG UI OM See mee emcnees WT Ares ay va ein 66.00 


; $873.00 
Balancesin Bank March Ist 19162... $231.00 


Members’ Subscriptions (to date, April, 1916)..... _.. $19.00 
Engravings (Cleland and Dibble Engraving Co.) 
© Stenographer, typewriting Syrphid paper... 
$231.00 
» 
a 
Balance --- $12.68 


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8.00 
33.00 


$642.00 


$ 11.00 
100.00 


20.23 
6.54 
15.25 


9.00 


38.00 
18.30 


$218.32 


aw B, C, ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY, 


MEMBERSHIP. 


The membership during the past year has decreased from 90 to 66. It is 
probable that the membership will drop still further this year, owing in a 
great measure to the war situation. Approximately 15 of our members have 
joined the colours, and a number have withdrawn, owing partly to financial 
conditions and partly because the kind of information we are able to offer 
did not appeal to them. 


I am glad to say, however, that a number of new members are joining; 
in fact, the general health of the Society is yearly improving, so far as ento- 
mological enthusiasts are concerned. As a Society, I think we should feel 
pleased that the membership is becoming more stable and the quality im- 
proving. 


I regret to say, however, that we are in trouble with our parent Society 
in the East. It is probable that some of our members have not been receiving 
their publications for fee received, but | am taking steps now to see that the 
matter is cleared up; that back membership is settled, and that from now on 
we may make our situation clear with the Ontario Entomological Society. As 
I understand the situation, our Society here received its members and their 
dues during the first few months of the year. This list of members is then 
forwarded to Ontario with the enclosure of a sum of money equivalent to 
50c per member. The following year our list of members, as the Society ‘s 
in a formative condition, may change; new members are elected and some old 
members withdrawn. Hence the list forwarded to Ontario may vary from the 
previous list. So far as our Society goes, those members whose names are 
not included on the list are withdrawn, and no longer remain as members. 
However, as I understand the situation, this was not understood in Ontario. 
The “Canadian Entomologist” being run as a magazine, and therefore run on 
a different plan to our Society and other Branch Societies, maintains a con- 
tinuous list of members. Therefore I believe the magazine has been sent to 
men who really are not on our list as members for the specific year, but were 
maintained on the Ontario list. As the list changes you can understand that 
some names have gone with arrears. It is not the fault of the members. It 
is a joint misunderstanding between myself, as Secretary to this Society, and 
Mr. A. W. Baker, Secretary of the Ontario Society. 


In a recent letter covering these points, I have now made it clear how 
our Society is run, and that the list I file in the early part of each year follow- 
ing our Annual Meeting covers the members for that year, and all previous 
names are dropped. I have asked Mr. Baker to submit to me how many and 
what names are in arrears, and the extent of our obligation, and I trust that 
with your sympathy I shall be able to arrange matters from now on, on a 
satisfactory basis. It may mean the voting of $20, tentatively speaking, from 
our funds to refund the “Canadian Entomologist.” 


Mr. Treherne: If it is the wish of the members to take up this matter 
now, I will put it to the meeting, otherwise I will continue with other business. 
(Matter left over.) 


THE LIBRARY. 


I beg to submit a list of the books in our Library. 


During the past summer I have been able to arrange the list of the books 
in our library. The library at the present time is at the Entomological Branch 
Laboratory, Agassiz. We have an upstairs space, which is devoted to the 
library. I have them arranged in cases, so that each bulletin is marked with 
blue pencil, the number corresponding to the list given here, so if anyone 
wishes any specific article he will be able to write for that number, and the 
Librarian will be able to go direct and mail it to him. Anybody who is 
working on any group, or wishes any book, can apply for it. 


No 


SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT, 1916. 


KEY TO CLASSIFICATION OF BULLETINS 
Systematic 


Lepidoptera, Nos. 1 to 54 inclusive. 
Diptera, Nos. 55 to 81 inclusive. 
Orthoptera, Nos. 82 to 99 inclusive. 
Coleoptera, Nos. 100 to 111 inclusive. 
Odonata, Nos. 111 to 121 inclusive. 
Hymenoptera, Nos 122 to 176 inclusive. 
Miscellaneous, Nos. 177 to 216 inclusive. 


Economic 


Nos. 217 to 344 inclusive. 


SYSTEMATIC ENTOMOLOGY 


Butterflies, Descriptions of New American. Schauss, W., 1902. 

Butterflies, Three Interesting, from Massachusetts. Clark, Austia 
Hobart, 1913. 

Campometra, Nocturnal Moths of. Smith, John B., 1899. 

Cochlidiidae, Species of. Dyar, Harrison G., 1907. 

Cochlidian Moths. Dyar, Harrison G., 1905. 

Coenympha, American Species. Skinner, Henry, 1900. 

Colorado, Moths from. Dyar, Harrison G., 1902. 

Cosmopteryx Hubner, American Moths of. Busck, August, 1906. 

Crambid Moths, N. American. Kearfott, W. D., 1908. 

Depressaria Haworth, Genus. Busck, August, 1912. 

Euerythra, species of. Smith, John B., 1887. 

Gelechiidae, American Moths of. Busck, August, 1903. 

Geometrid Moths, S. American. Warren, William, 1906. 

Geometrid, Genus Pero, Studies of. Grossbeck, John A., 1910. 

Geometrid Moths, Descriptions of genera and species. Warren, Wm., 
1908. 

Lepidoptera, from E. Africa, Kashmir. Holland, H. J., 1895. 

Lepidoptera, of E. Africa. Holland, H. J., 1896. 

Lepidoptera, of the Kootenai. Dyar, Harrison G., 1904. 

Lepidoptera, Early Stages of Japanese. Dyar, Harrison G., 1905. 

Lepidoptera, chiefly from Mexico. Dyar, Harrison G., 1912. 

Lepidoptera, New Species from Mexico. Dyar, Harrison G., 1910, 

Lepidoptera, New Species Chiefly from Mexico. Dyar, Harrison G., 1913. 

Lepidoptera of Panaman Canal Zone. Dyar, Harrison G., 1914. 

Microlepidoptera, from Panama New Genera and Species.  Busck, 
August, 1914. 

Moths, N. American, Some Life Histories. Dyar, Harrison G., 1900. 

Moths, S. American. Warren, William, 1905. 

Noctuidae, on Pacific Coast of N. America. Grote. 1875. 

Noctuidae, of N. America. Smith, John B., 1887. 

Noctuidae, Revision of some Taeniocampid Genera. Smith, John B., 1889. 

Noctuidae of Temperate N. America (incl. genus Agrotis). Smith, 
John B., 1890. 

Noctuidae, Species of Hadena referable to Xylophasia and Luperina. 
Smith, John B., 1891. 

Noctuidae, Geneva Cucullia, Dicopis, XMylomiges, and  Morrisonia. 
Smith, John B., 1892. 


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Noctuidae. Smith, John B., 1894. 

Noctuidae, Gen. Xylomiges, Xylina. Smith, John B., 1899. 

Noctuidae, species Acontia. Smith, John B., 1900. 

Noctuidae, Gen. Xylina. Smith, John B., 1900. 

Noctuidae, A Hundred New Moths. Smith, John B., 1900. 

Noctuidae, Spec. Mamestra. Smith, John B., 1901. 

Noctuidae, Gen. Leucania. Smith, John B., 1902. 

Noctuidae, some species hitherto referred to Genus Homoptera Bois- 
duval. Smith, John B., 1908. 

Noctuid Moths, Gen. Palindia and Dyomyx. Dyar, Harrison G., 1914. 

Notodontidae. Neumoegen & Dyar, 1894. 

Oecophoridae, Generic Revision of Family. Busck, August, 1908. 

Saturnian Moths, Three New Species. Schauss, Wm., 1908. 

Saturniid Moths, (larvae used as food by Indians). Aldrich, J. M., 1912. 

Saturnian Moths in U. S. N. N. Dyar, Harrison G., 1913. 

South American Moths. Dyar, Harrison G., 1905. 

Syntomid Moths of S. Venezuela. Klages, Edward A., 1906. 

Tineina, Superfamily, Moth of. Busck, August, 1900. 

Tineid ‘Moths from B.C. Busck, August, 1904. 

Tineid Moths from S. Texas. Busck, August, 1906, 

Tineid Moths, with Generic Table of Family Blastobasidae. Lord 
Walsingham, 1907. 

Tineoid Moths, S. America, Descriptions of. 1911. 

Tortricid Moths from N. Carolina. Kearfott, W. D., 1905. 

Trichostibas, Genus, New Moths of. Busck, Aug., 1910. 


DIPTERA 
Agromyza, Flies of the Genus. Malloch, J. R., 1915. 


Anthomyidae, Three 'New Species. Malloch, J. R., 1913. 

Borboridae, New Species. Malloch, J. R., 1913. 

Craneflies, sub. fam. Limnobinae. Alexander, Chas. P., 1913. 

Diptera, Western. Osten Sacken, C. R., 1877. 

Diptera, Japanese. Coquillet, D. W., 1898. 

Dipterous Insects from Puerto Rico. Coquillet, D. W., 1900. 

Diptera in the U. S. N. M. Cogquillet, D. W., 1901. 

Diptera from Southern Africa. Coquillet, D. W., 1901. 

Diptera, Systematic Arrangment of Families. Coquillet, D. W., 1901. 

Diptera; from North America. Coquillet, D. W., 1902. 

Diptera, Type Species of N. American. Coquillet, D. W., 1910. 

Dipterous Insects, One New Genus, Eight New Species. Malloch, J. 
R., 1912. 

Diptera, Two New Species.. Malloch, J. R., 1913. 

Empidae, N. American. Coquillet, D. W., 1896. 

Fannia, Notes on Genus. Malloch, J. R., 1913. 

Mosquitoes, of Coast region of California. Dyar, Harrison G., 1907. 

Mosquitoes, of Saskatchewan. Knab, Fred’k., 1908. 

Mosquitoes, from Tropical America. Dyar & Knab, 1908. 

Mosquito Fauna of Panama. Busck, August, 1908. 

Mosquitoes, American (New Species). Dyar & Knab, 1909. 

Muscoid Flies, from Pacific Coast. Townsend, Chas. H. T., 1912. 

Pipunculidae, Insects of the Family. Malloch, J. R., 1912. 

Ptychopteridae, Revision of. Alexander, Chas. P., 1913. 

Psychodidae (Moth-Flies). Knab,’ Fred’k., 1913. 

Pseudodinia, Notes on Genus. Malloch, J. R., 1915. 

Tabanidae (Gad-Flies) Gen. Stibasoma. nab, Fred’k., 1913. 


SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT, 1916. Vil. 


ORTHOPTERA 


Acrididae, Found North of Mexican Boundary. Bruner, Lawrence, 1889. 

Acrididae, Paraguayan, Synoptic List. Bruner, Lawrence, 1906. 

Acridiidae, Two Neotroprical Species. Rehn, Jas. A. G., 1908. 

Acridiidae, Yale Peruvian Expedition. Bruner, Lawrence, 1913. 

Acridiidae, Addenda to 86. Bruner, Lawrence, 1913. 

Forbiculids and Blattids (Old World). Rehn, Jas. A. G., 1904. 

Grasshoppers, Subf. Acridinae. Rehn, Jas. A. G., 1900. 

Grasshopers, Brazilian. Rehn, Jas. A. G., 1909. 

Katydids, Three New Species, and Crickets from Costa Rica. Rehn, 
Jas. A. G., 1906. 

Locustidae and Gryllidae (Paraguay). Caudell, Andrew Nelson, 1906. 

Mantids, Studies in. Rehn, Jas. A. G., 1904. 


Orthoptera, Two from U. S. Caudell, A. N., 1904. 
Orthoptera, from S. Arizona. Caudell, A. N., 1905. 
Orthoptera, Notes on Western. Caudell, A. N., 1908. 


Orthoptera, African—Mantidae & Phasmidae. Rehn, Jas. A. G., 1912. 
Orthopterous Insects, Nearctic. Caudell, A. N., 1913. 

Orthoptera (Exel. Acrididae). Caudell, A. N., 1913. 

Protoblattid, from lower Cretaceous. Evelyn Groebeck Mitchell, 1908. 


COLEOPTERA 


Barkbeetles, Genus Dendroctonus. Hopkins, A. D., 1909. 

Cerambycidae and Scarabeidae. Linell, Martin L., 1896. 

Chrysomelidae. Linell, Martin L., 1897. 

Coleopterous Insects, Galapagos Is. ,Linell, Martin L., 1898. 

Coleoptera, Fossil from Florissant. Wickham, H. F., 1913. 

Curculionid Beetles, Tribe Anthonomini. Dwight Pierce, W., 1908. 

Powder-Post Beetles, Fam. Lyctidae. Kraus, E. J., 1911. 

Scarabeidae, N. American. Linell, Martin L., 1896. 

Scolytid Beetles, Synonymy. Eichhoff, Wm., 1896. 

Weevils. Studies of N. American. Dwight Pierce, W., 1909. 

Weevils, Some of Economic or Biologic Importance. Dwight Pierce, 
W., 1912. 


ODONATA 


Dragon Fly Nymphs in U. S. N. M. Needham, Jas. G., 1904. 

Dragon-Flies of Burma, Subf. Calopteryginae. Williamson, Edward 
B., 1904. 

Dragonflies of Burma & Lower Siam, Subfamilies. Cordulegasterinae, 
Chlorogomphinae and Gomphinae. Williamson, E. B., 1907. 

Dragon-Flies of Mississippi Valley. Wilson, C. B., 1907. 

Dragon-Flies of Kentucky and Tennessee. Wilson, C. B., 1912. 

Odonata, E. Africa. Calvert, Philip P., 1895. 

Odonata, E. Africa. Calvert, Philip P., 1895. 

Odonata, Genus Macromia. Williamson, Edward B., 1909. 

Odonata, Bumping Lake, Washington, Kennedy, C. H., 1913. 

Wing Venation, Genealogic Study. Needham, J. G., 1903. 


HYMENOPTERA 


Augochlora, Genus, West Indies. Cockerell, T. D. A., 1910. 

Bees in U. S. N. M., Some Descriptions. Cockerell, T. D. A., 1909. 
Bees, in U. S. N. M., 1. ockerell, T. D. A., 1911. 

Bees, in U. S. N. M., 2. Cockerell, T. D. A., 1911. 


vill. 


126. 
127. 
128. 
129. 
130. 
131. 
132. 
133. 
134. 
135. 
136. 
137. 
138. 
139. 
140. 
141. 
142. 
143. 
144. 
145. 
146. 
147. 
148. 
149. 
150. 
ASHE 
152. 
153. 
154. 
155. 
156. 
157. 
158. 
159. 
160. 
161. 
162. 
163. 
164. 
165. 


166. 
167. 
168. 
169. 
170. 
iWAll 
172. 
Wish, 
174. 
175. 
176. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Bees, Eucerine, Names applied to. Cockerell, T. D. A., 1912. 

Bees, Genera, Lithurgus, Anthidium & allies. Cockerell, T. D. A. 
Braconidae, in U. S. N. M. Ashmead, W. H., 1888. 

Encyrtinae, Insects of, with branched antennae. Howard, L. O., 1892. 
Hymenoptera, from Philippine Islands. Ashmead, W. H., 1904. 
Hymenoptera, from Philippines. Ashmead, W. H., 1905. 


‘Hymenoptera, from Philippines (additions). Ashmead, W. H., 1905. 


Hymenoptera, (new) from Philippines. Ashmead, W. H., 1905. 
Hymenoptera, from Japana. Ashmead, W. H., 1900. 
Hymenoptera, from Philippines. Crawford, J. C., 1910. 
Hymenopterous Insects, from Philippines. Rohwer, S. A., 1910. 
Hymenopterous Insects, from Formosa. Rohwer, S. A., 1911. 
Hymenoptera, Descriptions of New, (1). Crawford, J. C., 1911. 
Hymenoptera, Descriptions of New, (2). Crawford, J. C., 1911. 
Hymenoptera, Descriptions of New, (3). Crawford, J. C., 1911. 
Hymenoptera, Descriptions of New, (4). Crawford, J. C., 1912. 
Hymenoptera, Descriptions of New, (5). Crawford, J. C., 1912. 
Hymenoptera, Descriptions of New, (8). Crawford, J. C., 1913. 
Hymenoptera, from N. America. Gahan, A. B., 1913. 
Hymenoptera, Superf. Apoidae & Chalcidoidae. Crawford, J. C. 
Ichneumonidae, from Pacific Slope. E. T. Cresson, 1878. 
Ichneumonidae, in U. S. N. M. Ashmead, W. H., 1890. 
Ichneumon Flies, Descriptions. Viereck, H. L., 1910. 

Ichneumon Flies, reared, Species of. Viereck, H. L., 1911. 
Ichneumon Flies, Descriptions. Viereck, H. L., 1911. 

Ichneumon Flies, Descriptions. Viereck, H. L., 1911. 
Ichneumon Flies, Descriptions. Viereck, H. L., 1911. 
Ichneumon Flies, Descriptions. Viereck, H. L., 1912. 

Ichneumon Flies and Bees. Viereck, H. L., 1912. 

Ichneumon Flies, Descriptions. Viereck, H. L., 1912. 

Ichneumon Flies, Descriptions. Viereck, H. L., 1913. 

Ichneumon Flies, Descriptions. Viereck, H. L., 1913. 
Ichneumon Flies, Descriptions. Viereck, H. L., 1913. 
Ichneumionoidea, Yale Peruvian Expedition. Viereck, H. L., 1913. 
Nomada, Genus of Bees in N. America. Cockerell, T. A., 1911. 
Nomia, N. American Bees of Genus. Cockerell, T. D. A., 1910. 
Osmia, Names applies to Genus. Cockerell, T. D. A., 1912. 
Parasitic Hymenoptera from Ceylon. Howard and Ashmead, 1896. 
Parasitic Hymenoptera, S. America. Crawford, J. C., 1910. 


Parasitic Hymenoptera, Erixestus, Plagiomerus, Psylledontus. Craw- 


ford, J. C., 1910. 
Parasitic Hymenoptera, Gen. Eiphosoma. Cockerell, T. D. A., 1913. 
Sawflies, Japanese. Rohwer, S. A., 1910. 
Sawflies, in U. S. N. M. Rohwer, S. A., 1911. 
Sawflies, Descriptions. Rohwer, S. A., 1912. 
Tenthredinidae, Japanese. Marlatt, C. L., 1898. 
Tenthredidnoidea, from Eastern Canada. Rohwer, S. A., 1910. 
Vespoidea and Sphecoidea. Rohwer, S. A., 1913. 
Wasps, Descriptions of New Species. Rohwer, S. A., 1911. 
Wasps. Fam. Sphecidae. Fernald, Henry T., 1912. 
Wasps, Descriptions. Rohwer, S. A., 1912. 
Wasps, Superfamily Orysoidea. Rohwer, S. A., 1912. 


ee 


SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT, 1916. xe 


GENERAL 


Animals and Plants from Colorado (described as new). Cockerell, 
At, ID} ak dbenlee 

Anthrax. Coquillet, D. W., 1892. 

Asilidae. Williston, S. W., 1885. 

Bark-Weevils, Genus Pissodes. Hopkins, A. D., 1911. 

Bees, Rocky Mountain. Cockerell & Robbins, 1910. 

Bees, New Mexico. Cockerell, T. D. A., 1898. 

Bees, of Boulder County, Colorado. Cockerell, T. D. A., 1907. 

Bees, Some in Harvard Univ. Museum. Cockerell, T. D. A., 1907. 

Bombylidae. Coquillet, D. W., 1894. 

Coleoptera and other Insects (coll. by Dr. Abbott). Linell, Martin L., 
1897. 

Cycadoidea (Fossil). Ward, Lester F., 1898. 

Callimorpha Latr. Smith, John B., 1887. 

Dermaptera, of the U.S. N. M. Burr, of Malcolm, 1910. 

Forficalids (Earwigs). Rehn, Jas. A. G., 1905. 

Fossil Insects from Florissant. Cockerell, T. D. A., 1913. 

Geological Survey of Canada. Robert Bell, 1903. 

Ixodoidea (Ticks). Banks, Nathan, 1908. 

Kansas University Science Bulletin, 1905. 

Millipeds, in S. Texas. Cook, O. F., 1911. 

Millipeds, Order Merocheta, Tropical. Cook, O. F. 

Myriapods, Fam. Lithobudae, Utah. Chamberlin, Ralph V., 1901. 

Natural History of Rocky Mountains. Cockerell, T. D. A., 1905. 

Nearctic Spiders, Catalogue of. Banks, Nathan, 1910. 

Noctuidae, California. Grote, A. R. (Art. VI., U. S. Geo. Survey.) 

Odonata of Ohio, Catalogue of. Kellicott, D. S., 1896. 

Papilio Machaon. Edwards, W. H., 1883. 

Sawflies (Chalastogastra) Boulder Co., Colorado. Rohwer, Sievert A, 
1912. 

Spiders and other Arachnida, Southern Arizona. Banks, Nathan, 1901. 

Spiders and other Arachnida, Porto Rico. Banks, Nathan, 1901. 

Spiders, from Arizona. Banks, Nathan, 1902. 

Streptisiptera. Dwight Pierce, W., 1911. 

Syrphus arcuatus Fallen. Osburn, R. C., 1910. 

Syrphus perplexus. Osburn, R. C., 1910. 

Syrphidae, Genus Scaeva (Catabomba) Invalidity. Osburn, R. C., 1910. 

Tachinidae, Revision. Coquillet, D. W., 1897. 

Tenebrionid, Genus, Echocerus. Chittenden, F. H., 1895. 

Tertiary Insects. Cockerell, T. D. A., 1908. 

Tenthredinoidea, Genotypes of. Rohwer, S. A., 1911. 

Thysanopterous Insects, Barbados. Franklin, Henry Jas., 1908. 

Thorax, of Insects & Articulation of Wings. Snodgrass, Robt. Evans, 
1909. 

Tomocerinae, Sub. Fam. of Spring-tails. Folsom, Justus W. 


ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 


Alfalfa Caterpillar. Wildermuth, V. L., 1911. 

Apples, Spraying. Bull. 191. Ohio Ag. Expt. Stn., 1908 
Apple Spraying in 1908. H. A. Gossard, Ohio Ag. Stn., 1909. 
Apple Tree Insects of Maine. Maine Ag. Expt. Stn., 1909. 
Apple Leaf Hopper and others. Washburn, F. L., 1909. 


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260. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Bacterial Blight, Apple, Pear, Quince (Bull. 176). D. H. Jones, Ont. 
Dep. Ag, 1909. 

Bark Beetles or Bark Borers. Gossard, H. A., 1908. 

Bee Diseases in Ontario (Bull. 197). Pettit, Morley, Ont. Dep. Ag., 1912. 

Bee Diseases in Ontario. Bull. 190, Ont. Dep. Ag., 1911. 

Bee Diseases in Ontario. Pettit, Morley (Rev. Ed., No. 197), 1913. 

Boll Weevil, Most Important Step in Control. Hunter, W. D., 1907. 

Boll Weevil, Bibliography. Bishopp, F. C., 1911. 

Boll Weevil, Hibernation in Central Louisiana. Circ. 31, State Crop 
“Pest Commission, civ, 1909. 

Boll Weevils, Destroying before Hibernation. Circe. 24, State Crop 
Pest Co., 1908. 

Boll Weevil, Reducing Number during June and July. Circ. 22, S. C. 
12 (Cy Oey 

Boll Weevil, Increasing Death Rate in Winter. Circ. 28, S. C. P. C., 1909. 

Boll Weevil, Status in 1909. Cire. 122, U. S. Dep. Ag. Bur Ent., 1910. 

Boll Weevil, Destroying in Winter. Circ. 107, U.S. Dept. Ag. Bur. Ent., 
1909, 

Boll Weevil, The Cotton, Sherman, Franklin, 1904. 

Boll Weevil, Insects mistaken for. Bull. 74, Texas Ag. Expt. Stns., 1904. 

Boll Weevil, Remedial Work Against. Circ. 33, Series 2, U. S. Dep. Ag. 
Div. Ent. 

Boll Weevil, in 1897. Circ. 27, Div. Ent. U. S. Dep. Ag. 

Boll Weevil. U.S. Dep. Ag. Div. Ent., circ. 1897. 

Boll Weevil, in Texas. Circ. 8, Tex. Ag. Expt. Stn., 1904. 

Boll Weevil Ant, Habits of the Guatemalan, Bull. 49, Bur. Ent., U.S. 
Dep. Ag., 1904. 

Boll Weevil, Circular of Information. Bull. 12, Georgia State Board 
of Ent., 1904, 

Boll Weevil Convention (Second Annual Meeting). Louisiana Crop 
Pest Com., 1904. 

Boll Weevil, Powdered Lead Arsenate as a Poison. Circ. 33, Louisiana 
S:/@. PaiGs) 1909! 

Boll Weevil, Hibernation of. Bull 77, Bur. Ent. U. S. Dep. Ag., 1909. 

Brown Rot and Plum Curculio on Peaches. Cire. 120. U.S. Dep. 
Bur. Ent., 1910. 

Bud Worms in Corn. Cire. 8, Albama Expt. Stn., 191). 

Buffalo Tree Hopper. Cire. 23, Div. Ent. U. S. Dep. Ag., 1897. 

Catalpa Midge. Bull. 197, Ohio Ag. Expt. Stn., 1908. 

Chinch Bug. Bull. 69, Ohio Ag. Expt. Stn., 1896. 

Chinch Bug and other Destructive Insects. Bull. 77, Ohio Ag. Expt. 
Stn., 1897. 

Chinch Bug. Circ. 115, Ohio Ag. Expt. Stn., 1911. 

Gicada, The Periodical in 1911. Marlatt, €. L. Bur. Ent. U.S: Dtp: 
Ag. Cire. 132, 1911. 

Gicada, in Ohio. Bull. 87. Ohio Ag. Expt. Stn., 1897. 

Cicada, Periodical in 1897. Circ. 22, Series 2, Div. Ent. U.S. Dep. Ag. 

Citrus White Fly, Fumigation of. Bull. 76, Bur. Ent. U.S. Dep. Ag., 1908. 

Clover Leaf Weevil, The Lesser. Bull. 85, Pt. 1, U.S. Dep. Ag. Bur 
Ent., 1909. 

Coccidae, of Wisconsin, Preliminary List. Reprint Journal Econ. Ent., 
Vol. 2, No. 4, 1909. 

Coffee Bean Weevil, Breeding Records. U.S. Dep. Ag| Bur. Ent., 1909. 

Cotton Stalk Cutter, The “V”. Newell & Dougherty, 1909. 


285. 


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lo.<) 


SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT, 1916. xls 


Codling Moth, in Pennsylvania, Life History. A. G. Hammar (Bur. 
Ent.), 1910. 

Codling Moth and Plum Curculio, One Spray Method of Control. Bulli. 
80, Part VIII., Bur. Ent., U. S., Dept. Ag., 1910. 

Codling Moth. Bull. 160, Ohio Ag. Expt. St., 1905. 

Codling Moth, Control of (Washington). Melander, A. L., 1911. 

Codling Moth, in the Ozarks. Bull. 80, Pt. 1, Bur. Ent. U. S. Dep. Ag, 
1909. 

Codling Moth, Eastern & Western Methods Compared. Rumsey, W. E. 

Codling Moth. Bull. 187, Ont. Dept. Ag., 1911. 

Cotton Plant, Insects Affecting the. Howard, L. O. 

Cotton, Caterpillar. Georgia State Board of Ent., 1904. 

Cucumber Beetles, Notes on. Chittenden, F. H. (Bur. Ent.), 1910. 

Cutworms. Texas Ag. Expt. Stns., 1904. 

Cutworms and Grasshoppers, Prevention, Etc. Dept. Ag., British 
Columbia, 1899. 

Enological Investigations. Bull 230, California Ag. Expt. Stn., 1912. 

Flat-Headed Borers, Injuries to Forest Trees. Burke, H. E., 1909. 

Forest Conditions in Ohio. Bull. 254, Ohio Ag. Expt. Stn., 1912. 

Forests, N. American, Insect Depradations in. Hopkins, A. D., Bur. 
Ent., 1909. 

Forest Products, Insect Injuries to. Hopkins, A. D., 1910. 

Fumigation Investigations in California. Bull 79, Bur. Ent., U. S. Den. 
Ag., 1909. 

Fungicides and Insecticides. Bull 199, Ohio Ag. Expt. Stn., 1908. 

Future Supplies of Timber, Insect Relation to. Howard, L. O., Bur. 
Ent., 1910. 

Gipsy Moth and Brown-tail Moth, Field Work. Bull. 87, Bur. Ent., 
U. S. Dep. Ag., 1910. 

Grains, Stored, Insects Injurious to. Bull 156, Univ. Ill., Ag. Expt. 
Stn., 1912. 

Grapevine Root Borer. Brooks, F. E., Virginia Expt. Stn., 1907. 

Grapevine, Insects Injurious to (California). Quayle, H. G., 1907. 

Grape Leaf Hopper (California). Quayle, H. G., 1908. 

Grape Root Worm, California. Quayle, H. G., 1908. 

Grapeberry Worm. No. 292, Ohio Ag. Expt. Stn., 1908. 

Grape Root Worm. Bull 89, Bur. Ent. U. S. Dep. Ag., 1910, 

Grasshoppers. Circ. 137, Ohio Ag. Expt. Stn., 1913. 

Harvest Mites, “Jiggers.” H. A. Gossard, 1909. 

Hessian Fly Experiments. Bull 103, Kentucky Ag. Expt. Stn., 1902. 

Horse Flies of Louisiana. Lousiana Bull No. 93, 1907. 

Horseflies of Louisana, Preliminary Report. State Crop Pest Commis- 
sion, Circ. 6, 1906. 

Hydrocyanic Gas Fumigation of Citrus Trees. Bull 90, Pt. 1, Bur. Enz. 
U. S. Dept. Ag., 1911. Ei 

Hydrocyanic Acid Gas, for Nursery Stock. Circ. 29, Louisiana S. C. 
Ba Gey 1909: 

Importation of Trees, Fruits, Etc., Regulations. Circ. 41, Series 2, 
U. S. Dept. Ag: 

Insects, Some Destructive. Bull. 68, Ohio Ag. Expt. Stn., 1896. 

Insecticides and Fungicides. Bull 154, Ont. Dept. Ag., 1907. 

Insecticides and Fungicides. Bull. 195, Ont. Dept. Ag., 1912. 

Iridomyrmex humilis, Introduction into N. Orleans, from Jour. Ec. 
Ent., Vol. 1, No. 5, 1908. 


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B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Iridomyrmex humilis, Notes on the Habits of. Reprint Jour. Ec. Ent., 
Vol. 1, No. 1, 1908. 

Leopard Moth. Circ. 109. Bur. Ent., U. S. Dept. Ag., 1909. 

Lime-Sulphur Wash Bull. 177, Ont. Dept. Ag., 1909. 

Lime-Sulphur Wash. Bull. 198, Ont. Dept. Ag., 1912. 

Maple Worm, Green-Striped. Circ. 110, Bur. Ent., U.S. Dept. Ag., 1909. 

Nursery Stock, Regulations re Shipment. Circ. 75, Bur. Ent. U. S. 
Dept. Ag., 1908. 

Orange and other Citrus Fruits (with insects affecting). Stubbs & 
Morgan, Louisiana, 1893. 

Orchard Cleansing. Inspector of Fruit Pests, B. C., 1908. 

Ox Warble. Div. Ent. U. S. Dept. Ag., 1897. 

Palmer Worm. Cornell Univ., Ent. Div., 1901. 

Paris Green and Lead Arsenate, Analyses. Woodworth, C. W., 1906. 

Pear Thrips, and Its Control. . Bull. 80, Bur. Ent., U.S. Dept. Ag., 1909. 

Petroleum, Preparation of Envullsions. Circ. 89, Bur. An. Ind., 1905. 

Raspberry Bythurus. Bull. 202, Ohio Ag. Expt. Stn., 1909. 

Saddled Prominent (Heterocampa guttivitta). Bull. 161, Maine Expt. 
Stn., 1908. 

San Jose Scale and Methods of Controlling. Bul.. 165, Conn. Ag. Expt. 
Stn., 1909. 

San Jose Scale, How to Control. Marlatt, C. L. 

San Jose Scale. State Ent., Virginia, 1904-5. 

San Jose Scale, Remedies for. Sherman, Franklin, Jr., 1909, 

San Jose Scale, Use of Soluble Oils Against. Georgia State Board Ent, 
1907. 

Sarcophagidae. Bur. Ent., U.S. Dept. Ag., 1911. 

San Jose Scale, Remedies for. Bull. 157, Ont. Dept. Ag., 1907. 

Scale Insects, Diaspine, New Species of. Marlatt, C. L., 1908. 

Shade Trees, in Ohio, Insects Affecting. Bull. 194, Ag. Expt. Stn., 1908. 

Snout Beetles, Three that attack Apples. Brooks, F. E., 1910, 

Snout Beetles that Injure Nuts. Brooks, F. E., 1910. 

Spraying Machinery Accessories. Bull. 248, Ohio Ag. Expt. Stn., 1912. 

Spraying, Instructions in. Ont. Dept. Ag., 1900. 

Spraying Machinery. Bull. 216, Ohio Expt. Stn., 1910. 

Spring Manual of Practice in Economic Zoology. Bull. 198, Ohio Ag. 
Expt. Stn., 1908. 

Sugar Cane Insects of Hawaii. Bull 93, Bur. of Ent., U.S. Dep. Ag., 191). 

Sugar Cane Borer, in Louisiana. Circ. 139, Bur. Ent., U.S. Dep Ag., 1911 

Tarnished Plant Bug & False Chinch Bug. New Mexico Ent., 1894. 

Texas Fever in Phillipines. Jobling and Woolley, 1904. 

Tick Eradication. Bull. 81, Univ. of Tennessee, 1908. 

Tick Control, in relation to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. R. A. 
Cooley, Montana, 1911. 

Truck Crops, Common Insects Injurious to. Louisiana S. C. P. C., 1909. 

Truck Crop Insects, Notes on Various. Chittenden, F. H., 1911. 

Tussock Moth, The California. Volck, W. H., 1907. 

Typhoid Fly and Allies. Yohannsen, O. A., Ag. Expt. Stn., Maine. 

Wheat Joint Worm. Bull. 226, Ohio Ag. Expt. Stn., 1911. 

Wheat Joint Worm, How to Combat. Gossard, H. A., 1908. 

Wheat Joint Worm. Gossard, H. A., 1908. 

White Ants. Fuller, Claude, Natal, S. Africa, 1912. 


SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT, 1916. Xl. 


LIST OF VOLUMES 


The Canadian Entomologist, Vols 24-46 inclusive.* 

*Lacking: Vol. 40, Nos. 2; Vol. 41, Nos.-2; Vol. 43, Nos. 10, 11, 12; Vol. 43, 
Nosy la2, 4455 Os Volt 45, Nos. 5; 7,8; 12 Viol? 46, Nos:9: 10) 11,12: 

Entomological Catalogues. 

Louisiana State Entomologist Biennial Report, 1908-9. 

List of N. American Lepidoptera. Dyar. 

New York State Entomologist. Reports 8 to 12 (incl.). 

Bulletin No. 44 of U. S. N. M. Catalogue of the Noctuidae. Smith. 

Bulletin No. 48. of U.S. N. M. Revision of the Deltoid Moths. Smith, 1895. 

Orthoptera of N. America. Scudder. 

A Monographic Revision of the Coleoptera, belonging to the Tenebrionidae, 
Tribe Eleodiini, inhabiting the United States, Lower California, and 
adjacent Islands. Blaisdell, Frank E. 

Hymenoptera of Alaska. Ashmead, Wm. Harris. 


NOTE.—There are a few more volumes and papers in our possession that 
are not in the above list; these will be recorded in a later list. Mem- 
bers are requested to send in any volumes, papers or books, they have 
no particular use for, of an Entomological nature, to complete and 
fill up series, ete. 


WILLIAMS HUGH, 
316 Beckley Ave., Victoria, B.C. 


I had an opportunity of returning East this winter, and one of the points 
I took up was the utilizing of the library at Guelph. They have a very large 
and well equipped library there. Mr. Winn, who is President of the Montreal 
Branch, and President of the parent Society for this year, understands the 
situation of branch societies. We are not like the members at Guelph, who 
have the library within 100 yards of them. We are many miles away, conse- 
quently we are not able to get the books so readily. I am able to say now, 
that all the members of any branch Society are able to write to Guelph and 
obtain books from that library. Postage to and from will have to be paid 
at our end. They have also a very excellent library at Montreal, the property 
of the late H. H. Lyman. Mr. Winn has charge of this library, but is not 
allowed to circulate books. He will, however, take extracts, and will forward 
these at the request of our members. Therefore, supposing you wish to get 
an extract from Volume 26, No. 2, of the “Canadian Entomologist,” a reference 
which your work has made you refer to, you will be able to write to Mr. 
Winn for that reference, which will be written out for you and mailed. Mr. 
Winn’s address is 36 Springfield Avenue, West Mount, Montreal, P.Q. 


I would suggest therefore, that we devote $100.00 of our money to the 
purchasing of books for our library; Thus, any member who is working on 
any special group of insects, if he wishes to obtain some book which costs a 
sum of money, which he does not feel like expending himself, will be able to 
use this money for purchasing the paper required. The President, Secretary 
and Assistant Secretary, who might act as Librarian, will decide whether or 
not it is advisable to purchase the book or paper. It will be one of our books, 
and will remain the property of the Society, but it may be held by a member 
for such time as he has use for it. When he has dispensed with its service 
he can return it to the library. I bring this up now as a suggestion, but later 
will frame a resolution covering the point. 


Any matter dealing with the Library and the obtaining of books or circu- 
lars is to be addressed to Williams Hugh, 316 Beckley Avenue, Victoria, B. C. 


THE PUBLICATIONS. 


Doubtless in the minds of many of you there is some question as to how 
our Bulletins are being issued. Through the kindness of the Department of 
Agriculture, we have been able to have our bulletins printed by the Govern- 


XIV. B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


ment press. Nos. 3, 7 and part of 4 were authorised by the Department of 
Agriculture. Bulletin No. 6 and part of No. 4 were issued, thanks to the re- 
presentation made to the Department of Education by Mr. Francis Kermode. 
Bulletins Nos. 1, 2 and 5 were issued at the expense of the Society. 


It may appear strange to you that our bulletins are being authorised 
from these different sources. In explanation, therefore, I wish to recall to 
your memory how our Society re-organized. In December, 1911, I called a 
meeting in Vancouver, and resuscitated the Society, which had been dormant 
for several years. The proceedings of this meeting were printed in Bulletin 
No. 1, at the private expense of a few members. It was very unpretentious, 
but a start. On January 9th, 1913, a second meeting was held, and the pro- 
ceedings were issued in Bulletin No. 2 at our own expense. At that meeting 
it was decided to hold a semi-annual meeting in the Okanagan during the 
summer. This meeting was duly held in Vernon on July 18th and 19th, 1913. 
The object of this meeting, as evidenced by the character of the papers sub- 
mitted, was mainly economic in nature. I therefore presented my case to the 
Department of Agriculture, Victoria, B. C., submitting the papers read at this 
Vernon meeting, and presenting and explaining the character of our work, 
as evidenced by our former publications, Nos. 1 and 2. Through the kind- 
ness of the Hon. Price Ellison, Minister of Agriculture, and Mr. W. E. Scott, 
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, I was accorded the pleasure of having Bul- 
letin No. 3 passed through the Government press free of charge to the 
Society. I was further able to procure a grant of money for the Society, 
which relieved the Society of its indebtedness incurred by the two previous 
publications. You will notice, in this connection, that we had to abide by 
the regulation size of paper and type of print, required by Departmental 
bulletins. This, of course. we were very pleased to do, considering the 
courtesy with which our claims were met. 


Our fourth meeting, or the thirteenth Annual Meeting since the incep- 
tion in 1902, was held in Victoria on January 23rd, 24th, 1914. At this meet- 
ing, as may be gathered by the papers presented, we had a combination of 
scientific and popular economic papers. On submitting the papers to the 
Department of Agriculture on the request to again have them printed by 
the Government press, I was met by the objection that many of the papers 
were too technical for the farmer, and hence the Department could not see 
their way clear to authorize the-printing of the whole. They were willing, 
however, to sanction the printing of those of economic interest. Consequent- 
ly, in Bulletin 4, of our Series, from page 1 to 39, we find the economic papers 
issued. It became necessary at this point to make arrangements for the pub- 
lications of the Scientific Technical papers. I presented my case to Mr. 
Francis Kermode, Director of the Provincial Museum, and he in turn referred 
the matter to Dr. H. E. Young, Minister of Education, and I was able to 
follow this up by personal representation. I was able, therefore, to obtain 
authorization to have the technical papers printed. I cannot here say how 
much this Society should feel indebted to Mr. Kermode for his very kindly 
help and assistance, both in this instance and later. He has continually placed 
his services at our disposal, and has at all times supported our endeavours. 
I trust this Society will remember this, and will take steps to give Mr. Ker- 
mode an appreciation in return for his kindly and ready help. 


As it happened, the proceedings of our 13th Annual Meeting went to 
press in two sections, authorized on the one hand by the Department of 
Agriculture, and on the other hand by the Department of Education. Mr. 
W. H.. Cullen, King’s Printer, asked me by letter whether it would be suitable 
to combine the two proceedings as one bulletin. I replied in the affirmative, 
hence you have Bulletin No. 4 in combination. 


The success of the first semi-annual meeting was so marked that it was 
decided to hold a second. This meeting was held at Kelowna on August 20th, 
1914. The fourteenth annual meeting was held in Vancouver on January 
16th, 1915. The papers presented at these two meetings were combined and 
submitted for publication. In view of the previous objection raised, it was 
thought advisable that we separate our economic papers from our systematic, 
and from this point on run two series in our publications. 


In order to set a standard in type of print thought desirable for scientific 
literature, | made arrangements to issue at our own expense, Bulletin No. 5. 


SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT, 1916. xv. 


The numbering of the pages in Bulletin No. 5 runs consecutively with Bul- 
letin No. 4.. The type of printing, as you will observe, is a wide difference 
from previous issues, and in my opinion much more suitable for scientific 
literature. I may say that Bulletin No. 5 created a most favourable impres- 
sion in the Entomological world. The remaining papers presented at the two 
meetings, i. e., Kelowna and Vancouver, still required publication. I separated 
the technical from the economic, submitting the former to Mr. Kermode, who 
authorized its publication as Bulletin No. 6. The latter was submitted to the 
Department of Agriculture, who authorized its publication as Bulletin No. 7. 
The type used in the printing of these two bulletins differs, as can be seen. 
It was necessary to make arrangements with the King’s Printer in regard to 
the change of type, as it appeared there was some di....culty in changing type 
to suit our Bulletin No. 5. However, I am pleased to say this was overcome, 
and we have Bulletin No. 6 running in consecutive order with Bulletin No. 5, 
as the “Technical or Systematic Series.” The numbering of the pages in 
Bulletin No. 7 commences at 1. hence with Bulletin No. 7 we start a new 
series called the “Economic Series.” 


I think it advisable that our future publications should run in these two 
series, and the pages should run consecutively, so that after a period of time 
an index could be drawn up covering the former issues. I trust this explana- 
tion is clear, and in accordance with your wishes. I will submit for your 
approval a resolution covering this point, later. 


Resolved That the Secretary’s Report be adopted. Movers: Hugh— 
Wilson. Carried. 


RESOLUTIONS. 


During the session the following resolutions were discussed and acted 
upon: 


1. Re BIRDS. 

In view of the fact that a great deal of discussion commonly occurs at 
Farmer's meeting in regard to the usefulness or destructiveness of birds in 
their relation to agriculture, and considering the fact that from many stand- 
points the relation of birds to agriculture has an Entomological bearing, 


Be it Resolved: “That this Society being the Entomological Society of 
British Columbia urge the Provincial Government to undertake an investiga- 
tion into the food and habits of birds in relation to their economic value, and 
that the Government be asked to publish a bulletin dealing with the economic 
value of the common birds in British Columbia.” 


Movers: Taylor—Parham. Carried. 


2. Re PARENT SOCIETY. 


In view of a misunderstanding that has occurred between this Society 
and the Parent Society in the matter of membership dues 


Be it Resolved: That the Secretary be authorized to straighten up the 
affairs of this Society with the parent Society, and that he be authorized to 
utilize such funds of the Society to accomplish this end. 


Movers: Treherne—Wilson. Carried. 


3. Re BY-LAWS. 

In as much as the By-Laws of the Society call for the regular annual 
meeting to be held in January of each year, and as this is not always con- 
venient, 


Be it Resolved That the words “In the Spring” replace the words “Tn 
the month of January” in the By-Laws covering the date of meeting. 


Movers: Treherne—Wilson. Carried. 
4. Re SOLDIER’S FEES. 


In consideration of the fact that several of the members of the Society 
who have joined the colours and enlisted for military service in Europe, desire 
still to retain their membership, 


XVi. B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY, 


__ Be it Resolved “That the Secretary be authorized to forward the dues 
(50c) per member to the ‘Canadian Entomologist’ for every member of the 
Society who have joined the army and that the money be made available from 
the funds of the Society.” 

Movers: Treherne—Downes. Carried. 
5. Re NOTES OF CONDOLENCE. 


In consideration of the loss, during the past year, the Society has sus- 
tained by the death of Mr. Thomas Cunningham, late Provincial Inspector 
of Fruit Pests; of Mr. E. H. Robinson, beekeeper, Victoria; and of Capt. 
R. V. Harvey, formerly Secretary of the Society, who was wounded on active 
service in France, and died in a German prison, 


Be it Resolved “That the Secretary be authorized to send the dependents 
of Mr. Thomas Cunningham, Mr. E. H. Robinson, and Capt. R. V. Harvey, 
the heartfelt condolence of the Society, and a recognition of the services 
they performed, not only for the Society, but also for the Province as a whole. 

Movers respectively: Treherne—Wilson; Todd—Blackmore; Sherman— 
Treherne. Carried. 


6. Re GRANT TO LIBRARY. 


In consideration of the fact that it is advisable not only to build up our 
library by the purchase of books of reference, but also to assist members itn 
studying groups of insects in which they are interested, 


Be it Resolved “That ($100) One Hundred Dollars of the funds of the 
Society be placed towards the furtherance of building up the library and 
supplying the members with books of reference, and that the President and 
Secretaries, be appointed to decide and act on each request in accordance with 
the best interests of the Society. 


Movers: Treherne—Wilson. Carried. 
7. Re SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING. 


In consideration of the success of former summer semi-annual meetings, 


Be it Resolved “That a semi-annual meeting be held at Penticton during 
1916.” 


Movers: Treherne 


Wilson. Carried. 


8 Re PROVINCIAL MUSEUM. 


In consideration of the courtesy and kindly help the Society have always 
experienced at the hands of the Provincial Museum, through the medium of 
Mr. Francis Kermode, Director of the Museum, 


: Be it Resolved: “That the Society tender its thanks to Mr. F. Kermode 
for the use of the room to hold the meetings in, and also for the assistance 
and support in the publication of its technical papers it has received.” 


Movers: Treherne—Sherman. Carried. 
9. Re PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENT AGRICULTURE. 


In consideration of the many kindly services accorded the Society by the 
Minister of Agriculture, and by Mr. W. E. Scott, Deputy Minister of Agri- 
culture, : 


Be it Resolved: “That this Society express its deep appreciation to the 
Provincial Department of Agriculture for obtaining the Society a grant 
($250.00) for maintenance and for the assistance and support it has received 
in issuing the “Proceedings.” 


Movers: Blackmore—Wilson. Carried. 


10. Re B. C. LIST OF INSECTS. 


In consideration of the necessity of publishing a B. C. List of Insects, 
the members are requested to compile and work out the names of determined 
species of insects known to occur in British Columbia. 


Be it Resolved “That the list of insects in B. C. be published as soon as 
possible, and that the matter be dealt with by the Advisory Board.” Carried. 


SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT, 1916, XVil. 


GENERAL DISCUSSION. 


A general discussion on these foregoing resolutions, and on other matters 
of interest took place during the session. The remarks passed were some- 
what as follows:— 


Mr. Sherman: I wish to express, on behalf of the Society, and for my- 
self in particular, great sorrow at the death of Capt. R. V. Harvey. [I am 
sure that all the older members of the Society are well acquainted with Capt. 
Harvey and his work. We regard his loss as that of a personal friend. He 
may be regarded as the founder of this Society and has personally inspired 
many young members with the desire to do good work. He was always 
willing to assist more humble searchers after truth, and, I may say without 
hesitation, that in the various lines of Entomology he took up, he excelled. 
He was one’ of our best authorities in the West, and a most enthusiastic 
collector. He took up the study of the Diptera and was enthusiastic about 
that group. He added many new species to our list. Although he was not 
very active, as an Entomologist, during more recent years, yet while he was 
active, he represented the old type of Entomologist and studied the subject 
from pure love of the science, and not for anything he might get out of it 
personally. He was a man who was both friend and companion, and his loss 
is a severe one to a society such as this and, on account of his personal 
nature, a great loss to humanity. 


Mr. Treherne: [n moving a note of condolence to our late friend, Mz. 
Thomas Cunningham, who until so recently held an honoured position in this 
Province as Inspector of Fruit Pests, I would like merely to say. that I feel 
a great personal loss in his recent decease. We had all met him, as he has 
attended these meetings of ours for the past three years. We all recognized, 
none more so than those who worked in close co-operation with him, the 
earnest way he had when dealing with matters of Provincial interest, and ail 
his actions were guided by the sincere wish to do the best he knew how for 
the welfare of the Province. 


Mr. Wilson: A word to support Mr. Treherne’s remarks. We have lost, 
in the death of Mr. Cunningham, a very valuable man and a time honoured 
servant of the Province. The horticultural interests have also suffered a 
severe loss by his death. Some times he and I did not see “eye to eye” and 
our views were often antagonistic to one another, but Iwish to say that I 
have always: held a sincere respect for Mr. Cunningham for the forcefulness 
of his character. The love he held for this great and grand Province of ours 
far exceeded the love he held for anything else. He will be sorely missed 
by the fruit growers and farmers; he will be missed generally. 


Mr. Blackmore: The beekeepers of British Columbia have lost just as 
big a friend in their line as have the horticulturists in theirs, in the recent 
death of Mr. E. H. Robinson. Mr. Robinson was one of the best beekeepers 
we have ever had in British Columbia. He was fearless, genuine, and always 
spoke what he thought. I have known him for several years, and I have 
heard him remark often what he proposed to do for this meeting, and for 
this Society. Now he has gone, his loss will be felt no less so than for the 
other two gentlemen you have just mentioned. 


Mr. Dundas Todd: I am very glad, indeed you have carried a resolution 
of condolence with Mrs. E. H. Robinson, regarding the death of her husband. 
Mr. Robinson was the best beekeeper in this part of the world. He took a 
great interest in beekeeping. I have had several letters regarding the con- 
ditions in his Apiary. He was a first-class workman, and a first-class bee-man, 
and I am glad to have this opportunity of adding my testimony to what has 
already been said. 


Re CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 


Mr. Treherne: There is another matter I would like to hear discussed, 
and that is the advisability of sending back some of our papers to be published 
in the “Canadian Entomologist.” You all know, and it is emphasized in the 
paper by Mr. Winn, that the number of articles penned by Canadians appear- 
ing in its pages is not nearly high enough. I would like to suggest that we 
send back some of our papers presented at this meeting for the “Canadian 
Entomologist” for publication with the words attached to the article: ‘“Con- 


SeKERT B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


tributions from the Entomological Society of British Columbia.” In this way 
we would be aiding the oldest journal of Canadian Entomology, and the cir- 
culation and notoriety such an article would receive would far exceed the 
notoriety our Society can give for many years. The kudos this Society would 
gain would be accomplished by adding the postscript I suggest. There are 
at least four of the papers submitted at this meeting which could and would 
be readily acceptable in the pages of the “Canadian Entomologist.” The 
other papers, being of peculiar interest to the Province, can better be taken 
care of out here. I bring this matter up for discussion. 


A Member: I am inclined to think that the style of the “Canadian 
Entomologist” might be improved considerably. 


Mr. Sherman: Contributions to the “Entomologist” might be left to the 
individual contributors. So long as we are able to publish our own proceed- 
ings, | am in favour that we do so. 


Mr. Blackmore: Mr. Kermode has in the past, and we hope will in the 
future, have our publications of scientific interest published by the Government 
press with his consent and support. So far as the papers of economic interest 
are concerned, Mr. Treherne has thus far been able to obtain the support and 
co-operation of the Department of Agriculture. 


Mr. Kermode: I am sure | am perfectly willing to do what I can to 
assist in having your technical papers published under the Museum Depart 


ment. 


Mr. Treherne: [| am sure we all feel very much indebted to Mr. Kermode 
of his kind services, and our appreciation should also extend to Mr. W. E. 
Scott, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, however, I think it only right and 
proper that the members of this Society should realize that, as a_ private 
Society, we are obtaining these services by the grace and goodness of these 
various departmental chiefs. It must never be thought for a moment that the 
kindness extended to us, as a Society thus far, is to act a precedent, and that 
if the auspices were not good and we were unable to obtain former assistance 
in the matter of printing or by grant, we should feel hurt or misused. It 
must be clearly understood that, at the moment, we are a private Society, 
operating under a grant and assisted by the Department press, and that we 
can only hope for maintenance of this principle provided we are able to show 
how and why and where we are of a benefit to the Province. I think we have 
shown this, and will do so more as time goes on, but we must not be con- 
fused in first principles. 


Mr. Blackmore: I think we had better handle our own papers, as long 
as we are able to. I notice that the names of Eastern Canadians do not 
appear as often as they might in the pages of the “Entomologist.” I am in- 
clined to think that, proportionately speaking, the West is well represented in 
the pages of the magazine, and that we have our own bulletins in addition. 
I think it would be a mistake to send papers to be printed there, and not 
have the benefit of their being printed here, as they refer to British Columbia 
insects. 


At the wish of the meeting the matter was allowed to drop, no steps 
being taken to publish in the East. 


OFFICERS, 1916. 


The following officers for the Society for the year March, 1916 and Spring, 
1917, were regularly elected. 


LOMO Tay ee be Si Merits ss ecess he tease ee ee caees eeaeee A eS enor A Francis Kermode 
President .—£. H. Blackmore 
[st Vice-President (Okanagan). Lionel E. Taylor 
2nd Vice-President (Coast) .R. S. Sherman 
Secretary-Treasurer................ R. C. Treherne 
Asst. Secretary and Librarian... 7. Hugh 
Aldvisonye Boards. e ses eee Messrs. enor Taylor, Sherman, Treherne, 
Hugh, G. O. Day, Tom Wilson, E. M. Anderson. 


d % Hanham, A. W.. 


SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT, 1916. Dobe 


LIST OF MEMBERS 
Spring 1916-1917. 


ENTS ee AIDING os i ee ee Nakusp 
PAGS opal i VSS peer ei ee er ee Union Club, Victoria 
Anderson, E. M.. Provincial Museum, Parliament Buildings, Victoria 
TR 2 i g yd aa | esa ee reeS  aet | 1336 Mahon Ave., North Vancouver 
PBsibeeh Sra Copecey, 10,5 Les Ree ee eae see ee pe ee PE P.O. Staff, Victoria 


TERS SOceR aE cD NON) ce EO RE oe ER Se De PRE Ladysmith 
Brydon, J. M... ..Royal Oak, Victoria 
TESS PB egg nota PE ROR 1105 Broadway W., Vancouver 
Bayley, Henry. 4328 Rupert St.. S. Hastings, Vancouver 
UBrgtra Kerra rive ees < 2 Mites: ol acactsee-n-cceceect!dentsnnesadtescsacsssstereseesneaees ae Phoenix St., Victoria 
(Gain ter,.) Wieuine..-2sess----- P.O. Drawer O, Alberni 
GOK aM ete. cae ec SUM coca casa eee tare ee SSO eS aubscgose an aseascanseseneeees Kaslo 
Cunningham, Cyril... --Maywood, Victoria 
(Cie) os a NE ek eee ne ce ese P.O. Box 1114, Victoria 
Clarke, R. G. 311 Heatley Ave., Vancouver 
UD esi Mee KO ae ee en Dunean 


IDO RAGES tore epee Tee eete oe reeee sss EAT IM SEROGG 
TB YRESOC) as, J) BRM Ore 5 este ee oe an EE Salmon Arm 
(Gata, 1D ee -Court House, Vancouver 
(Gene  eaVikis sae iin ri ern eer ne See eo ee re Sechelt 
(Gerchielll\ amie sees cme oe ent 1 a ee See Court House, Vancouver 


Hadwen, Dr. S... -Experimental Farm, Agassiz 


Bank of B.N.A., Duncan 


Beahartis, Miss’ Mary:....<...- Deroche P.O 
ielChya, eee eeeres Kelowna 
Hugh, W .316 Beckley Ave., Victoria 
Fal Taiin Dae scan © eee ene re «oe eau See ee ee ee ASS. eee Grand Forks 
Hamilton, J. A 5198 Gladstone St., S. Vancouver 
TE S24) Uy il er a mee ae ee ee a Ses Salmon Arm 
INiTrealcel tayoe WAN NL eS Sees at ve a eon i ae eR EOL oe Le SE, a Nelson 
Nira: Ss, ol Gat Veen nets oe ee ened eee Hollyburn, W. Vancouver 
Martin, A... 913 Joyce P. OF S. Vancouver 
Parham, GE: ..Experimental Farm, Invermere 
IRB DIS{ORORN A ABN ENS er Ee areas 5 Green Block, Victoria 
Recall aac NV Laer eee ae eee lens cerns et Re ee Ie, Se ee Vernon 
Rowland, Alton.. -City Engineer’s Office, Vancouver 
TR a Wey Gai EGYOWY een ceeeiter e iey Aces ee ea Ne PEER RE eo 0 en ORE nea oe Chilliwack 
Sherman, R. S. ...3642 Powell St., Vancouver Heights 
SST ESZe 1) Samed eg Gx tec emeeies Se See ese ee Se 152 3rd St., E., Vancouver 
“Tegisplltoypets ME SS eee ce er eee Kelowna 


Thornber, H.... -Department of Agriculture, Victoria 
Treherne, R. C.. Experimental Farm, Agassiz 
AU (eRIDIOG GIB TRE. cea teen eer ecb oe et ae er ee Rane Aire a ae OE Ean Vernon 
Wilkerson, G. E Box 467, Victoria 
APRN, TORE CR UI ene ye es se ee I | Sardis 
Wilson, Tom.... 5 Broadway W.,. Vancouver 
AYO ORNS 2] RAINY Le en a ee oe Dept. Agriculture, Victoria 
Ward, W. E..... -Freight Office C. P. R., Vancouver 
AON RSPR Sey RN ES cea BE a age ED Barston Island 


COMPLIMENTARY MAILING LIST 


Editor, Review of Applied Entomology, British Museum, London, England. 
Editor, Journal of Economic Entomology. Concord, N. H., U.S.A. 
Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C., U.S.A. 
Library U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Washington, D.C., U.S.A. 
Entomologist, Dept. Agriculture, Perth, Western Australia. . 
P. J. Parrott, New York Agr. Exp. Station, Geneva, N.J., U.S.A. 
H. F. Wilson, Entomological Division. Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A. 
A. L. Lovett, Oregon Agr. College, Corvallis, Oregon, U.S.A. 
Dr. E. C. Van Dyke, Berkeley University, California, U.S.A. 
~ Monthly Bulletin, Dept. Horticulture, Sacramento, Cal., U.S.A. 


XxX. ; B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Editor, Fruit and Farm, ““The World Office,” Vancouver, B.C. 
Library, Entomological Branch, Dom. Dept. Agri., Ottawa, Ont. 

W. H. Brittain, Agricultural College, Truro, Nova Scotia. 

Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt, Dominion Entomologist, Ottawa. 
Laboratorio, di Zoologia Generale e Agraria, Portici, Naples, Italy. 
Library, University, Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, U.S.A. 

Agricultural Gazette, Publications Branch, Dept. of Agriculture, Ottawa. 
E. O. Essig, Berkeley University, California, U.S.A. 

Arthur Gibson, Entomological Branch, Dept. of Agriculture, Ottawa. 
Geo. Moznette, Agr. Exp. Station, Corvallis, Oregon, U.S.A. 
Edmond Jarvis, Dept. of Agriculture, Brisbane, Australia. 

Library, Ontario Entomological Society, Guelph, Ontario. 

American Entomological Society, Logan Square, Philadelphia, Pa., U.S.A. 
A. F. Winn, 32 Springfield Ave., Westmount, Montreal, P.Q. } 
Library, McGill University, Montreal, P.Q. 

Library, University Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.A. 

Robert Matheson, Div. Entomology. Cornell, Ithaca, N.Y., U.S.A. 
Library, University of B.C., Vancouver, B.C. ; 

A. L. Quaintance, Dept. of Agriculture, Washington, D.C., U.S.A. 
Barnes and McDonough, Decatur, Illinois, U.S.A. 

L. W. Swett, 10 Farragut Ave., West Somerville, Mass., U.S.A. 
Columbia University, Barnard College, New York, U.S.A. 


dA VICTORIA MS 
Ts 


of” GOOD 
INTING 


ey > 


PROCEEDINGS 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


OF 


BRITISH COLUMBIA 


= 


MARCH 1916 
NUMBER 8 
SYSTEMATIC SERIES 


= 


VICTORIA, B. C.: 
PrINTED By THE CoLonist PRINTING AND PuBLISHING Co., Lrp 


1918 


PROCEEDINGS 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


I 


BRITISH COLUMBIA 


=i 


MARCH 1916 
NUMBER 8 
SYoLEMATIC SERIES 


1918 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 


PAGE 
Proceedings . j ; : E : ‘ ; : : : : 3 
Presidential Address—G. O. Day, F.E.S. . : : : A : 4 
On the species of the genus Pero occurring in British Columbia— 

E. H. Blackmore . : ; : : j ‘ ; : : a 
The occurrence of Glutops singularis in British Columbia—R. C. 
Treherne, B.S.A. . ; d : : : : : ; 5) lO) 


An Appreciation—A. F. Winn, President Ontario Entomological Society 11 


Further additions to the list of B. C. Geometride—E. H. Blackmore . 14 
Larva Rearing—G. O. Day, F.E.S. j : , : 5 4 vail 


In Memoriam (Capt. R. V. Harvey)—R.S. Sherman . : : eX!) 


GEORGE oO. DAY, F.E.S. 
President, Entomological Society of British Columbia, 1913-1915 


BRITISH COLUMBIA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916 


The Fifteenth Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of 
3ritish Columbia was held on March 11th, 1916, in the Provincial 
Museum, Victoria, B.C. 


Owing to the absence through illness of the President, Mr. G. O. 
Day, of Duncan, the chair was occupied by the Vice-President, Mr. 
E. H. Blackmore, who called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. 


The report of the Secretary-Treasurer, showing the continued satis- 
factory progress of the Society and its healthy financial condition, was 
moved and adopted. 


Seventeen papers were read, including six on systematic subjects 
and eight of economic importance. ‘The economic papers were printed 
in Bulletin No. 7 (Economic Series), while the chief of the systematic 
papers are published in this present Bulletin No. 8 (Systematic Series). 


At the close of the day’s proceedings the election of officers for the 
year 1916 was proceeded with, and resulted as follows: 
Hon. President—F. Kermode, Provincial Museum, Victoria, B.C. 


President 


FE. H. Blackmore, Victoria, B.C. 

Vice-President (Coast)—R. S. Sherman, Vancouver, B.C. 
Vice-President (Interior)—L. E. Taylor, F.Z.S., Vernon, B.C. 
Secretary-Treasurer—R. C. Treherne, B.S.A., Agassiz, B.C. 
Assistant Secretary—Williams Hugh, Victoria, B.C. 


E. M. Anderson, Victoria, B.C., Tom Wilson, 
Vancouver, B.C., in addition to the officers above mentioned. 


Advisory Board 


4 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS 
By, GO) Day, HES, Duncan, Bic. 


The shadow of the dreadful war in which the Empire is engaged 
is still over us. The past year has been filled with anxiety and gloom. 
Almost all of us have friends or relations who have been or are taking 
part in the terrible strife; and I think I am expressing the general 
feeling when I state there has been a sense of suspense and unrest and 
of dread as to what each day might bring forth. Is it indeed to be 
wondered at, therefore, if people have felt too uneasy over the stupend- 
ous struggle in Europe to give full-hearted attention to the special 
subject our Society is interested in? I rather think it is a matter for 
congratulation that we have done so well, especially in the programme 
provided for today, in the matter of papers. 


The awfulness of war has been brought very closely home to us by 
the death of one of our members—Capt. R. V. Harvey. He was wounded 
and taken prisoner at Festubert in April last, and subsequently died in 
Germany from his wounds. ‘Though of late years he had not done 
much active work in Entomology, he it was who was mainly instru- 
mental in starting the B.C. Entomological Society in 1902; and from the 
quarterly bulletins issued during the years 1906-07-08 (copies of which 
are preserved in our library), we have evidence of what an energetic 
Secretary and enthusiastic entomologist he was at that time. 


I would like to express our appreciation of the sacrifice of his life 
in the cause of the Empire and our sense of the loss the Society has 
sustained by his death. 


It is with much regret that I have to refer to the losses by death of 
two other members of the Society. These are Mr. T. Cunningham 
(quite recently) and Mr. E. H. Robinson (last year). Mr. Robinson 
was an authority on Honey Bees. He attended our Annual Meeting 
two years ago and gave us a talk about those insects—with particular 
reference to the new disease affecting them. 


Mr. Cunningham was a keen supporter of our Society, chiefly, of 
course, on the economic side. Those who knew him personally must 
admire his staunch character and appreciate the whole-hearted devotion 
in which he carried out his duties as Fruit Inspector for the Province. 


In considering a general review of Entomology during the past year, 
very few important events have come under my observation. 


The meeting of the International Congress of Entomology, which 
was due to be held in 1915, did not—obviously could not—take place. 


Our parent Society, the Entomological Society of Ontario, published 
during the year a most satisfactory report containing interesting papers 
and addresses. In the Presidential address by Dr. Hewitt particular 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916 5 


mention is made of the gratifying development of the British Columbia 
Branch of the Society. A reference to the list of members certainly 
gives us cause to be proud of our position—numerically at all events— 
for the Province of British Columbia furnishes 98 members out of a total 
of 203 for the whole of Canada; that is, nearly half the number. 


Our neighbours across the line, being not so much affected by war 
conditions as ourselves, held, as you know, a monster Exposition at San 
Francisco during the summer. ‘The Entomological Society of America 
took advantage of this event to hold a Convention there, which ento- 
mologists from all over the United States and some from Canada 
attended. The arrangements were on a most liberal scale, and I under- 
stand that the affair was most successful and enjoyable. 


You will have seen from Bulletin No. 7, which has recently been 
published, that our Society’s summer meeting at Kelowna passed 
off well. 


The interest shown by the attendance, and by the papers given, is 
evidence that your Committee are wise in holding such meetings in the 
eastern district of the Province, and I trust we shall be able to continue 
them. 


It is hardly necessary for me to emphasise the fact that our Society 
is proving the vehicle of much useful information to fruit growers and 
agriculturists, both by the presentation at our meetings of papers and 
discussions dealing with subjects of economic entomology and by the 
printing of such information in the Proceedings of the Society. We, as 
a Society, are doing our part in providing this information for reference, 
and it is up to the public generally to take advantage of our publications 
and also to attend our meetings. 


In the matter of the issue of our Proceedings for the past year, we 
are greatly indebted to the Provincial Department of Agriculture for 
printing No. 7, and to the authorities of the Provincial Museum for 
undertaking the printing of No.6. I think you will agree with me that 
the work has been done in a most admirable manner 


a result extremely 
gratifying to the executive of our Society. It will be my pleasing duty 
to propose a vote of thanks to the proper quarters, but | feel that a 
mere vote of thanks feebly expresses our full appreciation of the benefits 
received. 


You will, no doubt, have noticed that most of the papers given in 
the bulletins relate to subjects of an economic nature. 


This is as it should be, for applied entomology is assuming more 
and more importance in the eyes of fruit growers and farmers. 

The extent of damage done by insects is being increasingly recog- 
nized the more the matter is looked into. At the same time, though 


6 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


there is plenty of literature covering the commonest pests and the 
remedies for their control, a great many people do not seem to take 
the trouble to read particulars of the life histories already worked out. 
They seem to fight shy of printed descriptions in books and pamphlets, 
as being too dry and technical, and very often they are too sceptical to 
try the remedies recommended. 


The United States, which, I suppose, leads the world in the amount 
of money spent on combating insect pests and the publication of litera- 
ture in connection with insect pests for the use and benefit of agricul- 
turists, have, I believe, found the same difficulty in impressing the 
general run of farmers and of inducing them to take advantage of the 
information given. I have seen it stated somewhere, that the United 
States Entomological Department is trying to introduce the subject 
into the newspapers, where probably the pabulum will be taken in as a 
matter of daily reading. This seems to me to be an excellent plan, and 
worthy of being adopted in Canada or elsewhere. 


While recognizing the importance of applied entomology, I would 
not like our Society to lose sight of the systematic side. 


There is a vast amount of work to be done. I think we ought to 
make an effort to continue the lists given by the late Mr. Harvey in the 
bulletins of the Society for 1906-07-08, for the orders Coleoptera, 
Hymenoptera, Diptera and Odonata. It is only in the order Lepidoptera © 
that a serious attempt at a complete list for British Columbia has been 
made. ‘This list, published in 1906, has been most valuable, but it needs 
revising and bringing up to date. 

It would be a useful work if we could collect under one cover all 
the records for our Province scattered through the pages of the various 
publications. Besides the lists I have mentioned as printed in our former 
bulletins, there are numerous records in the Canadian Entomologist, 
Reports of the Entomological Society of Ontario, etc., where they are 
hidden and unhandy. If we did this, the only difficulty, to my mind, 
would be to find someone to undertake the revisal of the records in the 
more obscure orders. 


Considering the very little work that has been done in all the Orders 
other than Lepidoptera and Coleoptera, it is not creditable for the insect 
lovers of this Province to allow such a state of things to exist; and I 
sincerely trust that some of us will look beyond the amassing of a private 
collection of insects in comparatively popular orders and will take up 
the study of neglected orders, instead or in addition. It appears to be 
impracticable at present for the Society to think of possessing collections 
of its own, but at least we could publish, in handy form, information on 
the species of insects in the orders I have mentioned, occurring in the 
district. I earnestly put this matter before our members, and sincerely 
trust that some of us will take the matter into serious consideration. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916 


~J 


ON THE SPECIES OF THE GENUS PERO OCCURRING IN 
BRITISH COLUMBIA 


By E. H. Blackmore, Victoria, B.C. 


For many years the species of the genus Pero were a puzzling one 
to geometrid students, and it was not until the year 1910 that the late 
John A. Grossbeck, of New Brunswick, N.J., revised this group and 
placed the different species upon a satisfactory basis. 


Pero, the name by which this genus is now known, was applied by 
Herrich Schaeffer in the year 1850, and it supersedes the old name of 
Azelina Guenee by which it was known for so many years, and it also 
includes the genus Marmarea which was erected by Hulst in 1890. 
This latter was made a distinct genus owing to the fact that the male of 
occidentalis had dentate antennae. 


In the species separated by Grossbeck in his revision two have 
dentate antennae in the males, all the others having filiform antennae. 
In regard to this difference in antennal structure, Grossbeck in his 
Monograph (Proceedings of the U.S. National Museum, Vol. 38, 1910) 
says: “occidentalis has dentate antennae in common with colorado, but 
this in my opinion can hardly be considered of generic value, especially 
in view of the fact that occidentalis in habitus and genitalic structure has 
strong affinities with modestus a species with filiform antennae, while 
colorado has affinities in the same peculiarities with morrisonatus, also 
a form with filiform antennae. For these reasons | have regarded the 
genus as identical with Pero.” 


This means that the two species with dentate antennae differ more 
from each other than they do from those with simple antennae. The 
markings of this group, although similar in outline but differing in 
colour, are very well defined and quite distinctive. The ground colour 
varies from light gray and light ochreous through all their varying 
shades to dark umber-brown. ‘The fore wings are divided into three 
transverse regions, the basal and outer thirds generally being of the 
same shades of colouring, while the median band is very much darker, 
becoming more intense as it approaches the extra-discal line. In some 
species the intra-discal line is partially obsolete, giving them the appear- 
ance of a single division. The hind wings are divided by a slightly 
curved or undulate line, which crosses the wing outward of the middle, 
terminating at the inner margin. Now, this concludes my generic refer- 
ences, but before speaking of the species with which we are most inter- 
ested, I would like to say that prior to the time when Mr. Grossbeck 
undertook his investigations, only two species were recognized, viz.: 
Honestarius Walker (the ancetaria of our lists) and occidentalis Hulst. 
Mr. Grossbeck had for a long time thought that there were many forms 
going under the name of honestarius, and he set to work to gather as 


8 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


much material as possible, for the purpose of studying the whole group. 
With his own large collection supplemented by specimens loaned from 
many different points in the United States and Canada, which included 
very long series from the collection of Dr. Wm. Barnes, he eventually 
examined some 800 specimens. ‘The final result of all this work showed 
that there were nine different species represented on the American con- 
tinent north of Mexico, five of which had been regarded, at one time or 
another, as varieties of honestarius. With typical thoroughness, Mr. 
Grossbeck had slides made of the genitalia, and in every case they bore 
out the arrangement that he had previously based on superficial 
characters only. 


Of the nine species listed by him as occurring in North America, 
there are four which are found in this Province, viz.: giganteus Gross- 
beck, occidentalis Hulst, morrisonatus Hy. Edw., and behrensarius Pack. 


I will now give a short description of each, with their habitat, which 
I hope will render them more easy of identification in the future. I have 
also brought with me specimens of the different species for comparison. 


Pero giganteus Grossbeck. This is the largest species of the genus, 
measuring 45-51 m.m. in expanse. Its large size alone will readily dis- 
tinguish it from the other species. The ground colour of the fore wings 
is whitish-grey, with more or less of a brownish, or yellowish, cast. The 
median band in the male is of a dark umber-brown, which becomes more 
intense as it approaches the extra-discal line. In the female this dark 
brown colour is replaced by a brighter reddish brown. While not a 
common insect, it is more abundant than any of the other species that 
occur in our fauna. It is on the wing from the beginning of July until 
the end of August, and ranges from Vancouver Island to as far east as 
Kaslo. This is the species that Taylor listed erroneously as Azelina 
occidentalis and is labelled as such in many of our collections. 


Pero occidentalis Hulst. This species can be recognized by the 
dentate antennae of the male, which at once separates it from the 
others. It is smaller than the preceding species, being from 38-40 m.m. 
in expanse. ‘The intra-discal line of the primaries is dark brown and 
well defined, giving the median area the appearance of a solid dark 
brown band, which contrasts sharply with the lighter grayish brown of 
the ground colour. ‘This species is earlier on the wing than any of the 
others, being found throughout May and June. It is found in the 
Interior, and is rather uncommon. ‘The specific localities I have for 
this species are Rossland, June 8th (W. H. Danby); Kaslo, June 10th 
(J. W. Cockle); and Okanagan Falls, May 6th (E. M. Anderson). 


Pero morrisonatus Hy. Edw. ‘This form is readily identified by its 
peculiarly mottled appearance. The ground colour is of a variegated 
yellow, the extra- and intra-discal lines being dark brown, and the 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916 9 


median space often profusely mottled with the same colour. This 
species occurs all over the southern part of British Columbia and Van- 
couver Island, but is more uncommon than giganteus. It generally flies 
from the beginning to the end of June. ‘This form has been invariably 
sent to me under the name of honestarius (ancetaria), which species 
does not occur, as far as is known, any further west than Calgary, and 
must accordingly be struck off our lists. 


Pero behrensarius Pack. Of this species I can say but very little, 
and it must be exceedingly rare, as I believe it is contained in only two 
collections. Mr. Grossbeck had nine specimens before him when writing 
his Monograph, of which seven came from Oregon, one from California, 
and one from Rossland, B.C. The latter was dated June 3rd, but by 
whom it was taken is not recorded. I had hoped to have found a speci- 
men amongst Mr. W. H. Danby’s material (he having collected at Ross- 
land for several years), but was disappointed in this respect, although 
he had specimens of the other three species. Speaking of this form, 
Mr. Grossbeck says: “It is a very distinct and easily recognized species, 
separable from all the others by the granite-grey ground and the sharply 
defined median area.” 


To summarize the foregoing, the species of this genus will stand in 
our lists as follows: 
PERO Herr-Sch. . 


giganteus Grossbeck - Generally distributed. 

occidentalis Hulst - - Rossland; Kaslo; Okanagan Falls. 
morrisonatus Hy. Edw. - Generally distributed. 

behrensarius Packard ~- Rossland. 


Author’s Note.—Since the above article was written, the following 
additional data has been gathered: 


Pero behrensarius Pack. Recently in going over a collection of 
Lepidoptera made by Mr. W. Downes, at Armstrong, B.C., a few years 
ago, I found two specimens of what are undoubtedly this species, taken 
in July, 1914. They agree perfectly with Grossbeck’s description and 
are easily separable from the other three species found in this Province. 


Pero occidentalis Hulst. On June 4th, 1917, I took at light a speci- 
men of Pero, which seemed to me to be different to any that I had 
hitherto taken in Victoria. Upon examination under a binocular, it 
proved to my surprise to be occidentalis. This, to my knowledge, is the 
first record of this species on Vancouver Island, and considerably 
extends its known range in British Columbia. On June 7th, I took 
another one, also at light, both specimens being males. 


Pero morrisonatus Hy. Edw. It is well to note that in Messrs. 
Barnes and McDunnough’s New Check List (1917) the name morri- 
sonatus has been altered to morrisonarius. Book 


10 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


THE OCCURRENCE OF GLUTOPS SINGULARIS, BURGESS, IN 
BRITISH COLUMBIA 


3y R. C. Treherne, Field Officer, Entomological Branch, 
Dominion Department of Agriculture 


A single male of Glutops singularis, Burgess, was taken last June, 
1915, at Agassiz, British Columbia, by the writer. Its identity was 
determined by Dr. J. M. Aldrich, La Fayette, Indiana, U.S.A., on a 
recent professional visit to Ottawa, Ont. Dr. Aldrich remarked at the 
time that it was extraordinary that an insect, apparently so rare, should 
have such a wide distribution. Former specimens of this species had 
only been taken in Massachusetts and Connecticut, U.S.A., consequently 
I was advised to enquire from Mr. Chas. W. Johnson, of the Boston 
Society of Natural History, who had been brought into touch with the 
insect on various occasions, regarding earlier records of its occurrence. 
I am indebted to Mr. Johnson for giving me the references from which 
the following notes are gathered. 


A single male was first collected by Dr. George Dimmock, at Spring- 
field, Mass., U.S.A., about 1872, but it was not described until 1878, when 
Mr. Edward Burgess placed the insect as a new species in a new genus 
(Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. 19, p. 322, 1878). For thirty years 
the above solitary male remained the sole representative of its species, 
and it was not until April 18, 1909, that Mr. William Reiff captured three 
males near Purgatory Swamp, Norwood, Mass., U.S.A. Under the 
heading “The Rediscovery of Glutops singularis, Burgess,” Mr. C. W. 
Johnson records (Psyche, Dec., 1909, p. 132) the capture of these three 
males and gives the location of the types as they were placed in museum 
collections at that time. 


On April 21, 1912, Mr. Reiff was fortunate in again taking some 
males at the same place as before mentioned in Norwood, Mass., U.S.A. 
Three years later, on April 17, 1915, at South Meriden, Connecticut, 
U.S.A., Mr. Harry L. Johnson captured a single male. 


I am now able to record, for the past spring also, the occurrence of 
this fly on the Pacific Coast. ‘This specimen is in the National Collection 
of the Entomological Branch, Dominion Dept. Agriculture, Ottawa, 
Ontario. It is very strange, therefore, that the species should be so 
widespread in distribution and yet be so rarely captured. Up until the 
present time only males of this species have been taken, consequently 
nothing is known of its life history or habits, but it is hoped that before 
long more information will be gathered on this interesting insect. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916 11 


AN APPRECIATION 
By A. F. Winn, President of the Ontario Entomological Society. 
Mr. President and Members of the B.C. Entomological Society : 


Thanks to the courtesy of your Secretary, I have the pleasure of 
saying a few words at this meeting. 


I need scarcely say how much | wish it were possible to temporarily 
acquire the fabled seven-leagued boots and leave home overnight so as 
to be with you in person at this meeting, but even if I did, it would not 
be a record for a Canadian meeting of Entomologists. We were 
delighted to have at the November meeting both your Secretary and Mr. 
Tom Wilson, and felt the magnetic influence of an Entomological meet- 
ing was indeed strong to bring two enthusiasts over 2,800 miles, when in 
walked Mr. C. P. Lounsbury, of Pretoria, the Government Entomologist 
of the Union of South Africa, who also greatly helped in making the 
meeting the success it was. 


I wish to express to you the greetings of the Parent Society, and 
also to say a few words of appreciation of the work you have done and 
are doing for Entomology in Canada. The hope has often been expressed 
that the time would come when our Society would have a chain of 
branches extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Today this has 
been accomplished, and the men who have brought it about are well 
known to you. One is your Secretary, who has got together such a lot 
of enthusiasts in your Province, that he tells me there are not enough 
copies of the Canadian Entomologist printed to go around; the other is 
Prof. Brittain, who carried the ideas he had formed in British Columbia 
straight across the continent, and on his arrival at Truro, Nova Scotia, 
at once formed an active branch in the Maritime Provinces. In Mon- 
treal, Toronto and Guelph, the branches meet regularly, and we are 
glad to learn that one is likely to be formed at Saskatoon. 


The life history of an Entomological Society has been compared 
with that of an insect. It is usually started by a few kindred spirits in 
a very small way, making their presence noticed no more than the eggs 
of a butterfly, then, like a caterpillar, it begins to grow and do things; 
it changes its skin, adapting itself to changing conditions from time to 
time, it wanders abroad, it may have to rest occasionally or take refuge 
in dark days, and apparently not make much progress, but it is only 
temporarily held back, and ultimately develops its full growth. ‘This 
covers a time, like the present, which may be considered to resemble 
the pupal period, when progress is being made rapidly, but perhaps not 
so noticeably, although it must be remembered that pupae are often 
decidedly active, and then comes the inago. What our final stage will 
be, remains for ourselves to show, for no other country can boast of 
an Entomological Society having branches extending over such a wide 


12 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


area. The charter of our Society is made out on the broadest possible 
lines, and there is nothing Government about it, except the name, and 
we cannot feel grateful enough to the Ontario Department of Agricul- 
ture for having fostered us from the beginning, though they realize that 
they never made an investment that has paid them so well, as the annual 
grant they have given us. 


It has been the aim of the Parent Society during all the years when 
the headquarters were at London, Ont., and the more recent ones at 
Guelph, to make the members at a distance feel they had the same 
privileges as those residing in their city, and many have been the sug- 
gestions and offers made to bring about closer relationships between the 
branches and widely separated individual members. 


Glancing at the list of contributors, to Vol. 47, it will be seen that 
out of 61 names, 20 are Canadians, a little less than one-third. Can’t 
we do better than this, and make Vol. 48 show at least 50 per cent.? 
We cannot all write technical papers, fortunately perhaps, but the Editor 
would welcome contributions to the “popular and practical” column, 
and notes on capture of unusual specimens or observations of their 
habits. 


Our forthcoming annual Report should show a series of contribu- 
tions representing the whole Dominion, and we must keep this up—a 
few more pages can easily be added if required to publish our contribu- 
tion towards the next meeting. These two publications are surely 
together worth the cost of membership, but to add to a good thing your 
Branch has outshone all the others by issuing a valuable series of 
“Bulletins” and distributing them to us gratis. We look forward to 
receiving further bulletins from time to time. They will prove more 
and more valuable as the series grows; and if I may suggest it, there 
should be a reserve stock kept somewhere, from which back numbers 
can be supplied at a price that will pay for the trouble and a little more. 
Hints have also reached us that lists of British Columbia Insects are 
being prepared and old ones revised, and this is another indication of 
the extent of your activities. One thing I omitted to mention regarding 
the Annual Report is the “Entomological Record,” conducted by Mr. 
Arthur Gibson. ‘This has been a feature since 1901, and last year’s list 
is the largest one we have ever had. One object the late Dr. Fletcher 
had when he started it, was to bring us more closely in touch with one 
another’s work, and into association of specialists capable of helping us 
out of difficulties. 


Your Secretary not only represented you at our November meeting, 
but also kindly visited us in Montreal at our February monthly meeting, 
and told us much, but not everything, about the progress of Entomology 
in British Columbia, and we know he can and will tell you our side of 
the story, for no one could do it better. Our message therefore is not — 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916 13 


only one of pleasure and pride in what you have accomplished, but a 
plea for hearty co-operation. Those of us who see our English con- 
temporary the London “Entomologist,” which is just one year older 
than its Canadian namesake, will recall the quotation that appears on 
its brilliant orange cover every mbnth, and it can easily be memorized 
by all— 

“By mutual confidence and mutual aid, 

Great deeds are done and great discoveries made.’ 


There is one other matter that should not be omitted, namely, that 
a new and stronger tie than any mentioned above is binding us closer 
together. Our members in every Province have answered the call of 
King and Country to fight side by side, as true men of science, against 
a power which has made science only a tool for achieving deeds of 
unthinkable barbarity. In numbers that have joined the colours, the 
British Columbia Branch stands foremost, but all will do their share. 
On the same day that I was reading an account of my friend Mr. H. 
Simms’ observations of butterflies in the trenches, I was grieved to hear 
that the pioneer entomologist of British Columbia, Mr. R. V. Harvey, 
had been killed “Somewhere in France.” ‘The ancients used the word 
Psyche to indicate both the butterfly and the soul; and the butterfly is 
forever regarded as a symbol of the resurrection—a sacred thought dear 
to many a dying entomologist. 


The enemy has recently given the press the information that science, 
especially in Natural History in Canada, is at a standstill owing to the 
war. So far as Entomology is concerned, if anyone thinks it worth 
while to brand this statement as being of the same nature as others 
that are “Made in Germany,” let him look up the records of the last 
meetings held in Ottawa, Montreal and Victoria, and learn that they 
rank among the best in the 52 years of our existence. 


14 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


FURTHER ADDITIONS TO THE LIST OF BRITISH 
COLUMBIA GEOMETRIDAE 


By E. H. Blackmore, Victoria, B.C. 


This paper is really an additionsto the one that I read before you 
at the last annual meeting (Proc. B.C. Ent. Society, No. 6, N.S., p. 116, 
et seq.), and is induced by the fact that I have been able, during the past 
year, to obtain several new records to be added to our list, as well as 
finding out further changes in nomenclature which affect our British 
Columbia Geometridae. I will deal with the new records first, keeping 
the corrections and changes for the latter part of my paper. Altogether 
there are over twenty species and varieties new to our British Columbia 
List, which I have gathered from the following sources. In November 
last, while going through a number of papered specimens collected by 
Mr. W. H. Danby at Rossland some fifteen years ago, 1 found about 
thirty specimens of Geometridae. After relaxing and setting these up 
I was very pleased to find three species which had not previously been 
authentically recorded. At the beginning of January I was asked by 
the authorities at the Mount Tolmie University to re-arrange and re-label 
the collection of the late Capt. R. V. Harvey, who was for many years 
one of our most valued members. In the Geometrid portion I found 
three more species which were new to the list. In my paper at the last 
annual meeting I spoke of the captures made by Mr. E. M. Anderson 
at Atlin in 1914, while on a general collecting trip for the Provincial 
Museum. At that time several species of Geometridae were held over 
for investigation, and amongst them, two more have been found new to 
the Province. There are two from Mr. J. W. Cockle of Kaslo, as well 
as several others apparently undescribed, and I| feel sure that there will 
be several more new records to his credit when they are thoroughly 
worked out. Amongst material collected last season at Cranbrook by 
Mr. C. B. Garrett for the Provincial Museum, there were a number of 
Geometridae, three of which are new records. <A very rare variety which 
is new to Canada was captured by Mr. G. O. Day at Duncan, and I have 
been instrumental in adding eight new records, including one species and 
three varieties new to science. 


I will now take them in order in which they appear in Dyar’s List, 
which is at present the classification used by the leading Museums of 
North America. ‘They are as follows: 


Carsia paludata Thunb., taken by the late Capt. Harvey in the Hope 
Mountains on 19th July, 1906. This is an interesting capture, as its 
regular habitat is Arctic America. I have a specimen in my own col- 
lection from Labrador, with which it fully agrees. 


Eupithecia laisata Streck. In the summer of 1914 1 took a long 
series of E. longipalpata, and amongst them I found a short series of six 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916 15 


which were different to the others. At first 1 thought they were a well 
marked variety, but later they turned out to be laisata. Mr. L. W. 
Swett of Boston compared them with a specimen in the Pearsall collec- 
tion at New York, which specimen was labelled “compared with 
Strecker’s type,” and my specimens matched it exactly. This species is 
very close to longipalpata but is of a lighter colour and has the spots 
on the veins elongated, the latter being, to my mind, its most distin- 
guishing feature. J am inclined to believe it more of a variety of longi- 
palpata than a distinct species, although that can only be proved by 
breeding. Its type locality is California. 


Eupithecia usurpata Pearsall. This species was described in the 
Proc. Entomological Society of Washington, Vol. XI., 1909. It belongs 
to the same group as limnata and olivacea, and is in shape and colour 
very much like limnata, only it is somewhat smaller and is of an even 
dark yellowish brown, not mottled as in limnata, and the discal dots 
are much less clear than in the latter species. It flies with limnata in 
the same localities and is, with the latter, one of our earliest species, 
flying round the “sallow blossoms” in late March. I took two on the 
26th March last year at Victoria, but it is almost certain to occur at 
Duncan and other points on the Island. 


’ 


Eucymatoge vitalbata D. & S., taken by Mr. J. W. Cockle at Kaslo 
on the 6th August, 1907, and is the only known specimen in British 
Columbia. ‘This species is taken commonly at Calgary, Alberta, by Mr. 
Wolley-Dod, from where it was first recorded as North American. It 
also occurs in Manitoba and I have specimens from Ontario. 


Rheumaptera luctuata var. obductata Moesch. Through some mis- 
identification of the late Mr. Taylor, he has the wrong form listed in our 
British Columbia Check List. The insect that he has listed there, as 
R. luctuata is in reality the var. obductata, which has the secondaries 
entirely black. I have this form from Atlin, Rossland and Vancouver. 


Dysstroma mulleolata Mosch. Mention of this species was made 
by me at our annual meeting two years ago (See Proc. B.C. Ent. Socy., 
No. 4, N.S., p. 45). At that time I listed it as a variety of Dysstroma 
citrata Linn., but with additional material that I have collected during 
the past two seasons and a careful comparison with Hulst’s type, which 
was made through the kindness of Mr. H. Weiss, of New Brunswick, 
N.J., the true form of mulleolata has been located. It is quite distinct from 
any of its allies and is of a very striking appearance; it is much larger 
than any of the citrata group, and is on the wing fully a month earlier. 
It is apparently local and far from being common. I may add that I 
have three distinct varieties of this species, descriptions of which will 
shortly be published in the Canadian Entomologist. 


Hydriomena nubilofasciata var. cupidata Swett. This very rare 
and interesting geometer was taken by our worthy President, Mr. G. 


16 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


O. Day, not far from his residence at Quamichan Lake, on the 22nd May, 
1914. This variety was described in Can. Entomologist, August, 1910. 
Commenting on this capture, Mr. Swett says, “This is a rare variety and 
rather unexpected to turn up in B.C. I have only seen it from Cali- 
fornia so far, and only two specimens at that.” 


Hydriomena speciosata var. ameliata Swett (nov. var.) This 
variety has a broad white median band which easily distinguishes it from 
the typical form. So far I have only taken two specimens, one on the 
7th July, 1914, at Garden City, and the other two days later at Swan 
Lake, both of them being females. The type remains in my own collec- 
tion while the paratype is in the collection of Mr. L. W. Swett. It was 
described in the Can. Ent., February, 1915. 


Hydriomena grandis var. saawichata Swett (noy. var.) This is a 
very striking variety and cannot be confused with typical grandis, the 
rusty-brown colour of the basal and outer thirds greatly contrasting with 
the black median band. It flies with grandis about the middle of May, 
and is on the wing about a month. It is not uncommon, although I have 
never taken more than two in any one day. It gets worn much quicker 
than grandis, and is hard to get in good condition; out of eighteen that 
I have taken in the past two years, only seven are in perfect condition. 
The name was originally written saanichata, but owing to a typo- 
graphical error was printed as saawichata, and according to international 
custom I am afraid that name will have to stand. 


Stamnodes blackmorei Swett (nov. sp.) This species is very local, 
and only occurs, as far as | know, in the vicinity of Victoria. It is a very 
pretty species, especially on the underside, which is suffused with a rosy 
flush, this being very noticeable in freshly caught specimens. It is by 
no means common, although it occurs regularly; I having taken 
twenty-two specimens in the last three years. It had gone for many 
years under the name of gibbicostata Walk., an eastern form which 
occurs as far west as Winnipeg. I was always doubtful about our form 
being conspecific with this latter, and after receiving additional specimens 
of the true gibbicostata from Montreal, Que.; London, Ont., and Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio, I noticed many differences which have led to its being 
described as a new species. In size it is much smaller, and underneath 
on the hind wings it is quite clear, where gibbicostata is heavily striated. 
It also flies a month earlier, emerging about the first week in July. I 
have placed paratypes of both this and the preceding one in the Pro- 
vincial Museum at Victoria, and have also sent a paratype of each to 
the Canadian National Museum at Ottawa. 


Petrophora defensaria var. mephistaria, Swett (nov. var.) On the 
30th August, 1914, I took a very striking variety of defensaria, which 
was entirely unlike anything I had seen before. As it did not fit any 
published description that I had, I sent it to Mr. Swett, who, it appears, 


PLATE II. 


FOR EXPLANATION OF THIS PLATE SEE PAGE 20 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916 17 


had one sent to him some years ago by Mr. A. J. Croker of this city. 
These were then described under the above name. ‘This is a very 
distinct variety, the basal area and the outer third being flesh- 
coloured, while the median band is solid black. It is rather a rare 
variety, as I have only taken five during the past two seasons. The 
descriptions of the above three geometers were published in Can. Ent., 
May, 1915, p. 155 et seq. I would like to add here that during the past 
season both Mr. Swett and myself have devoted a lot of time to the 
defensaria group, which has resulted in the addition of four more distinct 
varieties, all of which will be described in one of the forthcoming 
numbers of the Canadian Entomologist. 


Leptomeris frigidaria Mosch. Several specimens of this Arctic 
species were taken by Mr. Anderson at Atlin in July, 1914. The mark- 
ings are somewhat similar to subfuscata Taylor, but it is smaller in size 
and is of a greyish colour. 


Leptomeris ancellata Hulst. Three specimens taken by Mr. C. 
Garrett at Cranbrook on the 6th July, 1915. It is about the same size 
as quinquelinearia Pack., but is of a chalky white colour and has more 
pointed wings. This is also taken by Mr. Cockle at Kaslo. 


Deilinia behrensaria var. cervinicolor Hulst. I have two specimens 
from Rossland taken by Mr. Danby in 1901. This variety differs from 
typical specimens in having the reddish ochre colour on all wings 
replaced by cervinus, or deer-gray. This colour variety is very striking 
and rather uncommon. 


Deilinia carnearia Hulst. A specimen in Mr. Cockle’s collection, 
taken at Trail, B.C., without date. I have a note that another specimen 
was also taken at Peachland by, I believe, a Mr. Wallis. 


Diastictis occiduaria Pack. ‘Taken by Mr. Garrett at Cranbrook on 
the 20th July, 1915. Two specimens were taken and, as there has been 
a doubt between this and a closely allied species, I have had them com- 
pared with Packard’s type of occiduaria by Mr. Swett, who states that 
they match the type exactly. 


Diastictis brunneata Thunb. One specimen taken by the late Capt. 
Harvey at Similkameen on 20th July, 1906. This species has a wide dis- 
tribution, being found in the Northern United States and Europe. I also 
have specimens taken at Calgary, Alberta. 


Diastictis denticulodes Hulst. This was also taken by Capt. Harvey 
in the same locality two days later. This species bears a striking resem- 
blance to Sciagraphia denticulata Grote, but is slightly larger and is 
easily distinguished by the bi-pectinate antennae of the male. Mr. 
Cockle of Kaslo has also taken this species. 


Alcis imitata Walk. This geometer appears in all our local collec- 
tions under the name of A. latifasciaria Pack., which also occurs here. In 


18 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


many cases both species are mixed together under this latter name. 
During the last three seasons I have taken a long series of both these 
species and find them easily separable, the chief distinguishing feature 
is that in latifasciaria the extra-discal line on the primaries is heavily 
shaded with blackish-brown, whereas imitata is of an even colour 
throughout. Also the median band of imitata is concolorous with the 
rest of the wing, whilst in latifasciaria it is broken up and mottled with 
a lighter shade. ‘They fly together in the same localities, but my notes 
tell me that latifasciaria is generally a week later in emerging and it is 
also much less common than imitata. 


Metanema determinata Walk. ‘Iwo specimens taken at Cranbrook 
by Mr. Garrett on the 12th May, 1915. Its general habitat is the North 
Atlantic States, but it has been taken at Calgary by Mr. Wolley Dod, 
although but very rarely. 


Sabulodes cervinaria Pack. I have a pair in good condition, taken 
by Mr. Danby at Rossland on the 4th May, 1900. They have been com- 
pared with Packard’s type and are correct. In the 1904 Catalogue of 
B.C. Lepidoptera it was listed as a doubtful species, but 1 found on 
examination that the insect with that label was a female specimen of 
Pherne jubararia Hulst. 


Sabulodes auranticaria Pack. I have one from Rossland, also taken 
by Mr. Danby. I have a note somewhere that Mr. Taylor saw a female 
specimen of this species taken by Mr. Cockle at Kaslo many years ago. 


This concludes the main part of my paper relating to the additions 
to the B.C. List, and I will now proceed to the corrections and changes 
in nomenclature which affect our B.C. Geometridae. 


In the paper I read before you at the last Annual Meeting (Pro. Ent. 
Socy. B.C., No. 6, N.S.), I have to correct one error of identification, and 
that is Philopsia nivigerata Walk., which was made from a single speci- 
men. Since then, through the kindness of Mr. G. O. Day and Mr. A. W. 
Hanham, I have obtained additional material, with the result that 
although very close, it is not nivigerata but is probably tabulata Hulst, 
but I will not state so positively until I have had the specimens com- 
pared with Hulst’s type. We have three distinct forms of this group in 
British Columbia, but it has been definitely settled that montanata does 
not occur here, and therefore must be dropped from our lists. The 
variety magnoliatoidata Dyar I have from both Rossland and Kaslo. 
The species that I have tentatively called tabulata Hulst are from Vic- 
toria and Quamichan Lake, while the third form was taken by Mr. Day 
at Stewart, B.C., and is probably a northern form of Philopsia canaves- 
tita Pearsall. I hope to have this group worked out satisfactorily by our 
next annual meeting. 

Three species of Eupithecia listed by Dr. Dyar from Kaslo in 1904 
must be struck off our lists; his determinations were made at a great 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916 19 


disadvantage, as his material was very scanty and the collection in the 
U.S. National Museum at that time was exceedingly poor in this genus. 
They are as follows: E. laquaearia H-S., named from a single specimen, 
turned out to be E. albicapitata Pack., and the latter name must be sub- 
stituted for it. This has also béen taken at Cowichan Lake.  E. laricata 
Freyer was also named from a single specimen in Mr. Cockle’s collection, 
but Mr. Taylor, with more abundant material and a careful comparison 
with British specimens, described it as new in the Can. Ent., Dec., 1906, 
under the name of E. perbrunneata. 


E. satyrata Hub. is European and should have been the E. perfusca 
of Hulst, and as both names appear in our list, satyrata must be 
struck off. 


In the Trans. N.Y. Ent. Socy., 1913, p. 189, Mr. R. F. Pearsall 
revised the genus Philobia, with the result that the enotata of Dyar’s 
list turns out to be aemulataria Walker, which is a smaller species occur- 
ring in the Eastern United States. The species that we have always 
listed under the name of enotata he has described as ulsterata from 
specimens taken in British Columbia and the Catskill Mountains, N.Y. 
The B.C. specimens are a trifle larger but otherwise the same. We 
must, therefore, revise our list accordingly. 


Doctors Barnes and McDunnough in their “Contrib. Lepidoptera of 
North America, Vol. 2, No. 5,” tell us that the names Mesoleuca inter- 
mediata Gue., and M. lacustrata Gue. have been interchanged at some 
time or other. Dr. McDunnough who visited Europe in the autumn of 
1913, saw Guenee’s type of intermediata in Paris, and says it is the 
species which is commonly known here as lacustrata. ‘This is the form 
with white subterminal area and large discal spot. ‘Therefore in future 
our present lacustrata will be known as intermediata, and vice versa. 
They also tell us that Petrophora abrasaria H.S. is typically European, 
and that our species should be called congregata Walk. In the same 
paper, on p. 212, they give the name of ornata to the summer form of 
Eutrapela alciphearia Walk. This form is much smaller and of a 
brighter yellow on the upper side; they both occur on Vancouver Island. 


I have brought with me a case containing the majority of the species 
and varieties mentioned in this paper, in the hope that it may be of some 
interest to my fellow-members. 


Before concluding, I would like to say a few words in regard to the 
preparation of a new Check List of B.C. Lepidoptera, to which necessity 
I called attention at our last Annual Meeting. As you are all probably 
aware, the Geometrid portion was entrusted to me for revision, and I had 
hoped to have had my part ready for the printer this spring. I find, 
however, that although I have been at work on this part for the past 
five months, there is still much more remaining to be done, if we are to 
have a thoroughly representative list. There are two main reasons why 


90 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


we cannot publish a new Check List at the present time; one of them 
is that although the majority of the species have been worked out and 
correctly identified, there are still a number of species, both in the 
Noctuidae and Geometridae, that cannot be accurately identified until 
comparisons are made with the author’s types; whilst others are appar- 
ently undescribed. It is of no use issuing a Check List of B.C. Lepi- 
doptera which does not include every species known up to the date of 
publication, neither is it right to include a doubtful species which, with 
a little time and trouble, may be cleared up one way or the other. The 
second reason is that Doctors Barnes and McDunnough intend issuing 
a new Check List of North American Lepidoptera in the near future. 
In that work the changes in nomenclature are very considerable, and, 
as is very likely, that when published it will be the standard list for some 
years to come, it is advisable for us, as a scientific society, to have our 
B.C. List follow along the same up-to-date lines. 


Author’s Note.—Since the above notes were written, it has been 
found that Sabulodes aurantiacaria Pack. is the female of S. cervinaria 
Pack., which latter was described from two males taken by Behrens in 
California. Therefore, the name aurantiacaria will automatically 
become a synonym of cervinaria. 18, lal, 18, 


Explanation of Plate II. 


Fig. 1. Stamnodes blackmorei Swett. Co-type. 
Fig. 2. Stamnodes blackmorei Swett. Underside. 
Fig. 3. Stamnodes gibbicostata Walk. 

Fig. 4. Stamnodes gibbicostata Walk. Underside. 


Note difference in size and maculatien between Figs. 
2 and 4. 
Fig. 5. Hydriomena speciosata Pack. Typical. 
Fig. 6. H. speciosata form ameliata Swett. Allotype. 
Note the broad white median band and strongly marked 
intra-discal line of this form as compared with Fig. 5. 
‘ie. 7. Hydriomena grandis Hulst. ‘Typical. 
Fig. 8. H. grandis form saawichata Swett. Paratype. 
Note the solid dark median band contrasting with the 
lighter unicolorous basal area. 
Fig. 9. Eupithecia limnata Pears. 
fig. 10. Eupithecia usurpata Pears. 
Fig. 11. Eupithecia longipalpata Pack. 
Fig. 12. Eupithecia laisata Streck. 
Figures 3 and 4 were taken by A. F. Winn at Montreal, Que. All 
the others were taken by E. H. Blackmore in the vicinity of Victoria, B.C. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916 21 


LARVA REARING 
By G. O. Day, F-E.S. 


As a subject specially applicable to both the systematic and 
economic phases of Entomology, I have chosen “Larva Rearing” to 
speak about today. Any fresh information as to the life histories of 
insects, either injurious or otherwise, is so much gain to both depart- 
ments. I have had considerable experience in the rearing of the larvae of 
Lepidoptera, particularly of the English species, and perhaps a few 
remarks on the results of my experience may be of use. 

It must be borne in mind that the larvae dealt with are Lepidoptera, 
but no doubt, hints can be obtained for the treatment of larvae of other 
orders. 


The best way to obtain larvae is from eggs, either found in the 
natural state, or else from captured females. (Captured females may be 
encouraged to lay in confinement by feeding with syrup or slices of 
apple.) Another method is by beating the foliage of trees and shrubs 
over a beating tray or inverted umbrella. The most profitable times of 
year for this are in the spring, just after the leaves are out, and in 
September. The former time will catch hibernated larvae, and those 
recently hatched from eggs laid the previous autumn. ‘The September 
beating will secure the larvae which intend to pass the winter in the 
pupal stage. Instead of beating, I personally prefer to search for the 
caterpillars by noticing where the leaves have been eaten, and by turning 
up leaves and branches. Searching low-growing herbage with a lantern 
after dark is an interesting manner of hunting, and is productive of 
many species not otherwise observed. 


Having first procured your larvae, the next thing to be considered 
is the best way to feed them in confinement. You all know the kind of 
cages that dealers sell for this purpose. They are all very well for 
some kinds of larvae, but they are not suitable for all. Different species 
require different treatment, and it is here that success or failure comes in. 
I will mention several kinds of apparatus that I have found most useful 
myself. 


In the first place, it is necessary to have small metal boxes, almost 
airtight, about 3 in. in diameter, glass topped preferred, to keep newly 
hatched larvae in. Young larvae can be kept in these, certainly until 
the second moult (but not too crowded), and in some cases for their 
whole larval existence. The advantage of closely fitting boxes is that 
the small larvae cannot escape and that the food does not dry up rapidly. 
Flower pots (all sizes), partly filled with earth or peat, or sawdust and 
earth, make excellent breeding cages for many kinds of low-feeding 
caterpillars. The top must be covered by a piece of muslin or even 
stronger material, tied round by a piece of string. I generally put a small 
bottle of water inside the flower pot, sinking it in the soil a little way, 


29 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


and in this is inserted the food plant, which keeps fresh longer in this 
way. With larvae that feed on trees or shrubs, sleeving is a very easy 
way of keeping them. <A number of different sized sleeves should be 
prepared. I have found bags about two feet long by 9 inches wide a 
useful size. "These should be slipped over suitable branches and tied 
round the open end by a piece of string, care being taken to avoid folds 
through which larvae enemies could creep. In some cases sleeves 
open at both ends are more convenient to slip over branches, the outside 
end being afterwards tied up with a piece of string. The material of which 
the bags are made should be strong enough to resist the attacks of birds, 
but transparent enough to see when the food contained inside is getting 
finished. If necessary to transfer the larvae to fresh pasturage, it is 
advisable to cut off the old branch and pick off the larvae over a sheet 
or large newspaper, transferring them to the new sleeve after it is in 
position on the fresh branch. It is necessary to keep an eye on the 
sleeves and when the larvae are getting full fed, especially in cases 
when they pupate in soil or on the ground, to let them finish in flower 
pots such as I have mentioned. I prefer flower pots for this, because 
it is desirable to keep only one kind in each pot. 


Another variant of the sleeve is to cut off a branch of the food plant 
required, tie it in the sleeve in the same manner as just described, only 
leaving about 6 inches of the stem projecting outside and then put the 
stem in a jar of water, with the sleeve resting on the mouth of the jar. 
This can be kept in the house or outhouse, and will be found a most 
convenient and successful method. 


Shallow boxes of wood, with moss or cocoanut fibre on the bottom, 
make excellent cages. The tops must be perfectly level so that a sheet 
of glass, placed on the top, will not leave any spaces for the larvae to 
escape. <A piece of muslin or butter cloth should be put under the glass 
over the top of the box. In cases of odd larvae of unknown species 
picked up, I have found it a convenient practice to use Economy jars or 
sealers. I first put a little debris, fibre moss or cotton wool, in the 
bottom of the jar. 


Then I take a small bottle about 3 inches high, and tie a piece of 
string around its neck; after filling the little bottle with water, I put in 
a sprig of the food plant and lower the whole into the jar by the string. 
The string will be found necessary, for if not used the inside bottle will 
slip away from the food. 


The string is also needed to lift out the bottle when renewing the 
food plant. The mouth of the jar must be covered by a piece of cheese 
cloth, secured by a string or elastic band. ‘The advantage of this method 
is that a description of the caterpillar can be attached to the jar and the 
connection of larva and perfect insect be safely established. Moreover 
the larvae may be allowed to pupate in the jar—the jar can be stored in 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916 93 


a suitable situation and an eye can be kept upon it for indication of the 
emergence of the perfect insect, without removing the cover. In prac- 
tice, however, I have found that the perfect insect often rests on the 
cover where it is not easily seen, so that it is advisable to take off the 
cover occasionally and look inside. 


When breeding large numbers of the same species for varieties, I 
have found large tubs, or a barrel cut in two, most effective. Of course 
the tubs must have a cloth cover tied round by a piece of string. There 
are some interesting notes on the subject of breeding Lepidoptera in 
B.C.E.S. Bulletins No. 6 and 7 by Mr. J. W. Cockle of Kaslo. For 
other directions, observations, hints and recommendations, I shall quote 
extensively from an article on “The Rearing of Larvae” by Mr. C. 
Rippon, M.A., F.E.S., in “The Entomologist” during the past year, 
because the experiences there recorded so generally correspond with my 
own that I am glad to avail myself of the diction and of the writer’s 
individual observations. I consider the article a most interesting con- 
tribution to the subject. 


Newly hatched larvae have a tendency to scatter, therefore they 
should be confined to a somewhat small space, with the receptacle com- 
fortably filled with the food plant, taking care that some of the food is 
in contact with the lid of the box, where, as a rule, the young larvae 
congregate. In some cases where the food plant is not known, I always 
put in single leaves of as many plants as are available, choosing such 
kinds as I think the species would be likely to feed upon in a state of 
nature and being guided by what I know already to be the general kind 
of food of the different families. For instance, a great many geometer 
larvae will eat Polygonum aviculare although that plant may not be their 
usual food. Likewise most noctuid larvae will eat dock, plantain or 
chickweed. But, in passing, I may say that any too succulent food, like 
chickweed or lettuce, is bad for larvae, and should be used very spar- 
ingly. Arctiid larvae prefer fairly succulent food, such as low-growing 
herbs. They are dirty feeders and need frequent change of food. Noto- 
donts generally require leaves of trees. Whatever food is put in with 
young larvae should not be too wet and should be disturbed as little as 
possible. It will soon be seen if the larvae are taking to any of the 
leaves provided, indicated by their resting elsewhere than on the glass 
lid. If they congregate there or seem restless, it is best to put in fresh 
kinds of food. When it is seen that the larvae have eaten, they should 
be left alone until the food is withered, by which time the larvae have 
generally passed through their first instar. ‘The food can then be 
examined to see which of the leaves have been preferred and the sub- 
sequent supply determined thereby. When larvae are larger, so much 
care need not be taken to see that the foliage is dry, except in boxes 
where there is very little ventilation, but such cages should be avoided, 
as plenty of fresh air is necessary for successful rearing. Overcrowding 


94 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


is another thing to be avoided, and it is best not to have more than one 
kind of larva in each receptacle. “The choice and condition of pupating 
material most suitable to the species being bred is a matter of consider- 
able importance. Some larvae require quite a special type of material, 
while the majority do best in a light, fibrous, sandy soil, more analogous 
to pure leaf-mould and very different to the ordinary soil in a garden. 
Then again, for convenience in manipulation, the material should have 
nothing in it which could be mistaken for a cocoon, 1.e., no lumps, stones, 
etc.; it should also be easily capable of being moistened to any degree 
required, and, most important of all, should be free of any insect pests. 


I quote the foregoing information about the moistening the pupating 
material, for the use of anyone it may appeal to. My own experience is 
that, as a rule, if pupa are kept in the open air, under cover and shade, 
they do not require artificial moistening. I think, however, that if pupae 
are found in a damp situation, it is important that the moist condition 
should be continued, as it is fatal to allow the same pupae to be some- 
times damp and sometimes dry. 


In regard to “receptacles for pupating, it may be mentioned that, 
though metal may be used, those constructed of rough wood are infinitely 
preferable, except for wood-eating larvae and one or two species which 
seem to like stone or earthenware to pupate on. 


“The size and depth of the receptacles are again dependent largely 
on the species to be treated. About three or four inches deep are suff- 
cient for the majority of burying larvae, but for some of the larger 
hawk moths and certain fastidious things, the compost should be much 
deeper. As to size of receptacle, it is much better to have a number 
fairly small and let only a few larvae do down in each, than one large 
one, and expect a lot of larvae to go down in it. 


“One reason is that generally the majority of a batch of larvae 
unaccountably prefer one end or corner of a pupating box; consequently 
if a large number are allowed to pupate in the same box, however large 
it may be, those which descend last will disturb those already down, 
with bad results as to the number of pupae obtained. 


“For larvae which spin up on the surface of the ground there is 
nothing equal to natural moss (sterilized), pressed down gently on to 
the surface of a layer of the peaty compost already described. 


“For those which spin up in dead leaves, it is obvious what should 
be supplied, while larvae which spin above ground usually do not 
require anything special, but will make their cocoons on the food plant 
or cage. Ornamental cork is not a bad substitute for such larvae as 
require the bark of trees in which to make their cocoons, while wood- 
feeders and a few others demand special treatment, such as hollow 
sticks, rotten wood, and the like.” 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916 25 


“All breeders of Lepidoptera naturally aim not only at obtaining 
a high proportion of imagines to the number of larvae, but also at 
obtaining fine, richly coloured specimens. No doubt a large variety of 
factors conduce to the production of such imagines, but one of the 
greatest is, I believe, quickness of development in the larval stage. Of 
course the average life of larvae of different species varies enormously, 
some taking years to come to maturity and others weeks only; so that 
in speaking of quickness of development I only mean it to refer to the 
usual length of life of the larva under consideration. Suppose for 
example, we have a larva whose average life is 3 months; it will usually 
produce a far finer imago if it comes to maturity in ten weeks, than if 
it drags on for three and a half months. Other things being equal, the 
quicker, within certain limits, larvae can be fed up without interferring 
materially with their cycles, the larger will be the proportion to pupate 
and the finer the resulting imagines. This I have found to be particularly 
the case with larvae that feed up in the spring or early summer. 


“Now if there is one thing that has more influence than another on 
quickness of development, it is temperature. I do not mean that the 
greater the heat the better will be the results. The temperature wants 
to be consistent with that prevailing under the best conditions at the 
time of year when the larvae naturally feed, and, above all, it should be 
regular. I have frequently obtained quite remarkable results by feeding 
up certain spring larvae in a temperature of 55 to 60 degrees kept up 
regularly day and night in April and May. 


“This sort of treatment has one disadvantage, and that is, that 
the imagines may appear two or three weeks before their proper time; 
but against this may be set very many advantages. ‘The larvae seem 
very much less liable to ailments; they feed heartily and steadily, there 
is practically no loss in changing skins or pupation, and the imagines are 
large and handsome. I have found this use of a steady, fairly warm 
temperature of the greatest help in rearing larvae hatched in the spring 
from ova which were laid the previous summer or autumn, and have by 
its means bred without any difficulty several species which pass the 
winter as ova and are considered difficult, if not impossible, to get 
through successfully in confinement. 


“Perhaps this effect of a regular temperature is one of the chief 
reasons why some species vary so enormously in their abundance in 
different years. If the temperature during the months the larvae are 
feeding is unusually warm and steady for that period of the year, then 
the next emergence of the species will be unusually abundant. It will 
be noticed that I refer to the temperature being warm, not hot. Great 
heat and drought have quite a contrary effect; the larvae may feed up 
very quickly, but the imagines are frequently small and stunted. ‘This 
may very likely be due to the fact that great heat dries up foliage and 
makes it much less succulent, besides making it more difficult for the 


26 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


larvae to eat, so that the latter cannot consume enough to keep pace 
with their rate of development; and what they do consume has very 
little moisture in it—a commodity most essential to a larva’s well-being. 


“The successful hibernation of larvae is, in my opinion, the most 
difficult part of larvae rearing. 


“The majority of hibernating larvae require to be on or near their 
food plant to live through the winter, and there is little doubt that 
many larvae feed far more during hibernation than many persons sup- 
pose. Low-feeding larvae may be successfully treated in a cage in which 
is placed a flower pot planted with what they feed on. I would, how- 
ever, suggest that whatever the plants may be that the larvae fancy, a 
little grass should also be put in the pot, for | have found that quite a 
number of species which never touch grass at other times will frequently 
nibble it during the winter months. 


“Quite a number of species which hibernate as larvae in nature can 
be made in confinement to feed straight up, pupate and emerge about 
Christmas or early in the new year. ‘The two necessary factors are 
warmth and suitable food... .. . A suitable temperature is, of course, 
all-important, and it should on no account be allowed to drop very low 
even for a short period. One really cold night will start some larvae 
hibernating, and nothing will then induce them to resume feeding. ‘This 
forcing through of hibernating larvae is only possible with certain 
species; others, whether kept warm or not, utterly refuse to go on 
feeding after a certain period in the autumn. With many hibernating 
larvae it is not particularly difficult to bring them through the winter; 
but the problem is how to prevent them dying off when hibernation is 
over, which they often persist in doing, despite being supplied with the 
most tempting portions of their food plant. When the latter is available 
sufficiently early, | have found that the best plan is to bring the larvae 
into a warm, steady temperature about a month or more before they 
thoroughly wake up under natural conditions. I often begin to bring 
in hibernating larvae in February, with most excellent results.” 


“T have seen it stated in quite a number of works on the British 
Lepidoptera that the pupae of burying larvae should not be dug up, 
and that cocoons should not be interfered with. In the great majority 
of cases | would unhesitatingly advise the very opposite. 


“Tn confinement many of the spinning larvae will make their cocoons 
one on top of the other in such a way that if left in position the imagines 
could never get out of those at the bottom, while with those that bury 
I have already pointed out how one end or corner of the pupating box 
will be patronized by the majority of the larvae. Then, again, despite 
the greatest care, insect pests may get established in the pupating 
material; and if the pupae are left in it for months they may all be 
destroyed long before the perfect insects are ready to emerge. Another 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916 97 


point about taking out the pupae is that they are then much easier to 
handle and look after and to place, so that they get the full benefit of 
the damp atmosphere which is so necessary to most species just before 
emergence. When, in addition to this, it is realized that the removal 
of the pupae, if carefully done, does them no harm, and adds to the 
percentage of emergences, there seems no tangible reason for leaving 
pupae in situ. 


“ 


I do not by all this mean that every cocoon should be opened and 
the pupae removed. As long as the cocoons are fairly substantial there 
is no object to be gained by doing more than separating the cocoons one 
from the other, and removing the loose outer web if there is one. Indeed, 
from the difficulty of doing so without injury, it is unwise to attempt to 
remove pupae from tough cocoons.” ; 


“When dealing with larvae whose period of rest is unknown, the 
receptacle in which they have gone down should be left untouched for a 
fortnight, then the compost in one corner should be gently removed till 
one of the insects is found; if it is a thoroughly hard pupa, the lot may 
be turned out with safety; if, on the other hand it is still a larva, leave it, 
slightly exposed if possible, so that it can be inspected every few days. 
In this way the period of rest can be found out, and, at any rate, the 
breeder does not endanger the whole brood. ‘The chief thing in keeping 
bare pupae over any length of time is to prevent them coming into 
contact with anything that will block up their spiracles. They should 
never be allowed to lie on, or in any dusty material, such as dry earth. 
Bare pupae and cocoons can quite easily be kept during the winter 
piled into and shut up in chip or glass-topped boxes exposed to outdoor 
temperature.” 


“About a month or more before the time arrives for the emergence 
of the perfect insect, the pupae and cocoons should be spread out in 
shallow pans or boxes, the bare pupae between two layers of sterilized 
moss, and placed in a cage or large, well ventilated box with rough 
sides and top. ‘The atmosphere in this box should be kept decidedly 
damp, or many cripples will be bred, especially amongst the Geometers. 
The pupae of many species do not all emerge the first year, a provision 
of Nature that has no doubt saved many an insect from extinction; but 
this class of pupae does not seem to call for any special treatment, unless 
it be extra care in making sure a pupa is really dead before throwing it 
away.” 


That is all I have to say about larvae-rearing today. I am con- 
scious that all the members present may not feel greatly interested in 
the subject, and may think that I might have chosen a less common- 
place one, but my excuse must be that I wish to encourage the practice 
of larva-rearing; for it is a sad fact that in the case of a great number 
_ of our insects, little or nothing is known of their earlier stages. 


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THE LATE CAPTAIN R. V. HARVEY 


Iu Memoriam 


CAPTAIN R. V. HARVEY 


Captain R. V. Harvey was born at Londonderry, Ireland, in 1872. 
His earlier education was received at Liverpool College. From this 
institution he matriculated into Magdalen College, Cambridge, where 
he graduated as a Master of Arts. 


Coming to Vancouver in 1900, he opened the Queen’s School, a 
private academy for boys. Under his able direction this institution 
grew to such dimensions that it was found advisable to transplant it to 
Victoria, where a more suitable environment could be found. He there 
co-operated with the Rev. W. W. Bolton and Mr. J. C. Barnacle in the 
establishment of the University School. 


During the nine years that Captain Harvey spent in Vancouver, he 
was indefatigable in his efforts to promote the interests of Entomology 
in this Province. It was largely due to his efforts that the B. C. 
Entomological Society was inaugurated in 1902. For nine years he was 
Secretary of that Society, and was tireless in his endeavours to make 
it a success. 


Captain Harvey had studied the Lepidoptera in England, where he 
had made an extensive collection. He naturally specialized in this order 
when he first collected in British Columbia, and many new records and 
several new species were added to our lists as the result of his work. 


In 1904 he turned his attention to the study of Diptera, and during 
the next four years his collections in this order were extensive and 
valuable. In the Canadian Entomologist for January, 1908, Prof. Ray- 
mond C. Osburn, in his article on B.C. Syrphidae, says: “Especial refer- 
ence must be made to the excellent work of Prof. R. V. Harvey, of 
Queen’s School, Vancouver, to whose careful collecting twenty-two of 
the additions are due.” 


In 1906 Captain Harvey made a collecting trip over the Hope Trail 
to Princeton, walking one hundred and thirty miles. The results were so 
satisfactory that he repeated the trip in 1908. This, perhaps, marks the 
last serious work he attempted in connection with Entomology. Botany 
began to appeal to him as a new field of study; and with characteristic 
thoroughness he set about the investigation of our western flora. On 
his return from the first Hope Trail trip he started the Vancouver 
Naturalists’ Field Club, an institution which flourished during the time 
he was connected with it, but which, on his removal to Victoria, became 
moribund for want of a guiding spirit. 


30 


But other fields of effort now claimed his attention. From the very 
inception of the Boy Scout movement he became one of its most enthusi- 
astic supporters. The Cadet Corps of University School, Victoria, also 
found in him its able sponsor. 


It is not surprising to find him associating himself in a more serious 
way with military affairs. With the establishment of the 88th Fusiliers, 
Captain Harvey took out his commission. His first taste of active 
service was during the mining disturbances on Vancouver Island. Then 
came the declaration of war, and Captain Harvey was one of the first 
to offer his services. 


He was drafted with the 7th Battalion and after training at Val- 
cartier and later at Salisbury Plain, was with the first Canadian forces 
to go to France. Here he was wounded and taken prisoner in the gallant 
charge of the Canadians during April, 1915, and died in a German con- 
centration camp some few weeks later. 


The news of his death brought heartfelt sorrow to all who knew 
him. His personality was magnetic in its power to attract and charm 
those who were in any way intimately associated with him. The ver- 
satility of his mind was so combined with a singleness of purpose and 
concentration of effort in whatever he undertook that we find him excel- 
ling in many of life’s activities. During his residence in the West he 
made many friends, who will long mourn his loss, and yet who will feel 
a certain vicarious pride in the heroic nature of his death. 


R. S. SHERMAN. 


iv oa 


us f 


‘i wa oul 
Ty ae ey ae ae at Pe 


Cea i 
hy ts 


; oh a Bin) an a f 


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i 


~ PROCEEDINGS 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


OF 


BRITISH COLUMBIA 


AUGUST, 1916 


NUMBER NINE 
ECONOMIC SERIES 


Ned anit 
THE GOVERNMENT OF Di «A ‘Dis 
THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUNBIA, 


RY 
al Wi ys" of 


VICTORIA, B.C.: 
Printed by WILLIAM H. CuLtry, Printer to the King’s Most Excellent Majesty. 
1916. 


cg 


PROCHEDINGS 


OF ‘THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


BRITISH COLUMBIA 


AUGUST, 1916 


NUMBER NINE 
ECONOMIC SERIES 


The late Thomas Cunningham, Provincial Inspector of Fruit Pests. 
Died February 16th, 1916. 


TABLE OF CONTENTS. 


PAGE. 

Notes on Wood-ticks—J. W. Cockle ........... ayia gs. c up keayeafeheene sore peaievehectionePestenkoherae 
The Cottony Waple-senle— Por! WaAalso” ciciaveceucatscrovdis stevens c.0ss1 obs relisuous) o,/s}ie site) ehevedecoushe 57 
The Pea-weevil in British Columbia—-h. C. Treherne ........ Seeks cetsusycnstercnrekouse ees 59 
Entomology in the Public School—J. A. Hamilton .......... SpEaaus aveyentasee ee 5 -- 6O 
The Forest-insect Problem in Stanley Park, Vancouver—It. N. Chrystal ........ G3 

Some Orchard Insects of Wconomice Importance in British Columbia—R. C. 
AINE CINQUINC ous etraorsvo tor suete: «Ace easheue- sfenssene Store tay cashes Seperate Rte tine nab aveviyyereheee che 66 

Superheating as a Control Method for Insects which infest Stored Products— 
Avchur wm GipSoner oriole cet e ean diate cicero a avepetheeyane eg danroslenoy whe (ata paroravevexs 83. 
The Control of the Cabbage-aphis—E. H. Strickland ................ STO orn . s4 


Nore.—Numbers 7 and 9 (and, in future, uneven bulletin numbers) of the 
Proceedings of the British Columbia Entomological Society represent the com- 
mencement of the ‘ Hconomic Series” of bulletins. The numbering of the pages 
will run in order, and an index will be prepared later, covering the publications of 
several years. 


BRITISH COLUMBIA ENTOMOLOGICAL 
SOCIETY. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916. 


BA cieeten Fifteenth Annual Meeting of the British Columbia Ento- 


mological Society was held in the Provincial Museum, Parliament 
Buildings, Victoria, B.C., on March 11th, 1916. This Bulletin No. 9 
contains the more economic papers of practical or popular interest to 
fruit-growers and farmers, and in the matter of page numbering is a 
direct continuation from Bulletin No. 7. 

The resolutions and business transactions of the Society, following the Fifteenth 
Annual Meeting, have been separated from the papers and articles given at the 
meeting and will appear as a supplementary report. 


NOTES ON THE WOOD-TICK (DERMACENTOR VENUSTUS). 


By J. WM. CockLe, KASLO. 


Some years ago I was asked by the late Dr. Fletcher to write an article on 
wood-ticks, and thinking I knew a lot about their varied idiosyncrasies, I committed 
my observations to paper. The article never appeared in print, as our dear old 
friend, Dr. Fletcher, wrote me upon the receipt of the article that he would refrain 
from publishing it because he considered the average reader would consider that my 
imagination had probably superinduced a temporary attack of hallucination, and in 
their opinion I should be immediately elected to the presidency of the Ananias Club. 

Since then I have gained in years, and during this time I have had to carry the 
weight of the reputation of having written for publication a true fish story, so that 
now, having survived this weighty reputation, IT think I can more easily carry the 
onus of having written some facts about wood-ticks which may be received with 
scepticism. 

In the report of the Dominion entomologist for 1914, under the heading of 
“Insects affecting Animals and Man,” appears the following: ‘* Our inquiries in 
regard to the distribution of ticks in British Columbia, and especially of Dermacentor 
venustus on account of its relation to the obscure disease termed tick paralysis in 
children, has been continued and additional data has been secured.” As far as I 
know, the only data which has been published was that splendid report on. tick 
paralysis in lambs caused by D. venustus which was published by our mutual friend, 
Dr. Seymour Hadwen. This report appealed to me most strongly, as prior to taking 
up his research-work in regard to this tick I had the pleasure of first meeting 
Dr. Hadwen and discussing with him the subject of tieks. 

The investigation which was started by the Intomological Department regarding 
ticks originated from a press report which appeared in many Eastern papers, which 
stated that I was responsible for the statement that ticks produce spinal meningitis, 
and that there were records of deaths having resulted from this disease in the 
Kootenays. This statement was entirely wrong, the press reporter having confused 
spotted fever, spinal meningitis, with the Montana spotted fever. I received a letter 
by first mail from Dr. Hewitt asking if IT had made such a statement. This happily 
T was able to deny. But the fact remained that there were records of several 
children who had died from the effects of a tick having attached itself at the hase 
of the skull, causing paralysis and death. Several other cases were recorded where 


D4 B.C. EnromMoLocicaL Sociery. 


the child was completely paralysed, but recovered upon the removal of the tick. 
My object in writing to the papers at this time was to point out that there was 
danger from wood-ticks when they attached themselves to young children, and this 
letter and the subsequent agitation which it provoked was the initial point from 
which the medical faculty in Canada was brought into contact with the results 
which had come under the observation of several medical men in Western Canada, 
and led to the receipt of many letters of congratulation and thanks from parents 
whose children had been affected by wood-tick * bites.” 

The further reason of my desire to open up the question of ticks has until now 
remained unpublished. 

It is a recorded fact that Montana spotted fever, which produced a mortality 
in the early times of 90 per cent., was produced by D. venustus, and there are also 
records of this same fever, but in a much milder form, from other of the Western 
States. 

We now come down to the facts regarding D. venustus and its ally in British 
Columbia. T am speaking now as an entomologist, and 1 wish to make the state- 
ment, regardless of all contradiction, that there are two ticks masquerading under 
the same name. As faras structure and maculation go, they are practically identical, 
but one is a fever-tick and the other is not. 

The ally will walk all over a person without causing any uneasiness except 
a crawly feeling, whilst D. venustus appears to attempt to gain entrance for its 
sucking-tube in many places, and where any such attack is made it results in a 
sore spot. I have seen cases where persons were a mass of small irritating sores 
caused by “bites’* from this tick.* This slow ungainly bug crawls deliberately 
over one in search of a secluded spot at which to attach itself, whilst its nimble 
ally will travel three times as fast and attempt attachment at many points. 

You may ask how I know that they are a different species if their form and 
maculation are identical. Well, I have watched them, and as an entomologist I 
know that they have nothing in Common; one is a racehorse, the other a hack. 
This is not a scientific reason; science says that they are one, but the eye of the 
student fails to observe what science accepts as a fact. 

Some years ago after the Department of Washington had made a_ thorough 
examination of the wood-tick situation in the Bitter Root Valley, Montana, there 
appeared in one of the scientific magazines an illustrated article on the subject, and 
in this the fever-tick was cited as D. johnsonii, When and by whom the change in 
nomenclature was made I do not know, having no reference library, but it seems 
probable to me that, on account of the similarity in appearance, jolimsonii has been 
relegated to that ever-increasing list of synonyms from which it will some day have 
to be resurrected. 

Allow me now to pass on to some personal narratives regarding ticks. The first 


tick IT saw in the Kootenays was in the early spring of 1889. A friend and myself 
had Leen out to look for deer, and when we re-entered our rowboat to return home, 
my friend leaped suddenly out of the rowboat to secure a rock with which he pounded 
a poor unfortunate tick, which he discovered on the gunwale of the boat, to atoms. 
When asked why he used such strenuous methods and language, he told me that he 
had a grudge against all ticks by reason of the misery he had endured from their 
“lites.” The reason for the rock is explained that it is almost impossible to crush 
a tick. If you place one on a flat board, pressing it down under the thumb with 
the full weight of the hody, it seems only to enliven it, for when the thumb is lifted 
it will walk off even faster than before. The antipathy to ticks and the fiendish 
delight which may be evinced by one who has been the subject of their attention 
may Le well indicated by the almost insane vindictiveness of another friend, who 
marooned a tick on the top of a bare rock in the middle of a sawmill pond. Every 
morning, hail, rain, or shine, he would row over to this rock to look at the tick and 


* Nortr.—The tick Mr. Cockle refers to as ‘the ally” is undoubtedly Dermacentor 
albipictus (S. T.). 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916. D5 


curse it with some of the choicest vernacular to be met with, even in the pioneer 
West. This tick remained marooned on this rock for over three months. This 
seems to illustrate that the birds, like man, have an antipathy for ticks. 

In the last paragraph I told you of a tick living three months on a bare rock, 


and now I will record another fact (please remember that these are all facts). 
Some years ago, when I was operating as a taxidermist, two mountain-goat heads 
were sent to me to be mounted. After skinning they were immersed in a solution 
of salt and borax. In this they remained for over a month, and when mounted they 
were hung up in the sun outside the shed to dry. T had noticed that there were 
iImany heavily engorged ticks adhering to the pelt and had removed most of them 
with a comb, but after the heads had been out in the sun for an hour or two, my 
attention was attracted to several heavily engorged ticks walking about over the 
heads. Whether it was the effect of the sun or the taste or smell of the arsenical 
paste with which the heads were coated which caused them to detach themselves 
will ever remain a mystery, but the proven fact remains that they will stand sub- 
mersion, even in a saturate solution of salt, for an extended period. 

The susceptibility to the attack from ticks is a mystery. One person or one 
horse or other animal out of a bunch seems always to be the marked recipient for 
their attentions. I have known men who would return from a trip through the 
brush completely covered with ticks—fifty or sixty ticks crawling over the body 
and clothes is no uncommon occurrence for even a trip of a few hundred yards— 
whilst their companions, who in many cases were ahead and consequently brushed 
off the ticks from overgrowing brush, would be practically immune. As an illus- 
tration of immunity, I may tell you that I have never had a tick attach itself to 
me; a very few will crawl over me, but IT am not to their liking. 

A farmer living in Southern Kootenay had three horses and an old mare. Tieks 
were very numerous in this Community, but the horses seldom had any ticks attach 
themselves to them, whilst the mare would daily return from pasture smothered with 
them. The method of freeing her from their attack was somewhat novel. The 
farmer would drive her around until she was in a heavy sweat, and in this condition 
most of the ticks would voluntarily detach themselves. while the remaining ones 
could easily be lrushed off. 

The methods employed or suggested for getting rid of an attached tick are 
somewhat novel and varied. Some old prospectors who have had many experiences 
claim that they can be unscrewed; others try getting rid of them by applying a 
lighted mateh to their abdomen; others swear by an application of coal-oil or by 
means of a wad of chewing-tobacco placed over them. Any or all of these methods 
Inay prove effective in some instances, but the fact of the sucking-tube being trans- 
parent or nearly so renders it almost invisible to anything but a powerful microscope, 
so though they may apparently have been removed intact the sucking-tube often 
remains in the skin. When this occurs it invariably sets up a very bad ulcerous 
inflammation which does not vield readily to any treatment. often remaining an 
open sore for mouths. The most practical remedy is to pull the tick forward with 
the aid of forceps until the skin is raised, then with a sharp knife cut off the pro- 
jecting skin containing the sucking-tube: a slice less than a sixteenth of an inch 
thick is ample to ensure the complete eradication of the sucking-tube. 

With all the inconvenience that ticks produce, we may congratulate ourselves 
se of Montana spotted fever in 


on the fact that there has never been recorded a © 
sritish Columbia. 

I am conscious of the proverb of the “ prophet being not without honour,” but 
have full confidence that this lengthy epitome and the reputation of the writer may 
safely be left in the hands of the members of our Society for a verdict. 


Mr. Parham: This paper by Mr. Cockle is very interesting to me. While he 
may have written his paper in a joking strain, the relation of ticks to agriculture 
is no joking matter. The relation of ticks to horses and the annoyance caused are 


56 B.C. ENromMOLoGICAL Soctrery. 


only too true. We have a great deal of trouble with them, especially in the Southern 
Okanagan country, and we find them very hard to control. There is absolutely no 
question that the ticks attack one person and not another, and the same applies to 
horses. There is no accounting for this dislike or preference; it just occurs. One 
method of exterminating the tick is to pull it out and cut off a piece of skin sur- 
rounding the puncture, but currycombing is a very practical method with horses. 
Still another common method is employed as described by Mr. Cockle, and that is 
to work them very hard, so as to cause profuse sweating; but this does not check 
them. I am very interested in all this and would like to hear further discussion. 

Mr. Blackmore: I notice Dr. Hadwen is here and that he will be giving us the 
next paper, referring to ticks. Possibly he might have some remarks to make now 
or he might prefer to give us his paper. 

Dr. S. Hadwen: I do not know that I can add very much to what Mr. Cockle 
has said. His observations are without doubt correct, and I can support his con- 
tentions on many points. I am afraid, Mr. President, that the paper I proposed to 
give at this meeting must be cancelled. I had expected to give you a list of the 
species of ticks that occur in British Columbia, Dr. Hewitt, Dominion Entomologist. 
however, has just issued a list of Canadian ticks which covers our British Columbia 
list completely. I received Dr. Hewitt’s list yesterday and there is little that can 
be added to it now. 

In regard to this subject, under discussion, of ticks and the evils resulting from 
their attack on animals, I have dealt fairly fully with the subject on other occasions. 
Tick paralysis is a disease of animals and is produced in human beings by the bites 
of ticks. In Cape Colony, South Africa, as well as in this country, ticks have been 
found to produce paralysis in sheep. Another record comes from Australia. Con- 
ditions of paralysis may be caused by several species of ticks, not always by the 
same one. Paralysis occurs several days after the tick has commenced its attack. 
During the first three or four days the tick remains quiet, but during the last twenty- 
four hours or so the engorgement is very rapid. In fatal cases the heart and respira- 
tion are affected. If the tick is removed, recovery is very rapid. 

While there are about fifteen varieties of ticks in British Columbia, most of 
those which affect animals produce, not paralysis, but intense irritation to the 
tissues. It is remarkable that after a bite from almost any of the ticks, itching 
may continue for years. Severe constitutional disorders may result, and the ulcers 
which may form are very slow to heal. 

In reference to the connection between ticks and animals, I have frequently 
heard it claimed that ticks prefer certain trees in which to stay. I am inclined 
to think that this is the case, and is caused by a preference on the part of the 
animals, after becoming laden with ticks in the pasture or range, to collect under 
some favourite tree for shade. Some animals are, as pointed out, more susceptible 
to ticks than others. I have noticed that weak animals are always affected the 
worst, but whether or not the weak condition is directly the cause of the attack I 
cannot say. Once an animal has a tick on it, you will find that a rag saturated 
with coal-oil will cause it to relinquish its hold. Any oil will work, but I acknowl- 
edge a certain difficulty in getting rid of ticks, especially on horses. 

Mr. Parham: I haven’t had very good suecess with oil. 

Dr. Hadwen: You will find it will work, I am sure. A small drop even on the 
stigmal plate will cause a tick to relinquish its hold. It works every time. You can 
prove it for yourself in the laboratory. 

Mr. Treherne: Is it so that “ spotted fever ” does not occur in British Columbia? 

Dr. Hadwen: We have never heard of any case. 

Mr. Parham: What abcut ticks on poultry? 

Dr. Hadwen: TI have never heard of poultry being affected by ticks. But if 
a chicken is affected with lice, it is advisable to dust thoroughly with sulphur. Any 
dusty substance kills them instantly. We have very few records of ticks taken on 
birds in this country. 


DINGS, 1316. ay 


Proce 


Mr. L. E. Taylor: I found one on a bird on one occasion. Mr. Cockle in his 
paper mentioned about birds not seeming to like ticks, but I know of a team of 


oxen in South Afriea which, when they got home at night, covered with ticks, the 
chickens would make their evening meal of the ticks on them. It was really an 
extraordinary sight to see the birds jumping up at the bellies of the oxen. 

In South Africa arsenical dips for sheep ave considered good things, despite the 
poison. I have seen the hair removed completely by dipping too many times. Up 
to a certain point dipping is fine. Donkeys are especially athieted with ticks. One 
cure for ticks in South Africa is to apply a hot coal to the hody. This causes the 
tick to loosen its hold. On other occasions a nearly full-gorged tick, if left on the 
body, will drop off naturally, with little evil results. 

Dr. HWadwen: Deer in this country are often attacked by what are called 
“ticks,” but they are not true ticks. At certain times they fly, and when they light 
on an animal they throw off their wings and live as hody-parasites. 

Mr. Wilson: When I was in India I got what was called a “ black man’s louse ~ 
on ime, hy sleeping too close to the natives. 


Dr. Hadwen: That, of course, is due to the pigmentation of the skin from a 


negro. The species of the louse was the same as the * white man’s louse.” 

Mr. Treherne: Mr. Cockle in submitting his paper attached a letter in which 
he mentions some interesting details. He mentions taking a very minute tick from 
a shrew, which is being sent to Washington, D.C., for determination. He has also 
added to his records of snow-inseets hy the capture of another species of * snow-flea,” 
Whose name he does not mention. The first specimens were taken on the snow when 
the thermometer registered 25° Fahr., actively walking. This is the lowest tempera- 
ture that he has ever seen any insect-life active and alive. Ile has also discovered 
another small colony of golden snow-fleas in a locality different to any one known up 
to the present. It is to be hoped that Mr. Cockle will give us further information 


on this interesting form of insect-life on another oecasion. 


Mr. Blackmore (Vice-President): I will now ask Mr. Tom Wilson to give us 
his paper on the “ Cottony Maple-seale.” 


THE COTTONY MAPLE-SCALE (PULVINARIA INNUMERABILIS). 


By Tom Witson, F.R.H.S. 


The above-named insect has increased Loth in numbers and distribution during 
the past season to an almost alarming extent. It has been noticed in the City of 
Vancouver on a great variety of food-plants, such as thorns, poplars, grape-vines, 
willows, and gooseberries. At Agassiz, on maples and other plants. At Lytton, on 


Acer glabra and Acer negundo, Near Nanaimo, the willows out in the woods were 
attacked, as were also the maples, and the writer has had letters from many goose- 
berry-growers in various parts of the Province, sending in specimens of the affected 
twigs bearing the characteristic white cottony masses. We have not noticed them 
so numerous in the Province since 1899, when the thorn hedges and also currant- 
bushes around Chilliwack were all heavily infested. They almost disappeared the 
following year. 

This insect is usually very inconspicuous in the early part of the year, hut 
comes into notice after the females have attained their full growth in May or June, 
and have excreted a cotton-like substance, which protrudes from under the seale, 
covering the insect. 

The entire under-surface of limbs is frequently covered by these inseets, with 
their cottony filres full of minute eggs and young. The species is very prolific, and 
the late I. S. Putman, who published an exhaustive report on the insect, says that 
a female will lay from 500 and more frequently 2.000 eggs in the season. When 
the young leave the mother they establish themselves along the veins and usually 
on the under side of the leaves, sometimes on the upper side. It has heen noticed 
that the young insects grow more rapidly on the under side than on the upper. The 


58 B.C. ENrOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


first moult takes place about a month after the young leave their mother, and is 
followed by the secretion of a homogeneous layer of wax. The insects are yellowish 
for a period, the females showing deep-ved marking about the time the delicate two- 
Winged males make their appearance. They later change to a brownish colour and 
migrate to the sides of the twigs before the fall of the leaf. 


Work of the potato flea-beetle on  potato-leaves. This form of 
injury is common in the Vrovinee. To control, apply Bordeaux mixture, 
accompanied by arsenate of lead, in the spring. (Photo by R. C. Treherne.) 


ProceepINGsS, 116. 50 


The best time to eradicate the pest is when the trees are dormant and the leaves 
have fallen. The winter strength of the lime and sulphur spray, to whieh has been 
added a quantity of caustic soda, will thoroughly dissolve the scales, and they may 
also be kept in check by washing them off with a strong head of water from a hose. 


DISCUSSION. 


Mr. Taylor: I should not wonder if we bave a similar condition in the 
Okanagan. We had it very bad last vear, and it did considerable damage this year. 
It is very common on all the wild trees. and apparently causes fruit and trees to 
turn black. 

Mr. Wilson: The late Dr. Fletcher said we had one species of our own on the 
Coast. 

Mr. Treherne: That was P?. occidentalis, but I believe it is now conceded that 
this form was only a variety of ?. innumerabilis. The former name is dropped. 

Mr. Wilson: Yes; speaking from memory, I believe | am correct in saying that 
this scale was first recorded for this Province at Chilliwack about 1899, Last season 
I took it at Anderson Lake, in the Lillooet country, where it did a good deal of 
damage. 

With your permission, Mr. Chairman, I might mention that while in the 
Lillooet country last year I found the spruce-hud worm and the pine white both 
present and doing damage. The spruce-bud worm outbreak occurred both at 
Anderson Lake and between Lillooet and Bellamy Lake. T do not remember ever 
having seen these two insects working together. The spruce-bud worm has not 
been common on spruce for many years. Two years ago it was numerous. 

Mr. Sherman: With regard to the pine white, it was very numerous this past 
summer on Savary Island, eighty miles up the Coast. 

Mr. Blackmore: In past years it has been very common in the vicinity of 
Goldstream, but my total captures during the past five years in this locality has 
been about five specimens. 

Mr. Downes: <At Armstrong IT have taken the pine white on two occasions; 
the first, a male, ten years ago; and last year a female. 

Mr. I. M. Anderson: Around Sooke, where it used to be very common some 
years ago, to-day you don’t see one. Last summer, as a result of several collectors 
among the teachers taking the elementary training course, I received four records 
of the pine white right in this city (Victoria). These were taken in the vicinity of 
Clover Point and the cemetery. 

Mr. Treherne: I took numerous specimens at Agassiz during the past year. 
I had not noticed it during the three years preceding. 


THE PEA-WEEVIL IN BRITISH COLUMBIA. 


By R. C. TREHERNE, Fietp Orricer, ENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH, DOMINION DEPARTMENT 
or AGRICULTURE. 


In April, 1915, Mr. H. S. Brodie, Assistant to the Entomological Branch 
Laboratory, Agassiz, B.C., drew my attention to some peas he had collected from 
a consignment of seed-peas purchased by a local farmer of Agassiz (Mr. Sweatman ) 
from a Vancouver seed merchant. These peas were infested hy the pea-weeyil 
(Bruchus pisorum 1..). There were no live adults in the peas Mr. Brodie collected, 
and later examination of Mr. Sweatman’s seeds did not show any live beetles; how- 
ever, the fact remains that great care must he exercised by seedsmen, farmers, and 
quarantine officials, especially with regard to small consiguments which may evade 
inspection or fumigation, for fear of introducing this pest. 

On inquiry from the seed merchant in Vancouver [ found that a considerable 
amount of peas had been sold recently, and that for the most part the peas had 
Leen imported from Ontario. 


60 B.C. ENroMOLOGICAL Sociery. 


At the present moment there are no pea-weevils recorded for British Columbia, 
a fact which is indeed fortunate, because this small beetle has frequently made the 
growing of peas an impossibility in certain parts of Ontario. There is no doubt 
that this beetle will thrive in British Columbia if it is introduced, and it can only 
he introduced through such a medium as mentioned above; that is, the importation 
of seed from an infested area. 

Inquiry in Ontario has elicited the information that peas are not subject by law 
to fumigation before sale or distribution, but seedsmen, to protect their own business, 
usually fumigate on their own responsibility. Further, I am informed, the numbers 
of the pea-weevil in Ontario are gradually increasing in those districts where peas 
are being grown. Hence, those Provinces, and in particular British Columbia, where 
the pest does not occur at present, must guard against the introduction of this beetle, 
which is unquestionably one of the most serious to the pea-growing industry of 
Ontario. 

The adult weevil is about ¥% inch long. In general its colour is black, with 
irregular markings of black and white, over which may be seen a slight brown 
pubescence. Farmers in British Columbia will recognize it from these characters 
and from the fact that it may be found as a beetle inside the peas. Its presence 
is indicated by circular round holes in the pea; consequently when these signs are 
seen there should be an immediate report made to the Government. 


ENTOMOLOGY IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL. 


By J. A. HAMILTON, PRINCIPAL, JOHN NORQUAY PUBLIC SCHOOL, SOUTH VANCOUVER. 

3y way of introducing the topic upon which I desire to devote a few minutes 
of your precious time, and which I shall treat from a standpoint, theoretical as well 
as practical, permit me to quote William W. Campbell on the subject of agriculture 
in general. He states: ‘ The nation of the future which will rule the world will 
be that one which lays most stress on her rural population and her rural wealth. 
She will be the one in which the great mass of her people till the land. My hope 
for my Canada is that she will turn all her energies in the direction of the soil, and 
that she will become a country of orchards and vineyards and wheat-fields and 
meadows, and a great pasture for the herds of the earth.” 

Also, the Royal Commission on Technical Education and Industrial Training has 
this to say: ‘In all progressive countries education is being adjusted to meet the 
needs of the children . . . to interest them in rural life, and to qualify them 
to follow it with advantage.” 

And Jet me add a note from the Report of the Royal Commission on Agriculture : 
“We would suggest the teaching of the fundamental principles of agriculture, with 
the art of giving . . . some knowledge of botany, soils, and kindred subjects.” 

The above excerpts will tend to make manifest the standing of authorities who 
have the real welfare of their country at heart upon the position and status of the 
subject of agriculture in the school curriculum; and perhaps no part of it has a more 
important bearing upon its success or failure, its improvement or its retardation, 
than the study of entomology in its various phases of interest. 

A metropolis to be ideal must, besides constant consideration of the esthetic 
and the means and methods of attaining a maximum in that respect, note very care- 
fully that all its putrefaction and festering sewerage is deposited at no little distance 
from its vicinity; all that would mar or destroy must be slowly, carefully, and per- 
manently, if at all possible, removed; so, also, the most profound and intricate study 
must be made of all the causes responsible for the attainment of the highest and 
noblest results in agriculture. Perhaps in no other branch is there such a field for 
research along these lines than in the subject of entomology; besides affording us 
means to acconiplish with satisfaction some of the finest results in nature’s processes 
in agriculture, it gives us a means of removing or at least checking to a degree much 
which tends to make agriculture a burden and a care, which many engaged in its 
pursuit would rather shirk than carry. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916. 61 


Our boys and girls of to-day will be our farmers and farmers’ wives of to-morrow. 
Where, then, is there a more fruitful area to sow this knowledge than in our schools, 
colleges, and universities? And judge for yourself which of the three is the most 
desirable institution in which to impart it: the school, where the interest is obtained 
for the first time in the wonderful vistas of new worlds opened to view, where the 
mind is most receptive to influences of whatever nature they be; or the college, where 
in cases innumerable the youth has other multitudinous interests among which to 
divide his time and substance; or at the university, where the curriculum is so 
diversified that something must be eliminated to make room for the course of the 
particular bias or trend which the student may have developed through force of 
circumstances or otherwise. 

This subject, then, should be commenced in school just as soon as a child obtains 
an interest in any object which seems to command his attention, a graded course 
being essential according to the ability of the pupils. Thanks to the Department 
of Education, with the substantial aid which it has received from the Dominion 
Government, many teachers have qualified in this subject. But since the success of 
its teaching and the resultant enthusiasm of the class proportionately depends upon 
the dynamic or inert interest of the teacher in the subjeet. many schools, ideally 
situated for attaining the acme of perfection in this regard, have not reached the 
standard they might. Intomology is of such tremendous import that, in my mind— 
and in this statement, of course, I mean in its relation to agriculture, not apart from 
it—every teacher should have to qualify in it before he takes up the all-important 
profession of teaching. To realize how many active teachers are like-minded in 
this respect, one need only call to mind the large number of men and women in 
attendance at our recent summer schools. I might state in this connection that the 
course already referred to and fitting teachers to engage in imparting instruction in 
entomology might more satisfactorily be carried on in connection with the Depart- 
ment of Agriculture in the University, where men trained in pedagogy, and with this 
sole aim and interest at heart, the teaching of agriculture in its various aspects, 
including the instruction, practical, theoretical, and biological, in entomology, could 
and would no doubt devote their time along these lines. The summer vacation could 
be utilized as hefore for this purpose, the teachers receiving remuneration as a matter 
of course. Should other qualified Dominion experts be required, it seems but fair 
that they too should receive some extra recognition of their service. 

So much for the teacher and his qualifications. What about the mind and 
attitude of the child? 

One of the most powerful instincts inborn in every child that may be used in 
the school-room is innate curiosity. He wants to know the origin, the working, and 
the use of everything his eyes alight upon; this period can he religiously used to 
direct the child along the lines of learning just what hearing these things have upon 
his own life. Amid these introductions to the new objects of his world, he wonders 
much about the phenomena of nature. He is again most curious and feels he must 
know what and why these things are, and advantage of this desire must he taken 
immediately in the study of that which bears upon entomology; his standard of 
judgment should again be its attitude upon his own life, whether it is heneficial 
or pernicious, noting as a consequence the advisability of its preservation or its 


extinction. The wise teacher will allow him to investigate freely in nature's domains 
whatever he is interested in, and will be very ready to prompt and lead into further 
research along these channels. 

Entomology is especially suitable for stimulating and training the power of 
observation and manipulation, the ability to really see and carefully handle. The 
child doubtless, to begin with, will prove himself a thorough savage in the wanton 
destruction of insect-life in order to satisfy his thirst for knowledge. But here the 
opportunity of presenting the ethics of the subject would be seized and presented to 
his litthke mind—to live and let live the beautiful or ever-common creatures which 
are beneficial to him and to those who provide for him, and to destroy that which 


62 B.C. ENromMoLoGicaAL Socrery. 


is a pest. Also, the principle of cause and effect are easily grasped here. He sees 
that things are not left to chance, but that this universal rule governs all actions. 
Later in his school-life he Gan apply this same rule in history, politics, and personal 
conduct. Stress generally can be put upon the value of any life in nature, his 
attention riveted upon the heinousness of destroying any creature without a fair 
trial, and the British sense of justice and fair play introduced to him for the first 
time; he will develop a loye of the beautiful, the toleration of the useful, even 
though it is ugly; the general principle that everything has some particular function 
after all; in fact, this study opens up the widest fields to the student of nature in 
the wonderful insects of the world. their beautiful fitness for their existence and 
peculiar characteristics, and he feels a greater reverence for that Great Influence 
which introduced them all. In fact, a foundation is laid for the moral standing 
of his after-life. 

This subject lends itself well in correlation with the other subjects in the 
Class-room, It is the life of nature-study, which otherwise might be and too often 
is dry and prosy. In literature, in reading and discussing the lesson, new words 
are added to the vocabulary; in spelling and dictation likewise; in geography, in 
the examination of the particular physical and prevalent Conditions obtaining in the 
habitat of special insects, a depth of information is sounded; and perhaps it is most 


advantageous in the realn of art-work. Here the pupil is introduced to the real 
and living creature; he sets to work to study its general characteristics; he portrays 
its likeness to the best of his ability, and he has the satisfaction of knowing that 
whatever he produces is his own conception of the object, not his portrayal of some 
other's design or conception. It is his own work, his personal reproduction; le has 
the wonderful knowledge that he himself without any aid has produced something 
non-existent before. He is the originator and he revels in the fact. Given such an 
impetus, much may be expected from such a source, and disappointment is seldom 
attending. 

Let me state that the teaching of this subject is meeting with a largess of 
success. Its practicability appeals to the live teacher; he gains a greater control 
over his class than ever before through his association with their victories and 
their disappointment and defeats. A general enthusiasm, determination, and per- 
severance is instilled into pupil and teacher alike, which result in the improvement 
of the other subjects of the curriculum. It affords a rest, a change from the constant 
routine of the other work; even outings which the youngsters relish to look forward 
to with keen interest are quite in line with the idea of teaching! this subject; as a 
matter of faet, are perhaps the entire stimulus of the work. 

It is not at all within the bounds of this short paper on a wonderfully extensive 
topic to outline a course in the subject. That has already been attempted and suc- 
eessfully completed Ly abler hands than mine; suffice it to say that noble work 
is heing done along these lines in our schools of the Province, a work which in time 
will be crowned with the success it so meritoriously deserves. 

In closing, let me thank you for the opportunity of presenting my ideas on the 
subject to you, an audience of practical men, thoroughly conversant with the topic 
in hand; in fact, living exponents of its possibilities. We in the schools admire 
your work, and fully grasp the significance of it, in the world of nature-study. We 
feel grateful for instruction imparted by various members of the Society during the 
recent summer schools, deeply appreciating many minor details which have been 
of untold value in the presentation of the subject to the class, practical hints by 
experienced men. Had it not been for such advice, our work of a necessity would 
have been a veritable drudge instead of the pleasure it became for us, and through 
us was made for others. 

Mr. Chairman, L thank you. 


Procerepincs, 1916. 63 


THE FOREST-INSECT PROBLEM IN STANLEY PARK. 


By R. N. Curystar, Fietp Orricer For Forest INSECTS.* 


Tor a number of years now the unhealthy condition of the coniferous trees in 
Stanley Park has been a matter for grave concern among the citizens of Vancouver 
and others interested in the preservation of this area of natural forest which adds 
so much to the charm of the Western city. The first investigation into the existing 
conditions was made during the summer of 1915 by Mr. J. M. Swaine, Assistant 
Entomologist for Forest Insects, Entomological Branch, Ottawa. Following Mr. 
Swaine’s report a field laboratory was established in the park during the summer 
of 1914, the work being continued throughout the season of 1915. As a result of 
these investigations a considerable amount of information has been collected relative 
to the life-histories and habits of the injurious insect species which are responsible 


for the damage; while at the same time measures for efficient control of the pests 
and regeneration of the damaged areas have been proposed and partly carried into 
effect. This matter being one of interest to the members of the British Columbia 
Entomological Society, the following short account of the results thus far obtained 
is given below :— 

GENERAL CONDITIONS. 


Stanley Park was primarily a mixed coniferous forest Composed of Sitka spruce 
(Picea sitehensis), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga mucronata), western hemlock (7Tsuga 
heterophylla), and western cedar (Thuja plicata): the area has been logged over, 
however, and the majority of the finest trees removed; the present stock being mainly 
second growth, intermixed with a considerable proportion of broad-leaved species, 
including maples, poplar, and willow; these in certain places taking sole possession 
of the ground. 

The principal species will he considered in turn in relation to the insect pests 
associated with them. 


THE Sitka Spruce (Picca sitehensis). 


The Sitka Spruce Gall-louse (Chermes cooleyi Gillette).—This insect causes 
elongate cone-shaped galls to form on the young twigs of the spruce in the spring, 
the twig being killed as a result, and the health of the tree seriously affected when 
the attack is heavy. The study of the life-history and habits of this insect in Stanley 
Park resulted in its being identified as Chermes cooleyi Gillette, a species studied 
and described by Professor C. P. Gillette, Port Collins, Colorado, in his paper entitled 
“Ohermes of Colorado Conifers.” Proce. Acad. Nat. Sei., Philadelphia, 1907. The life- 
history is interesting owing to the fact that the species has two hosts, spending part 
of its life on the Sitka spruce and migrating thence to the Douglas fir. A short paper 
on the results obtained in the park will shortly appear in the Transactions of the 
Entomological Society of Ontario, and in Consequence no details will be given here. 

The main conclusions drawn from the observed facts of the life-history of this 
insect are as follows: That this species has proved itself a serious enemy to the 
Sitka spruce in Stanley Park, causing the death of many trees, both large and small, 
a survey of the park showing a percentage of over seventy-five affected trees; and 
that the Douglas fir, the secondary host-tree, is not seriously affected by the presence 
of the insect. No gall is formed upon the fir. 

The Sitka Spruce Aphis (Aphis abietina).—Two years ago this insect was 
reported by Mr. R. C. Treherne as causing serious damage to the spruce in the 
spring and early summer. When activity starts in spring the apterous viviparous 
females are to be found in great numbers on the old needles: the following generation 
develops wings in due course and leaves the spruce about the end of May and the 
beginning of June; the secondary host-plant is so far unknown. 


“Contribution from the Entomological Branch, Department of Agriculture, Ottawa, 


64 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Although the work of this insect is very marked upon a limited number of trees 


in Stanley Park, the present theory is that at the moment it is important only as a 


very efficient secondary enemy to assist its more destructive ally, the gall-chermes. 


To form an idea of its potentiality for destruction, however, one need only go and 


visit the Beacon Hill Park at Victoria, where several large spruce have been seriously 


damaged by its ravages during the past two or three years. The work of the aphis 


is very characteristic, causing yellowing of the needles, which finally fall off, leaving 


Work of western hemlock chermes, Stanley Park, 
(After Swaine.) 


Vancouver, B.C 


the present year’s crop in sole possession. This species has been studied in England 


by Professor F. V. Theobald (Annals of Applied Biology, Vol. I., No. 1, 1914, May, 


page 22), 


who found it destructive to various species of spruce. In 1915 it 
recorded by Professor H. F. 


Was also 
Wilson from Corvallis, Gregon, who wrote in June, 1915, 
that this aphis had proved very destructive all down the coast of Washington and 
Oregon 


PRocEEDINGS, 1916. 5 


The Sitka Spruce Bark-heetle (Dendroctonus obesus Mannh).—In 1918, about 
the margin of Beaver Lake, three Jarge spruce-trees were found to be attacked by 
this beetle; the spruce in this region had already been seriously weakened by tlood- 
ing, consequent on the raising of the level of the lake, as well as by the attacks of 
Chermes cooleyi. VWayourable conditions for the extensive spread of this destructive 
species thus obtained. By the early summer of 1915 the number of affected trees in 
the vicinity of the lake had increased to thirteen; and in consequence of this fact 
a survey of the whole park was made to endeavour to locate any other centres of 
infection. Two other groups were located in widely separated parts of the park, one 
of nine trees and another of five. All the infested trees were marked for removal 
in the spring of 1915, which was largely done, the stumps being completely barked 
to prevent their subsequent use as breeding-places. A further search made during 
the summer of 1915 only resulted in the finding of a few trees, some of which had 
been omitted in 1914 owing to their being in use as telephone-poles; these haye been 
marked for removal this spring. 


THE WE 


Over a large area of the park the western hemlock constitutes the principal 


PERN TlemMiock (Tsuga heterophylla). 


species; this tree has been badly attacked and in places entirely killed out by a 
defoliating Geometrid caterpillar of the genus Therinad. The moths were in great 
abundance during the fall of 1913, but in 1914 evidences went to show that parasites 
and predators had obtained control over the pest, hardly any moths being seen during 
the summer of 1915. By this time the damage done was irreparable over a con- 
siderable area, and in other places the trees were fighting an uphill battle, with 
sadly thinned foliage, against the effects of the previous year’s attack. 

The western hemlock hark-beetle is also established in the affected trees and is 
known to be a destructive species. 

Dipterous Maggot in Bark of Hemlock.—The presence of a dipterous maggot of 
the genus Cheilosia, probably the species C. alaskensis Coq., family Syrphidie, was 
found fairly commonly in the bark of the western hemlock in the park. This insect 
causes the injury known to the lumberman as * black check,’ and its presence may 
be detected by the pitch-tubes of resin which collect at the point of attack. Mr. 
H. E. Burke, of the United States Bureau of Entomology, in a paper on “* Black 
Check in Western Hemlock,” Circular No, 61, United States Department of Agri- 
culture, Bureau of Entomology, 1905, states that the injury is due primarily to the 
work of the bark-beetle of the western hemlock (/ylesinus sp.), which excavates 
food-tunnels in these places, giving the young maggots a starting-ground for their 
work. This insect has not yet been exhaustively studied in Stanley Park. 

The Western Hemlock Chermes.—In the spring, on isolated trees in the park, 
the close observer will notice that the foliage has the appearance of being covered 
with minute flecks of a white woolly material; this marks the presence of the ahove 
species. During the first days of spring, the stem mother, an oval-shaped flat louse, 
0.5 mm. in length, and dark brown in colour, with the dorsal surface covered with 
a white woolly secretion, may be found located at the base of the needles, her setie 
deeply sunk in the tissues. 

Oviposition commences ahout this time, the young hatching in six or seven days. 
The complete life-cycle of this species has not yet been established. Although up to 
the present this species has not proved generally destructive, at least two large 
hemlock-trees have been killed as a result of its attacks, while others are in a serious 
condition; the old needles are affected and fall off during the early summer, leaving 
the tree partially defoliated. The larvie and pupie of Syrphus flies and Coccinellid 
beetles have been found in considerable numbers preying on the young in the spring, 
and it is possible that these may prove to be an efficient natural means of control. 


THe Doveias Fir (Pseudotsuga mucronata). 


The Douglas fir has on the whole remained healthy: it is considered the 
healthiest species of conifer in the Province. 


2 


66 B.C. ENroMOoLoGICAL Sociery. 


THe WESTERN CEDAR (Thuja plicata). 


The majority of the large cedars in the park are dead-topped, which injury is 
said to be due to a fungus-disease. So far no discovery of extensive insect-damage 
to this species has been recorded in the park. The twigs of the cedar are attacked 
by a leaf-miner belonging to the genus Argyresthia; the damage done is not extensive, 
however. 

DAMAGE TO OTHER SPECIES IN THE PARK. 


The shrub Gaultheria shallon (salal), which is abundant in the park, is rendered 
unsightly in places by the work of a lepidopterous leaf-miner (Phyllorycter (Litho- 
colletis) gaulthericlla Wism.). The life-history of this species has been partially 
studied. 

Elders (Sambucus) growing in the park were found to have been attacked, and 
in a few cases killed, by a Cerambycid larva belonging to the genus Leptura, 


CoNTROL MEASURES AND IMPROVEMENTS. 


It was shown by experiments carried out by Mar. R. C. Treherne in 1914 that 
the attacks of the spruce gall-chermes could be readily controlled along the drive- 
Ways and places where the spruce was accessible. By means of a modern power- 
sprayer equipped with abundant hose, a solid-stream nozzle, and extension ladder 
the foliage could have been sprayed up to 140 feet in height. Lead arsenate could 
have been used to control the caterpillars on the hemlock, and a contact spray, such 
as kerosene emulsion, fish-oil soap, or nicotine extracts, employed in the case of the 
chermes. Unfortunately the survey of 1914 showed that the condition of the spruce 
along the driveways would not warrant the expenditure which would be entailed in 
the purchase of a power-sprayer, and the crisis of the attack on the hemlock having 
come and gone, the idea of employing spraying as a method of control was for the 
time abandoned. At the present time attention is being given to the subject of treat- 
ment from a sylvicultural standpoint; the measures proposed entailing clearing up 
and cutting out of the dead and sickly trees, and the employment of an artificial 
system of regeneration such as would be easily carried out in a confined area like 
Stanley Park. The Douglas fir has been recommended as a suitable tree to plant 
on the areas which are to be regenerated, and it is to be sincerely hoped that in the 
near future adequate measures will be taken to restore the beauty of the park, and 
render it a worthy object of care to the city, of which it is an inseparable part. 


SOME ORCHARD INSECTS OF ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE IN BRITISH 
COLUMBIA. 


By R. CC. TREHERNE, Fietp OrricerR, ENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH, DOMINION DErEPARTMENT 
OF AGRICULTURE, AGASSIZ, B.C. 


We are approaching very rapidly a condition in the Province of British 
Columbia, in regard to insects of importance to the agriculturist and fruit-grower, 
whieh will very soon demand most serious consideration. We are reaching a 
point in which the whole system of orchard-management in relation to spraying 
will have to be reconstructed and viewed from a different light than heretofore. 
The importance of such pests as the codling-moth, San Jose scale, pear-thrips, woolly 
aphis, and black currant bud-mite cannot be too lightly dealt with. The fruit- 
growers of British Columbia, as will become evident in the pages that follow, have 
since the inception of the fruit-growing industry relied on two main considerations : 
(1) The youth of their industry and the production of fruit free of serious pests 
which beset fruit-growers in other sections of Canada; and (2) the wise considera- 
tions of the Provincial Government and the Provincial Board of Horticulture, who 
have dealt with insect pests in most drastic manners, both through an efficient system 
of quarantine and inspection at the ports of entry, and through careful and pains- 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916. 67 


taking effort in the control of incipient outbreaks of such pests which experience 
have shown to be injurious in other countries. To those of us who realize the 
gradual ascendancy that many of these insects are gaining in the Province, and 
who recognize the possible danger that awaits the orchardist in the course of a 
few years, it is a matter of great concern to know how to influence and advise the 
grower before it is too late. There can be no question that, unless the orchardist 
keeps fully advised on the development of the more serious insect pests, there will 
come a time when many dollars will be lost from Jack of preparedness. IT do not 
believe that we will be able to Keep these insects out of the Province for an indefinite 
length of time. ‘That is impossible; but by being equipped with the most approved 
spray-machines and chemicals each individual grower will be in a position to check, 
very materially, the progress of a pest and retain it within reasonable bounds before 
it becomes deeply entrenched. 

In the year 1S92 the insects we find most usually recorded as injurious in the 
Province are the following: Aphides, cutworms, wireworms, horse-flies, bot-flies. 
All of these 
are such as one would expect to be present in a country just developing its agricul- 


black-flies, mosquitoes, Tipulid larvie, and locusts, or “ grasshoppers 


tural resources. With the rapid economic development of the Province from this 
time on, new agricultural problems and new pests came into prominence. The most 
important of these will be dealt with in the following pages. It is hoped that in 
detailing these insects the point will be realized that it is important that the fruit- 
grower shall recognize his position and act accordingly. It is impossible for us, as 
entomologists, to do more than offer our best services and advice. The development 
of the Province has gone beyond the state when radical control measures can be 
reasonably enforeed. Hence the obligation most assuredly devolves upon the 
orchardist in this Province, as in other Provinces, to hold his own on his own 


estate. 


Tue CopLing-moTH (Cydia (Carpocapsa) pomonella Linn.). 

Historical.—The codling-moth, as all fruit-growers fully realize, is one of the 
most serious of all insects affecting the fruit of the apple in North America. It has 
been a matter of surprise that this moth has not established itself as a general 
orchard pest in the Province before now, when it is considered that it has been for 
many years a serious insect in the States of Washington and Oregon, and when we 
know the importation of apples into the Province from infested localities has been 
eontinuing for so long. The credit for such immunity as we do possess is due to 
the efficient system of fruit inspection that is in vogue within the Province and to 
the prompt eradication methods that have been put into practice immediately an 
outbreak is recorded. 

The first record of the codling-moth having been reared from apples grown in 
the Province is reported by Dr. J. Fletcher in his report as Dominion Entomologist 
for 1905. In this instance he received * an undoubted specimen of the codling-moth ~ 
from Mr. J. W. Cockle, Kaslo, B.C., and he remarks that until this record came to 
hand he * had never heen able to learn of the occurrence of this insect in British 
Columbia.” In 1805, again, the Rey. J. H. Keen took a specimen of the adult 
codling-moth in his house at Metlakatla, B.C. This specimen is now in the national 
collection of the Entomological Branch, Ottawa, but it was undoubtedly bred from 
imported fruit and not from home-grown apples. In 1906 Mr. Cockle again bred 
this moth within the limits of the town of Kaslo, and reported the same both to 
Dr. Fletcher and to the Provincial Department of Agriculture. It is interesting, in 
passing, to note that a parasite (Pinpla sp.) was bred from this material in 1906, 
In the same year Mr. Stuart Wood, of Kamloops, B.C., forwarded specimens of a 
“worm” which had been attacking the apple-crop of the city for two or three years 
to Dr. Fletcher at Ottawa. Dr. Fletcher in his report for 1907 acknowledged the 
insects above mentioned, and on examination found them to be undoubted specimens 


* Second Report of the Department of Agriculture of British Columbia, 1892. 


6S B.C. ENroMOLOGICAL Socrery. 


Damage caused to apple by the lesser apple-worm, The injury resembles the work of the codling- 
moth larva, but it will be noticed that the lesser apple-worm larva feeds more on the surface of the fruit 
around the caly The codling-moth larva, if entrance is made through the calyx, usually passes direct 
to the core of the fruit. (Photo by R. C. Treherne.) 


Proceepincs, 1216. 69 


of the codling-moth. So far as I have been able to gather from local hearsay, the 
introduction of this moth into Namloops, which originally occurred about 1904, was 
brought about by an importation of a consignment of boxes of Ontario apples at 
Christmas-time. These apples were admitted and stored before an inspection was 
given the boxes. This outbreak at Kamloops persisted until about 1914, a period 
of nine years, during which time the Provincial Fruit Inspectors waged a campaign 
of extermination. As recorded in the Proceedings of the British Columbia IEntomo- 
logical Society, 1914, page G9, approximately 3,000 trees were regularly sprayed and 
inspected, with a result that to-day, January, 1916, it may be stated that the moth 
is of ho importance and possibly does not exist. 

Again, about 1804 another outbreak of the moth occurred near Victoria, B.C. 
Tt is supposed that the insect on this occasion gained access to the orchards through 
the medium of infested pears from California. This outbreak has persisted until 
the present time (1915)... In 1909* an area containing 17.582 trees was involved, 
and in the summer of that vear as many as 7.610 larvie were taken from individual 
fruits within that area. During the past summer the infestation still occurred in a 
few orchards, but the number of larvie taken barely reached three hundred (291). 

Between the years of 19804 and 1911 no further outbreaks occurred, and the 
Provincial Department of Fruit Pests was engaged in controlling the infested areas 
around Kaslo, Kamloops, and Victoria, 

It is interesting to remember at this point that the fruit-growing industry has 
practically developed since 19800. The number of trees coming into bearing has 
increased very remarkably since 1910, and the output of fruit has assumed consider- 
able proportions during the past few years. The first power spray-machine was 
operated in the Province during the summer of 1910. These facts indicate the youth 
of the fruit-growing industry, and partly explain the reason why the codling-moth 
has not obtained a hold in the country. Provided hearing orchards are comparatively 
few, somewhat scattered, and located a few miles away fron railway or shipping 
centres, and provided an efficient system of orchard inspection is maintained, the 
chances for the introduction of the codling-moth are reduced to a minimum. Such 
has been the experience in the Province up to the present, but it is only fair to realize 
the fact that, even supposing the quantity of codling-moth material imported to-day 
through the medium of infected cars and fruit is the same as in years gone by, the 


chances of present and permanent infestation are increased a hundredfold. The 
number of bearing orchards have increased to a great extent: they are nearer 
shipping centres, where a moth may transform and fly a short distance to find con- 
ditions to its liking; and the area in orchard land to-day is too large for a complete 
survey by field inspectors. Hence we must realize the situation that, as regards the 
codling-moth in the Province, we will soon have to accept it as a general orchard 
pest, controllable only by individual effort. 

Let us notice what has occurred in recent years. In the autumn of 1911 a 
family from Ontario, settling at Rutland, B.C., a locality near Kelowna, brought 
some cocoons in the cases containing their personal effects. Some old cocoons were 
found in cracks of some boxes in their possession, and on inquiry it was found that 
these boxes had been stored in a fruit-cellar on an Ontario farm. During September, 
1912, infestation from the codling-moth was discovered in adjoining orchards and 
evidence clearly pointed to this Ontario family as the immediate cause of the 
introduction. The exact area of infestation proved to be one mile in extent. By a 
system of inspection and spraying, ably described by Mr. W. TH. Lyne in the Pvo- 
ceedings of the British Columbia Entomological Society, No. 7, 1915, page 12, the 
moth was exterminated, and for the past two years no further sign of it has been 
found. 


* Proceedings of the British Columbia Entomological Society, No. 4, 1914, page 69; No. 7, 
1915, pas 
+ Proceedings of the British Columbia [Entomological Society, No. 2, 1912, page TO; No. 


1, 1915, page 12. 


70 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL Society. 


In the spring of 1912, again, Mr. W. H. Brittain, at the time Provincial 
KIntomologist, discovered a larva in an apple at Armstrong, B.C. On reporting 
this discovery the Provincial Department of Fruit Pests immediately took steps to 
“round up” the infestation. According to Mr. Lyne, in the reference just quoted, 
twenty trees in three orchards of SOO trees were found infested. It is not quite 
clear how this infestation was started, but it is believed that the cocoons were 
introduced on some packing-cases containing nursery stock from Oregon, U.S.A. 
Close attention was paid to controlling this outbreak, and the methods employed 
are described by Mir. Cunningham in the Proceedings of the British Columbia Ento- 
mological Society, No. 2, 1912, page GS. Evidently success attended the efforts of 
the Provincial authorities, because no “worms” were found at Armstrong the 
following season of 1915, and none have been found since (1915). 

Tn 1918, however, another outbreak occurred in the City of Kelowna, introduced 
through the medium of infected cars. In the spring of 1915 this infestation still 
required attention, but the number of larvie taken was very few (eight). 

During this past summer, 1915, we unfortunately have to report two of the 
most serious outbreaks that have as yet appeared in the Province, one at Westbank 
and the other at Okanagan Landing. The first was reported in August and the latter 
did not become apparent until late September, when many larvie were entering 
hibernation. It is not possible at this time to give any further information on these 
two outbreaks, as they occurred during the past season, but enough has been shown 
to indicate that the status of the codling-moth in British Columbia is assuming alarm- 
ing proportions. In the Annual Report of the Ontario Mntomological Society, 1912, 
I drew attention to the fact that in 1912 the moth was frequenting orchards in 
Washington State about thirty miles south of the British Columbia boundary-line. 
I have not received any later information that it had approached closer than thirty 
miles, but we cannot avoid the fact that with the information given in this article 
we must regard the codiing-moth as an orchard pest that we will soon he called upon 
to fight. 

A third occurrence of some larvie in the fruit of apples growing at Eburne. B.C., 
near Vancouver, was discovered in September of the past summer (1915), but at 
present there is no more information offering on this outbreak. If is believed, also, 
that another centre of infestation occurred at Kelowna during the past year. 

You will, no doubt, be pleased to hear that Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt, Dominion 
Inntomologist, has arranged for the preliminary studies into the life-history of this 
moth under conditions that pertain to the Okanagan Valley. A commencement of 
this study will be begun during the coming season (1916) with the main object in 
view to advise the fruit-growers more intelligently on local methods of control. 


CODLING-MOTH CONTROL, 


For the purpose of placing before the fruit-growers of British Columbia, more 
particularly those residing in the Okanagan, a few notes on the control of the codling- 
moth. in anticipation of this insect assuming importance as a pest in the Province, 
it has been thought advisable to mention a few important considerations bearing on 
its life-history and methods of control. 

We have not had any opportunity, as yet. to make a searching inquiry into the 
life-history, the number of broods. or the relation of the movements of the larvie 
to the development of the apple under conditions that prevail in the Okanagan 
Valley. As has already been stated, several small outbreaks have occurred from 
time to time at one or two points, hut the efforts of the Inspectors have been directed 
Inainly towards extermination of the insect rather than to any serious attempt to 
determine the important points in the life-history of the moth, which would naturally 
govern the effectual methods of control. It is not supposed that the habits of the 
moth will vary very much from its habits in the States of Washington and Oregou, 
in districts of similar climatic influences; consequently, until we have experimental 


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evidence of cur own to bear out or to modify the experience of others, we may 
accept evidence from the South to approximate our conditions. 

With the understanding, therefore, that we do not as yet know with certainty 
the details of the life-history of this insect under Okanagan conditions, the following 
notes are given :— 

The Life-history in General.—The adult, as the name implies, is a moth, and three 
distinet and different stages are undergone before the adult moth is formed—namely, 
the egg, the larva, and the pupa. It passes the winter as a “ worm” or larva inside 
a silken cocoon in cracks and crevices of the hark, in shelters under leaves or stones 
on the ground, and in varied locations in fruit-sheds and store-rooms. In the spring 
this “ worm” forms a chrysalis or pupa inside the silken escoon, from which the 
adult moth will eventually emerge. The emergence of the moth occurs during the 
latter part of May, during June and part of July also. After emergence the adult 
females prepare to deposit eggs, laying them in due course on the leaves and on 
the young developing fruits. The eggs eventually hatch to very small larvee, which 
penetrate to the core of an apple by way of the calyx. Later, when full-grown, these 
larvie leave the apple, as a rule, through the side of the fruit. and form cocoons in 
places as mentioned above. In northerly latitudes these cocoons are the ones that 
pass the winter, giving rise to the moths in the spring; but, unfortunately, in the 
Okanagan there is little doubt that the number of * heat units” that prevail will 
he sufficient to force development to such an extent that the first eggs, larvee, and 
pupie of the spring will undergo their transformations in shorter time, so that the 
moths will develop from these early stages, during part of July, in August, and in 
September. These second-generation moths lay eggs which develop to larvie, causing 
a common form of injury known as “side worm-injury,” which means the penetra- 
tion of the fruit by these young larvie through the side. These worms attain their 
full growth hefore winter in the apples. and pass the dormant season in the usual 
manner as laryie in e€ 


coons. In southerly and warmer climates the number of 
“heat units” are sufficient to force a very rapid development, with a result that 
we find sometimes three and at times four generations occurring during the course 
of the year. 

In the entire Okanagan Valley there is little doubt that the climatic conditions 
will favour two complete broods, and there is a possibility that in the southern 
sections of the valley a third or partial third brood will be found. Future investi- 


gation will determine this point, which, as may readily be supposed, is of great 
importance to the fruit-grower, in that it governs the requisite number of sprays. 
The chart facing page 70 is offered as suggestive of what is implied in the foregoing 
paragraphs. No excuse is made for inaccuracies which may become apparent when 
the investigation is pursued, hence the drawing must be taken as an approximate 
diagram of the life-history of the moth. showing in addition the approximate spray 
dates and the examination periods of the “ bands.” 

The Control of the Codling-moth by Spraying.—The most effectual method of 
combating the ecodling-moth is by applying a poisonous liquid to apple-trees in the 
spring and during summer. 

The Machine used for applying this spray should be a high-power gasolene 
outfit capable of generating over 200 lb. pressure. The hose should be guaranteed 
to stand at Jeast 800 Ib. pressure. Hand-power pumps are effective if time and 
eare is taken in directing the spray. A hand-syringe would also be of use if the 
application he made correctly. However, the time required and the relative effec- 
tiveness of the spray varies in due proportion to the type of machine used. A 
gasolene-power outfit, for instance, might be expected to handle 20 acres of large 
(20-year) trees or 40 acres of small (8-10 year) trees at the critical period in the 
spripg. A hand-power might be expected to handle, respectively, from 5 to 10 acres. 
A hand-syringe or knapsack pump might spray from six to twelve small trees. The 
last two machines are, of Course, not recommended in practice. 


Procreepincs, 1916. Ge 


The Object of the Spray is to fill the calyx-cup of the apple with particles 
of insoluble poison, so that the young worm which usually enters through the calyx 
will be killed by arsenical poisoning. VPressure and care in directing the spray are 
requisite for effectiveness, so that particles of arsenic are even forced into the 
cup between the stamens surrounding the calyx. 

The Time to Spray is immediately after the blossoms have fallen, after the 
fertilization of the flower has taken place. The calyx-cup will be found to be most 
receptive in shape and condition at this time. It is doubtful whether more than 
ten days will be allowed the orchardist to finish this spraying, so rapidly does the 
growth ef the young apple proceed in the spring. If the calyx-lobes are closed the 
object and effectiveness of the spray is offset in due proportion to the degree of 
development. 

Hlow many Times to Spray depends on future investigation under local con- 
ditions. However, for the present, a single thorough spray applied after the 
blossoms fall ought to suflice for the season. A second poison spray, applied ten 
days from the first spraying, is advisable in heavily infested localities. A third 
and even a fourth spraying is often applied in those sections where the generations 
ef the moth are more frequent. 

The Spray Material advised for use is arsenate of lead mixed at the rate of 
2 Ib. to 40 gallons of water, Bordeaux mixture, or diluted lime-sulphur solution. 

The Type of Spray-nozele required is one capable of throwing a coarse driving 
stream set at an angle of 45 degrees to the spray-rod. 

The Amount of Material required per Tree varies considerably according to the 
type of the tree and the amount of bloom the tree is showing at the time. Experience 
will offer the most reliable guide, but for the sake of assisting those with no 
experience the following formula is suggested :— 


For a heavy-blooming tree multiply the age of the tree hy or with a light 


amount of bloom multiply the age by 14, and the result in each case will give the 
approximate amount of the diluted mixture required for spraying that individual 
tree. For instance, if we had five twelve-year-old apple-trees in heavy bloom, to 
estimate the amount of liquid required, 12 x 3 x 5=45 gallons. This amount of 
diluted spray would require 2.1 lb. of arsenate of lead; consequently in this way 
a fruit-grower will, with little difficulty, be able to estimate the amount of material 
required to be on Land. 

Other Methods of Control consist in applying bands around the trees, removal 
and destruction of wormy apples at all times, and the treatment of moths in store- 
rooms. The virtues of the last-named methods require no explanation; the first 
method, however, might be mentioned further. 

Banding consists in tying a piece of cloth or a strip of burlap about S inches 
wide around a tree about 18 inches from the ground. The object of this can he 
readily surmised from a study of the life-history, previously mentioned. The laryie 
after completing their growth prepare for pupation, in the summer as well as in 
the autumn, and in doing so seek the most convenient and suitable place ready at 
hand. <A cloth band on the trunk of the tree is evidently preferable to a flake of 
bark or a crevice, hence they have no hesitation in forming their cocoons under this 
band, which becomes a trap. The band may he placed early in July and may be 
left on until the end of November. The whole effectiveness of this plan, however, 
depends on the occasional examination of these bands and the destruction of the 
eocoons found under them; otherwise, if left untouched, the bands become breeding 
centres most suitable to the propagation of the moth, This point, therefore, should 
he carefully watched and the bands examined every ten days to two weeks. The 
most convenient method of setting the bands is in the use of long finishing-nails 
driven through one end of the “ band” half-way into the tree. The band then ean 
he loosely passed round the tree and drawn over the nails and fixed. 


Showing calyces of apple ready for first spraying against the 
codling-moth. <A trifle early on left; a trifle late on right; about 
right in the centre. (After Ball, Utah.) 


5 é LEB PAORD 


“Too late to spray.’ (After Ball, Utah.) 


A band in place on trunk 
of tree. (After Ball, Utah.) 


The control of the codling-moth by spraying and banding. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916. TD 


Tue San Jose Scane (Aspidiotus perniciosus Comst.). 

The San Jose scale is universally regarded as the most serious of the insects 
affecting fruit-trees and ornamentals in North America. In British Columbia we 
have been fortunately very successful in thus far maintaining a practical degree 
of immunity from this pest. Conditious are such that to-day (January, 1916) we 
are still able to claim that the insect is not a general ovehard pest. We are not 
able to claim, with the same assurance as we used to in the years gone by, that the 
pest is hot known to exist. because unfortunately it has made its appearance at least 
at one point in the Province. 

It would he interesting to review lriefly the history of this insect in the 
Province; points at which its presence is recorded, and methods of its introduction. 

In the first place, Fletcher states in his annual report as Dominion Entomologist 
for 1894 that “on two or three occasions it (the San Jose scale) has been reported 
to me as occurring in British Columbia; but | had at first the impression that the 
insect referred to was the scurfy bark-louse (Chionaspis furfiurus Fitch.) or some- 
thing else. During the past summer, however, undoubted specimens of Aspidiotis 
perniciosus on apple have heen received from British Columbia and have heen 
identified by Mr. L. O. Toward.” 

This, so far as can be gathered, is the first recorded instance of the presence of 
this scale in British Columbia. That it was a severe infestation may be gauged 
hy the fact that the * apple-houghs were entirely encrusted with the scales.” There 
was no evidence in Dr. Fletcher's report for 1894 to show where the outbreak was 
located or how the scale had entered the Province. However, in his report for 1895, 
he reports a visit he made to British Columbia to investigate the existence of the 
San Jose scale in the Province, as “undoubted specimens had been received at 
Ottawa for identification,” with the statement that “they had heen collected in 
the Okanagan Valley.” The Jocality in which the scale had heen discovered was 
Kelowna, because in the Report of the Departinent of Agriculture for the Province 
of British Columbia for that year it is stated that on the trip to British Columbia 


by Mr. James Tletcher, 1895, Kelowna was visited on July 25th. when “ special 
examination was made for traces of the San Jose seale.” Fletcher was unable to 
find any sign of the San Jose scale in any of the orchard land existing at that time 
(1895) around Kelowna. He reported his observations in person to the fruit-growers 
at their annual meeting of that year held at Agassiz, B.C. In Bulletin No. 3, Depart- 
ment of Agriculture, British Columbia, in the Proceedings of the Second Annual 
Farmers’ Convention on August Ist and 2nd, 1895, Dr. Fletcher's speech is quoted 
as follows: “Some time ago authentic specimens of the San Jose scale were sent 
to me from British Columbia . . . with the statement that the insect was doing 
harm to apple-trees. TI am pleased to be able to tell you... that although the 
insect certainly did occur... for the identification was confirmed by Mr. L. O. 
Howard . . . it is safe to say it does not now exist in any of the orchards around 
this original locality.” 

It is interesting to note that the scale at this time (1895) was only just heginning 
to make its appearance in Ontario. In fact, with the exception of a locality in Kent 
County, Ontario, 
has the doubtful honour of being the first infested locality in Canada. Prompt 


in which the San Jose scale was observed in 1893. Kelowna, B.C., 
which the S J l is observed in 1893. Kelowna, B.C 


remedial measures were advised by Dr. Fletcher on the first intimation of the out- 
break at Kelowna, with the result, as above stated, that in 1885 no sign of the scale 
existed either at Kelowna or at any other point in the Province, 

The next year, however, 1896, brought forth another report of the existence of 
this scale in British Columbia, but on this occasion it was found near Victoria, on 
Vancouver Islind.+ 

Mr. R. M. Palmer, at the time Provincial Inspector of Fruit Pests, deserves the 
credit for discovering the scale in this new locality. Specimens of infested wood 
+ 


* Evidence, Dr. J. Fletcher, before Select Standing Committee, 1906-1907. 
y Report of Dominion Entomologist, 1S986, page 254. 


76 B.C. ENromoLocican Soctery. 


were sent to Ottawa, and Dr. Fletcher and, through him, Dr. L. G. Howard confirmed 
Mr. Palmer’s supposition as to the identity. Myr. Palmer reports that certain trees 
in two orchards were infested. but that these trees were cut down and destroyed. 

There seems little doubt that both the Kelowna outbreak in 1894 and the Victoria 
outbreak in 1896 were true and authentic instances of the presence of the scale in 
the Province. Inasmuch as no further record has been made of the scale from these 
localities up to the present time indicates that prompt and successful initial steps 
were taken towards eradication. 

In 1897 two reports of the scale were made as occurring on Saltspring Island 
and at Nanaimo, B.C., but these reports were contradicted later, with the statement 
that “no San Jose scale now occurs in the Province” (R. M. Palmer, November 21st, 
1900). 

The rapid increase of the scale in Ontario and the danger of introducing it into 
new localities through the medium of nursery stock induced the Dominion Govern- 
ment to pass the “San Jose Scale Act” on Mareh 15th, 1898. This Act was, in 1900, 
amended to allow for the process of fumigation at ports of entry for incoming nursery 
stock into the various Previnces. Vancouver was selected as the port of entry for 
British Columbia, and all incoming nursery stock was dealt with there in accordance 
with the provisions of the Act. 

In 1905, however, two outhreaks of the San Jose scale occurred in the Province, 
according to Dr. Fletcher’s report for 1905. One of these appeared at Kaslo, B.C., 
and was reported by Mr. J. W. Cockle. The other, as reported by Dr. Fletcher in 

SOS, occurred at Spences Bridge, B.C. In both these cases it was evident that 
infested trees weve imported into the Province previous to 19CO and the consequent 
enforcing of the fumigation regulations. The Kaslo infestation was soon eradicated, 
but the Spences Bridge outbreak has persisted until the present day (November, 
1915). 

In connection with this latter outbreak, which apparently had its origin from 
infested young apple-trees imported from Ontario, a “ whole orchard was cut down” 
in 1908.* 

In 1912 I had the opportunity of examining some twigs of apple from Spences 
Bridge which were infested with the scale. Mr. Thomas Cunningham, Trovincial 
Inspector of Fruit Pests, dealt with the matter as he deemed advisable, which 
resulted in a certain number of trees being cut down and full instructions regarding 
spraying being given for the remainder. In the summer of 1913 Mr. Cunningham 
authorized Mr. F. H. Getchell, Field Inspector, to visit Spences Bridge and report 
on the condition of the scale. Mr. Getchell was able to find one wild cherry-tree 
that was infested growing on some waste ground near the Canadian Vacific Railway 
track. This tree was promptly cut down. In October, 1915, I was surprised to 
receive a consigninnent of apples from Mr. M. H. Ruhmann, Assistant to the Provin- 
cial Plant Pathologist, Vernon, B.C., which were badly infested with the San Jose 
seale. Inquiry into the origin of these fruits resulted in the information that they 
were grown at Spences Bridge and that he had received them, in turn, from Mr. 
L. L. Palmer, Assistant Inspector of Fruit Pests. Mr. W. Tl. Lyne, Assistant to 
Mr. Cunningham, at the latter’s request, immediately visited the infested locality 
and carried on a campaign of extermination; time will show with what success. 

In October, 1915, again I received information that some San Jose scale was 
present at Chase, B.C., in small quantity. This report has not as yet been sub- 
stantiated, but it is thought probable that the scale is Aspidiotus ostreaformis. A 
similar report occurring at about the same time from Kelowna proved to be this 
latter species, which, while universally distributed over the Province, is not con- 


sidered of prime importance as an orchard pest. 
In the Annual Report of the Entomological Society of Ontario, 1912, IT took the 
opportunity of drawing attention to the fact that the San Jose scale is gradually 


* Report of Dominion Entomologist, 1907-1908. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916. Lite 


advancing up the Okanagan Valley from the State of Washington, and that it was 
only a question of time when the scale would occur in British Columbia as a general 
orchard pest. In the Canadian Entomologist, NUVIT.. No. 4, April, 1915, it is stated 
that the scale had reached a point in 1912 at the junction of the Columbia and 
Okanagan Livers, a point approximately sixty miles south of the British Columbia 
houndary-line. 

The history of this scale, therefore, in British Columbia has been very interest- 
ing, and we are watching with a great deal of concern its future developments. — It 
is to be hoped that the fruit-growers of the Province properly realize the importance 
of this insect, and that these statements above will assist them in gauging the present 
conditions as they exist. 

A thorough drenching of the trees infested by the scale with Commercial con 
centrated lime-sulphur solution diluted 1-S, applied in spring as the buds break, will 
effect control. 


Showing typical injury to apples by the rosy aphis Frequently at the 
season of the year when the above is noted no aphides are seen in the cluster 
of leayes or apples. This is accounted for by the fact that the aphides have 


migrated from the apple-trees to some other food-plant. The injury, as seen, 
is a result of an early spring attack (Photo by R. C. TT.) 


THe Weooity Apis (Lricsoma lanigera Wausm.). 

In the year 1892 this well-known insect was reported to occur at Aldergrove, 
Chilliwack, Maple Ridge, Saltspring Island, and Comox. In 1893, according to the 
Provincial Department of Agriculture reports, it was reported from Langley, Cheam, 
Hammond, Port Moody, Victoria, and Comox, and to have increased noticeably in 


area over previous records of infestation. Nevertheless, we are informed that the 


“woolly aphis used sometimes to be noticed in 1893,°* which would indicate that 
in that year this insect was not considered common in the Lower T'raser Valley. 
Its occurrence, as may be seen from the foregoing localities, was confined to the 


Lower Mainland and to Vancouver Island, particularly, it would seem, to the latter 


locality, according to Mr. Io. Hutcherson, Provincial Inspector of Fruit Pests, in the 
Second Report of the Department of Agriculture, 1892, who claims that this aphis 


Proceedings of the British Columbia Entomological Society, No, 4, 1914, page 69. 


=] 
(ore) 


B.C. EnromMoOLoGiIcaL Sociery. 


is “present to an extraordinary degree in every orchard or nursery visited in the 
Victoria District.” 

In the year 1S84* this aphis continued to increase and to spread its area of 
infestation on the Lower Mypinland. At this time it was not known to occur in 
the Okanagan Valley, except at Okanagan Mission, where, it was supposed, a few 
specimens existed in 1898. Fruit-growers in the valley at the time were advised to 
“exclude this pest from their midst” and to use care in the selection of nursery 
stock for fear of its introduction. For many years the Okanagan Valley remained 
free from this pest, but there is no evidence to show any spread from original 
points of introduction. In 112 Mr. W. H. Brittain synopsized the situation in the 
Okanagan Valley as follows: * Fairly common everywhere throughout the 
+ . . no root forms seen . .  . not a serious pest in well-cared-for orchards. 
In passing, it is interesting to note in the same report that Mr. M. S. Middleton, 
Assistant Provincial Horticulturist, stationed at Nelson, B.C... makes the statement 
that the aphis has not made its appearance in the Kootenay Valleys. 


Showing the work of the young larva of the bud-moth on 
apple-leaves in late summer and autumn. The upper leaf shows 
the under-side with the larva feeding on the tissues. The other 
two leaves show the work of the larva as viewed trom the upper 
surface, As the leaves commence to fall the young larva migrates 
to some sheltered crevice on the twigs or trunk of the tree, and thus 


over-winters. (Photo by R. C. 'T.) 


* Fourth Report of Department of Agriculture, 1894, ** Insect Pest 
+ Proceedings of the British Columbia Entomological Society, No. 2, 1912. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916. re) 


In July, 1913, Mr. L. L. Palmer refers to the woolly aphis as one of the most 
serious pests to the orchardist around Vernon, and draws attention fo the presence 
of root-infesting forms in that locality. 

In the meanwhile, in the Lower TIraser Valley the woolly aphis has grown to 
the rank of the most Common orchard insect in the valley. It oecurs everywhere on 
root and stem from Vancouver to Agassiz. 

In 1914, according to Mr. M. H. Ruhmann, in the Proceedings of the British 
Columbia Entomological Society, No. 7, 1915, the woolly aphis “was present in all 
the older orchards throughout the Okanagan Valley, the root form not being so 
often met with.” 

During 1914 T had the opportunity of visiting the Okanagan Valley for the first 
time after having spent two years in the Coast districts. If there was one thing 
more than any other that struck me on that visit it was the “ comparative ” absence 
of this woolly aphis, and the report from many quarters of its increase in many 
localities. There seems little doubt that, while the wooly aphis may have been 
present in the Okanagan Valley since and before 1893, it has not as yet spread over 
the existing orchard area to the same extent as it has done on the Coast. I am 
inclined to think that the woolly aphis, like the oyster-shell scale, is an insect 
particularly adapted to a humid moist climate, where it would be more liable to 
find conditions suitable to optimum development than in arid sections. However, 
there is no doubt that climatic conditions in the Okanagan would suit it well enough 
to enable it to cause a considerable amount of injury; therefore it is advisable that 
due regard be paid to its spread and reproduction in the Upper Country. 


THe Bup-morn (Tmetocera ocecllanda Schiff). 

The first report of the bud-moth oceurring in British Columbia is that recorded 
in the Fifth Annual Report of the Horticultural and Fruit-growers’ Association of 
British Columbia, 1894. In that year specimens of the bud-moth were reported from 
the vicinity of Vernon, B.C. This appears to be the first report for the Province 
appearing in print, but the impression is given both in the 1894 Report as well as 
in the 1892 Report, that the insect occurred at the time in the Lower Fraser Valley. 
Dr. J. Fletcher, in his report as Dominion Entomologist, 1895, mentions receiving 
specimens of the bud-moth from the orchard of Mr. C. EF. Pound, St. Elmo, B.C., 
and remarks that these were the first specimens he had received from British 
Columbia. ven in 1908 this insect did not occur commonly in the Province. Since 
1911 it has heen found present in every orchard visited in the Lower Fraser Valley. 
Adults have been bred and compared with Eastern Canadian specimens and their 
identity is certified. It is well to say this, because we are yet a little doubtful as 
to the identity of some other “ bud-worms ” very similar in nature to the bud-moth. 
In this year (1915), however, we may state that the bud-moth (7. ocellana) occurs 
commonly both on Vancouver Island and on the Lower Mainiand. In the Okanagan 
it remains somewhat scarce. Mr. Brittain reports it as working in several orchards 
in the Kelowna District in the summer of 1918, but “not in sufficient numbers to 
do a great deal of harm.” In August, 1914, T visited the Okanagan and made a 
special endeavour to determine the distribution of the bud-moth. I realized that 
doubt had been expressed as to the probable species involved in injury of a similar 
nature, hence I was careful in determination. To am of the opinion that the bud- 
moth (7. ocellana) occurs at Vernon, Kelowna, and at Penticton. Kelowna was the 
only point where bud-moth injury attracted attention ; at other points careful exam- 
inations had to be made because the insects were not common. It is to be hoped 
that the next few years will throw more light on the identity of the species of 
“pbud-worms ” involved, because at present there is much confusion. At any rate, 
the important point is apparent that every year adds a little more area to the 
extent of infestation in the Okanagan; consequently growers are advised to watch 
the advance of this insect for fear it becomes as well established as it is at present 
in the Lower Fraser Valley. 


Pil) B.C. EnromoLoGicaL Socrery. 


Two Pests New To Britis ConumMBra. 


I regret very much to have to record two new pests which have made their 
appearance in British Columbia during the past year (1915), and both from Van- 
couyver Island. The first and the most important, both in point of numbers and 
injuriousness, is the pear-thrips (Tiwniothrips pyri Daniels), and the second is the 
black currant bud-mite (Lriophyes ribis Nalepa). The appearance of these two 
pests is both interesting and extraordinary. Neither has been recorded for Canada 
previous to this occasion, and the latter in particular has not, to my knowledge, as 
yet been reported as occurring in open field plantations in North America. The 


Showing the typical injury to mature apples at pickling-time caused 
by the young larve of the bud-moth. Apples are frequently disfigured and 
rendered of lower value by injury of this nature. The injury is shown in 
sectional view and the depth to which the larvie work. This form of 
injury assists decay in storage. (Photo by R. Cc. T.) 


former, howeyer, is known to occur at several but widely separated fruit areas in 
the United States. The history of their occurrence in British Columbia is somewhat 
as follows :— 

THe Pear-Turirs (Vaniothrips pyri Daniels). 

During April, 1915, Mr. T. A. Brydon, fruit-grower, Royal Oak, reported to Mr. 
Thomas Cunningham, Inspector of Fruit Pests, that the first-spring spray that he 
had used on the latter's suggestion had injured his trees, so much so that the 
blossom-elusters were turning brown, and it was evident that little fruit was setting. 
Mr. Brydon, believing this apparent injury due to the spray applied, did not spray 


ProceepiInGs, 1916. S1 


Showing an advanced condition of attack by the larve of the bud-moth in the 
early spring months. Note how the buds are destroyed and development checked. An 
rly spring spray containing arsenate of lead will reduce injury. (Photo by R. Cc. 'T.) 


the remainder of his orchard which still required applications. He was astonished, 
a few days later, to note that these unsprayed trees also showed signs of injury 
similar to the sprayed trees. Ile accordingly reversed his opinion on the effect of 
the spray and reported the state of affairs hoth to Mr. R. M. Winslow, Provincial 
Horticulturist, and to Mr. Cunningham. Mr. Winslow immediately visited Mr. 
3rydon and noted the presence of thrips in the blossoms of peach, plum, pear, prune, 
apple, and cherry. Mr. E. W. White, on Mr. Cunningham’s instruction, visited the 
orchard about the same time and noted the same conditions. 

Mr. Winslow immediately took steps to have the insects identified, attributing 
the injury to them. Specimens were sent to Mr. S. W. Foster, San Francisco, and 
to Berkeley University, California. Through the medium of Mr. White I received 
specimens also, which I tentatively identified as the pear-thrips. Specimens were 
in due course forwarded to Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt, Dominion Entomologist, Ottawa, 
who, to satisfy our determination, forwarded some to Washington, D.C., for sub- 
stantiation. In the course of a few days reports from all sources were received and 
the identification in each case was identical. The species involved was Taniothrips 
pyri Daniels. Immediate steps were then taken to estimate the extent of injury 
and the area involved. As a result, if was found that an area approximating twelve 
square miles was involved in the outbreak, with centres of infestation at Royal Oak, 
Keatings, and Gordon Head. 

On May 7th and Sth, at the request of Mr. Winslow, IT made a survey of the 
district and arranged a series of meetings with the fruit-growers at each of the 
three places mentioned. Simultaneously, through the energy of Mr. Winslow and 

3 


82 B.C. Enromoniocican Socirery. 


Mr. Cunningham, remedial measures in the form of soap-emulsion sprays were 
applied wherever deemed advisable, but it has to he acknowledged that a part of 
the spray, at any rate, was applied too late for best results. Most of the injury 
had been caused, and the thrips were naturally leaving the trees during the first 
days of May. The fruit-growers were therefore advised fully as to their danger 
and the serious nature of the insect, and strongly urged to take efficient steps to 
safeguard their interests for the coming spring of 1916. 

The life-history of the thrips, according to Californian reports, is such that the 
nymphs, after leaving the trees in May, penetrate into the soil and do not appear 
until the blossoming period of the following year. The safest spray to apply under 
our present Knowledge of conditions around Victoria is a mixture of whale-oil soap 
and nicotine sulphate. 

The following formula is recommended until our knowledge is further supported 
by experimental data: Nicotine sulphate (B.L. 40), % pint; water, 100 gallons; 
whale-oil soap, 5 lb. A pressure of at least 200 Ib. is advisable, and two, and if 
possible three, early-spring applications are required. 

There is no explanation of an exact nature which can be offered explaining the 
outbreak of these thrips around Victoria. 

Mr. Brydon, who is responsible in the first place for having drawn attention to 
the insects, believes them to have been present in his orchard at least six or seven 
years previous. The blighted condition of blossoms in the spring had been noted 
in his orchard for that length of time, but the cause was usually attributed to some 
slight frost at a critical period. There seems little doubt that the thrip has been 
present in the district for several years, and that with the unusually mild winters 
and early springs that have been experienced in that locality during the past two 
years, conditions were suitable for optimum development. It is possible that the 
past winter (1915-16), which has been somewhat unusually cold, may have the 
desired effect of checking the outbreak, but it is well to be on the safe side and 
prepare for a continuance of the outbreak. TI am pleased to inform you that Dr. 
©. Gordon Hewitt is making arrangements for a complete study of this insect in 
respect to its biology and control, and the initial steps in this connection will be 
begun this spring (1916). 


THe BLAck CurRRANT Bub-MITE (Lriophyes ribis Nalepa). 


This mite has frequently been taken at inspection stations in Canada, arriving 
in consignments of black currants from Europe. It is only this past spring, however, 
that we are forced to record its presence in the open field plantations in British 
Columbia. 

On the evening of April 7th, 1915, IT was accorded the pleasure of delivering an 
address before the Natural History Society of Duncan, V.I. In the discussion that 
followed, Mr. R. Glendenning, Secretary of the Society, asked whether or not the 
black currant bud-mite was known to occur in Canada. I was forced to admit that 
the mite was not known to infest our field plantations in Canada. He thereupon 
stated that some injury very similar to that of the bud-mite, as he knew it in 
Ingland, was present on some currant-bushes he had in his garden, which he had, 
in the first place, bought from a local nursery, and which had originated in England. 

Mr. Glendenning accordingly, the following morning, on my request, produced 
some supposedly infested twigs. There was no doubt that the buds were infested 
by Eriophyes ribis. My determination was later supported by Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt, 
Dominion Entomologist, who was satisfied that the species was identical with the 
bud or gall mite of Europe. 

On inquiry it was found that this mite must have been working in the field 
plantations to some extent for the past five or six years. The hushes found infested 
at Duncan had been sold by the “ Vancouver Island Nursery Company,” Somenos, 
V.I. As far as could be learned, approximately 5,000 currant-bushes had been dis- 
posed of by this firm between the years of 1910-13, and all these bushes apparently 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916. 83 


were sold to local growers on Vancouver Island. For the past two years the nursery 
has ceased to exist, and the owner is at present on military service in Europe. The 
hooks of the company, therefore, are closed and we are not able to obtain the names 
of purchasers, 

The importance of this mite is well understood by those who have experienced 
its ravages in England; consequently prompt and efficient steps are urgently required 
to stamp it out. Growers of currants are advised to report its presence to the 
Government if their suspicions are aroused. Affected bushes are most easily 
observed in the early spring, when the buds of such bushes swell abnormally, 
eventually dropping off or setting no fruit. The only remedy advised in consider- 
ation of the present status of the currant industry of the Island is to destroy affected 
bushes by burning. 


SUPERHEATING AS A CONTROL METHOD FOR INSECTS WHICH INFEST 
STORED PRODUCTS. 


By ArtTHuR GIBSON, Citier ASSISTANT ENTOMOLOGIST, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 
OTTAWA. 


There are several important insects which collectively are responsible every year 
for serious losses to flour, stored grain, etc., in various parts of Canada, such losses 
amounting to many thousands of dollars. The Mediterranean flour-moth (lphestia 
kuehniclla) is largely a tlour insect, but it also works in other manufactured foods. 
The Indian-meal moth (Plodia interpunectella) has a wide range of food, attacking, 
freely, grain and other seeds, meal, dried fruits, nuts, ete. The meal snout-moth 
(Pyralis farinalis) is some years found causing considerable injury to stored grain, 
etc. The Angoumois grain-moth (Sitotroga cerealella) is occasionally found in ship- 
ments of corn-seed imported from foreign countries. The power of granary-weevils 
and similar small beetles to destroy grain and other stored products when held for 
any length of time in stores or warehouses is enormous. The weevils which cause 
the greatest damage are the grain-weevil (Calandra granaria) and the rice-weevil 
(Calandra oryze@). In addition to these weevils there are several small reddish- 
brown beetles which commonly infest stored grain and mill products. Breakfast 
foods, flour, meal, dried fruits, nuts, ete., are all attacked. 

Recently the Entomological Branch has had opportunities of experimenting with 
high temperatures for the control of insects infesting mills and warehouses, and 
the results obtained have been highly satisfactory. In the superheating method of 
control it is necessary to install a system of heating whieh will give and maintain 
a temperature of from 120° to 125° Fahr. for about six hours. In stores or ware- 
houses the established heating system will require to be augmented by coal, wood, 
or gas stoves, particularly in autumn and during the colder months. A number of 
flour-mills in the United States which are heated by steam have installed additional 
radiation at a cost not exceeding the expense of one fumigation with hydrocyanic- 
acid gas, which has been used to such an extent in the past for destroying insects 
infesting flour and other stored products. The additional system of radiation is 
permanent, and one application of the superheating method each year has been found 
to be sufficient to control such insects. In Canada, also, the superheating method 
has heen adopted in flour-mills to control the Mediterranean flour-moth. In the 
Montreal district, for instance, the flour-mills are regularly, each summer, subjected 
to high temperatures to destroy this insect. In instances where mills and warehouses 
have heen infested with such small beetles as the confused flour-beetle (7ribolium 
confusum), and fumigated with hydrocyanic-acid gas, it has been found that the gas 
did not penetrate sufficiently deep into all cracks, ete., to kill the inseet in every 
stage. The superheating method, however, reaches the places inaecessible to gas 
and destroys any insects which may be present. 

The following brief statement will indicate the value of high temperatures as a 
control measure for such insects as I have mentioned ;— 


S4 B.C. ENroMOLOGICAL Society. 


In October, 1915, Mr. W. A. Ross, Field Officer of the Entomological Branch, 
conducted an experiment in a large feed-store at Dundas, Ont., whieh was badly 
infested with the Mediterranean flour-moth. Myriads of the moths were present 
and the meal and flour in the sacks were literally alive with caterpillars. The 
heating system consisted of five steam-pipes, which extended half-way around the 
walls, and four box stoves. Practically half of the second floor was occupied by 
a suite of offices heated by steam-radiators. In the unheated portion of this flat 
one box and two steam-gas stoves had been installed, and on the top flat four 
gas-stoves. 

At 6 p.m. the steam was turned on and the stoves were lighted. At 1 a.m. the 
moths in the bins on the top flat commenced to succumb to the heat (114° Fahr.). 
At 10.50 p.m. the following day no living insects could be found on the second and 
third flats. The temperature on the third floor had reached 120° Fahr., and on the 
second floor 108° Fahr. in one place and 120° Fahr. in another. The thermometers 
available and used on these floors did not register higher than 120° Fahr. On the 
first floor five extra stoves were installed owing to the fact that the temperature in 
the immediate neighbourhood of the floor was not sufficiently high to prove fatal. 
The heating on this floor was begun at 9 a.m. and discontinued at 6 p.m. Better 
thermometers were obtained and these registered as high as 147.2°, 120°, and 150.S° 
Fahr. The one which registered 120° Fahr. was lying on the floor near a door. Two 
weeks later Mr. Ross again visited the store and no sign of the insect could he seen, 
nor had any been noticed by the owner of the warehouse or his men since the building 
Was superheated. 

One other experiment to which TI will refer took place in a large seed-store at 
Victoria, B.C. The insects present in this instance were the two granary-weevlls— 
namely, the grain-weevil (Calandra granaria) and the rice-weevil (Calandra oryeer). 
Both weevils had been found working freely in stored grain. Towards the end of 
April, 1914, we recommended to the proprietors of this store that they adopt super- 
heating to destroy the insects. This they did, the temperature being raised to 
between 115° and 125° Fahr. and maintained for about eight hours, with the desired 
<e the temperature. Holes were 
punched in these, near the bottom, so as to provide a draught, and coke was used 


effect. Steel oil-barrels were used as stoves to r 


as a fuel. Previous to the superheating, fumigation with bisulphide of carhon had 
heen tested, the amount of bisulphide used heing approximately 38% Ib. to every 
1,000 cubie feet of space. The building consisted of four floors, of a size 30 x 110 
feet, three heing 10 feet high and one 14 feet high. The liquid was poured into tin 
vessels which were distributed throughout the building. This fumigation killed large 
numbers of the adults, but did not have any effect upon the eggs. Consequently, 
later, the superheating method was adopted with entire satisfaction. 

As mentioned above, the heat from a high temperature of 125° Fahr. maintained 
for several hours penetrates into all cracks, ete., killing all stages of the insects 
present. 


CONTROL OF CABBAGE-APHIS BY PARASITES IN WESTERN CANADA. 


By KE. H. StrickLaANp, LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA, F1rLp Orricer, HNTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH, 
DoMINION DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 


The cabbage-aphis (Aphis brassice Linn.), though a native of Europe, is now 
widely distributed in America, where it was first recorded in 1791. In Fletcher's 
report for 1895 it was stated that a “grey aphis (possibly A. brassic@)” had heen 
very destructive on Vancouver Island, and that the worst year on record was 1876. 
There can be little doubt but that this note referred to A. brassicw, which has been 
recorded frequently from this locality since that date. It has therefore been present 
in British Columbia for at least forty years. 

Very briefly the life-history of this aphis is as follows: The small shining black 
eggs are laid in the fall on cabbage stumps and leaves. They may be found also on 


PROCEEDINGS, 1916. S5 


infested turnip, mustard, or rape leaves. They hatch in the spring into wingless 
female aphides, known as * stem mothers.” These mature in about two weeks and 
begin giving birth to another generation of females, which in their turn mature 
rapidly and are soon actively producing a third generation. This rapid produc- 
tion of new generations of wingless females continues throughout the summer. 
Oceasionally winged specimens appear, and fly to new plants, thus spreading the 
infestation. Males are not produced until the fall. These mate with the females, 
and as a result the latter produce eggs instead of living young. It is these eggs 
which pass the winter; no other stage of A. brassicw is able to do so. 


Egg of Aphis brassicae as laid 
on cabbage, 


The alarming rate at which these aphides increase might make one wonder how 
it is that all cabbages, wherever this pest is found, are not invariably and quickly 
destroyed. One, and perhaps the chief, reason is that the aphis has several natural 
enemies which are continually reducing their numbers. 

These enemies are divided into two classes—viz., predators and parasites. 
Among the predators are found both the larvie and adults of ladybirds (Coceinel- 
lidw), the larvie of hover-flies (Syrphida@), and the larvie of lace-wings (Chrysopida). 
These we can probably aid or harm but little. Several parasites have been bred 
from Aphis brassica in different parts of the continent, but from material studied 
in South Alberta during 1914 and 1915 one species only has been bred. This is a 
small Hymenopteron, named Diwretus rape Curt. Since this species parasitizes a 
large percentage of the aphides, and it is present in the fields and gardens from 
the time when the stem mothers hatch, it is very valuable for preventing outhreaks 
of cabhage-aphis. 

The life-history of this parasite is similar to that of most of the aphis parasites. 
The adult buries its egg inside an aphis with the aid of its ovipositor. Irom this 
egg hatches an orange-coloured larva, which develops rapidly at the expense of its 
host. By the time it is full-grown the hody of the aphis has become much swollen, 
and is almost spherical, while its “skin” has changed from a dull-grey to a straw- 
yellow colour, and is of a parchment-like consistency. The parasitic larva by this 
time completely fills the dead aphis, which is firmly cemented to the cabbage-leaf 
upon which it was feeding. Within it the parasite pupates, and later the adult 
emerges through a circular hole. How many generations of this parasite there are 
in a year we do not know, but there must be several. The most important point for 
us to consider is the manner in which the winter is passed. 

Late in the fall many of the aphides contain fully developed parasitic larvie, 
pupe, or occasionally adults which have not emerged. These aphides, with their 
contained parasites, are so firmly attached to the cabbage leaves and stumps that 
they remain on them throughout the winter. The first severe frosts kill off all 
normal aphides, leaving only the parasitized specimens and the small black eggs 
produced by the fertilized female aphides of the last generation. 

If we examine some of the parasitized aphides in the early spring we find that 
in most cases where they contain a full-grown Dimrretus larva this larva is alive and 
healthy. We find also that the pupme of the species have passed the winter success- 
fully, but that the few adults which we dissect out are in every case dead. 

During the first week in April adults hegan to hatch from material collected at 
Lethbridge earlier in the spring. From this it is seen that both the aphis and its 
valuable parasite pass the winter on the cabhage stumps and leaves. 

In passing, we might mention that in some of the parasitized aphides we found 
an unwelcome guest, which was passing the winter in the same stages of develop- 


S86 B.C. En romMoOLoGicaL Sociery. 


Life stages of the parasite of the cabbage-aphis. 


Proceepinas, 1916. ST 


ment as Dinretus rapa. This insect was determined for us by Mr. Girault, of the 
United States National Museum, as “near Pachyneuron.” This small green Hymen- 
opteron lays its egg on the ventral side of the orange-coloured Diwretus larva. From 
it hatches a white hyperparasitie grub, which slowly increases in size at the expense 
of its shrinking host, till we find, instead of a large orange larva with a small white 
erub on its ventral side, a large white larva with a small, shrunken, orange-coloured 
skin on its ventral side. Still later we find the pupa or adult of the hyperparasite. 
Since, however, we hred forty-three Diaretus adults to every Pachyneuron, the flies 
which we hatched from our parasitized aphides were decidedly beneficial. 

The question which now arises is: Can we aid these parasites in any way 
without at the same time aiding their host, the cabbage-aphis? In dry, cold latitudes 
we certainly can, but it must be Lorne in mind that the following suggestion applies 
only to such places as the Interior of British Columbia and to the Prairie Provinces, 
where the cold is sufficiently intense to kill off all cabbage-growth with certainty 


hefore the spring. 


Parasitized larva of Aphis brassica containing the 
over-wintering parasite. (In nature it is very much 
swollen and enlarged.) (Del. E. H. 8.) 


A control measure advocated in the east and to the south of us is that of 
collecting and burning all old stumps and other refuse during the fall and winter. 
This is very beneficial since it destroys numerous aphis-eggs. Where there is much 
show or where the winter is not severe, such stumps are not killed by the spring, 
and even though they are pulled they may have enough vitality to produce sufficient 
green growth for the young aphides that hatch from the eggs to mature and produce 
a winged generation. 

Under our conditions, however, such growth is impossible, and we can obtain 
even better results from a modification of this method. The stumps and refuse must 
be collected during the fall or winter, and placed in a heap on an absolutely bare 
piece of land, at some little distance from any green growth, especially any such 
weeds as shepherd’s-purse, mustard, or any of the plants belonging to the order 
Cruciferze, since Aphis brassicw can breed on almost any of these. 

In the spring both the parasite adults and the aphis-eggs hatch. The parasites 
are strong-winged and can rapidly fly to more favourable locations, but the tender 
Wingless aphides are too far removed from any food to stand a chance of crawling 
to it before they die of starvation. A few may possibly he blown or carried by birds 
to some cruciferous plant, but this number must he very small, whereas innumerable 
parasites are continually escaping. 


a) 
a] 


B.C. EnromMoLoGicaL Socrery. 


( 


From a large heap of badly infested stumps on the Experimental Farm at 
Lethbridge a constant flight of parasites was observed during April in 1915, while 
numerous minute aphides were seen crawling over the heap of well-frozen and 
lifeless stumps. Some of the aphides were hatched in captivity and lived for two 
or three days only. None was seen to attempt to feed upon the over-wintered 
cabbage-tissues. 

The foregoing suggestion must not be considered as an excuse for leaving 
cabbage-stumps, etc., lying around in the fields during winter. It is just as essential 
that all refuse be collected and placed on a clean piece of land, which must not be 
allowed to grow up to weeds during April or early May, as it is to collect such refuse 
for burning. We would repeat, also, that this is applicable only to those localities 
in which the winter is always sufficiently severe to ensure that all refuse left over 
from cabbage or turnip crops is completely killed. In such localities we would 
recommend that some such arrangement be made so that we do not annually kill 
off a large percentage of our best friends, and then inadequately replace their role 
in nature with expensive spraying. 


VICTORIA, B.C.: 
Trinted by Wittram H. CUuLiin, Printer to the King’s Most Excellent Majesty. 
1916. 


yi 
ae 

pois: 
NY 


PROCEEDINGS 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


OF 


BRITISH COLUMBIA 


= 


MARCH 1917 
NUMBER 10 
SYSTEMATIC SERIES 


= 


VICTORIA, B. C.: 
Printep By Tue CoLonist PRintiING AND PusuisHinG Co., Lrp 


1918 


PROCEEDINGS 


OF THE 


Entomological Society 


OF 


BRITISH COLUMBIA 


il 


MARCH 1917 
NUMBER 10 
SYSnEMATIC SERIES 


il 


VICTORIA, B.C 
PRINTED BY THE COLONIST PRINTING AND PuBLIsHING Co., Lrp 


1918 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 


PAGE 
Proceedings ; ; 5 : : ‘ : : : : : 3 
Presidential Address—K. H. Blackmore ; : ; 5 ; 4 
Lepidoptera of the Northern Okanagan—W. Downes . : ees lal 


Notes on the hybernation of larvae and the movement of Boreus 
in the snow—J. W. Cockle : 3 : ; : : je* iba 


Notes on Geometridz new to British Columbia—E. H. Blackmore 16 
Fossil Insects of British Columbia—A. EH. Cameron, M.A., D.Se. 21 


In Memoriam (Tom Wilson)—R. C. Treherne, B.S.A. . d > gill 


E. H. BLACKMORE, 


President, Entomological Society of British Columbia, 1916-1917 


BRITISH COLUMBIA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 
PROCEEDINGS, 1917 


The Sixteenth Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of 
British Columbia was held in the Provincial Museum, Parliament 
Buildings, Victoria, B.C., on March 17th, 1917. 


The meeting was called to order by the President, Mr. E. H. Black- 
more, of Victoria, at 9.30 a.m., and was one of the best that the Society 
has ever held. The large proportion of active workers present, the 
enthusiasm displayed, and the spirited discussion on many of the papers 
read being very gratifying to those officers of the Society who were 
responsible for the getting up of the programme. 


The report of the Secretary-Treasurer was highly satisfactory, and 
showed, amongst other things, an increase of membership and a very 
large correspondence, which told of the interest taken by many outside 
institutions and individuals in the activities of the Society. 


Eleven papers were read, six being on systematic lines, five on 
economic subjects, and one of general interest. 


The day’s proceedings closed at 6 p.m., when the election of officers 
for the year 1917 was proceeded with, and resulted as follows: 


Hon. President—F. Kermode, Provincial Museum, Victoria, B.C. 
E. H. Blackmore, Victoria, B.C. (re-elected). 


Vice-President (Coast)—R. S. Sherman, Vancouver, B.C. (re- 
elected). 


Vice-President (Interior)—L. E. Taylor, F.Z.S., Vernon, B.C. (re- 
elected). 


President 


Secretary-Treasurer—Williams Hugh, Box 20, Cloverdale, B.C. 


Advisory Board—A. E. Cameron, M.A., D.Sc.; Geo. O. Day, F-.E.S.; 
Seymour Hadwin, D.V.Sc.; and R. C. Treherne, B.S.A., in addition to 
the officers above mentioned. 


4 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS 
By E. H. Blackmore, Victoria, B.C. 


In welcoming you to the Sixteenth Annual Meeting of our 
Society, it is my sad and painful duty to call attention to the deaths of 
three of our members that have occurred since our last meeting. 


I refer to the deaths of Mr. A. H. Bush, Mr. E. Baynes Reed, and 
Mr. Tom Wilson, in the order in which they occurred. More com- 
petent hands than mine will pay worthy tribute to each of them, but 
I would like to say a few words of personal appreciation. 


Mr. Bush was one of the original members of our Society when it 
was formed in 1901, and was elected Vice-President in 1908. 


He was one of our most active members, and built up an interesting 
collection of Lepidoptera which contained many records new to British 
Columbia, mostly taken on Mt. Cheam, the ascent of which mountain 
he made on many occasions. He contributed papers, chiefly on Mountain 
Fauna, at our annual meetings in 1912, 1913 and 1914. 


He had a pleasing personality, and was well liked by all those with 
whom he came in contact. As you all doubtless know, he fell while 
fighting for his King and Country on the blood-stained battlefields of 
France in August, 1916. 


Mr. Baynes Reed, who was elected Honorary President of our 
Society in January, 1913, was one of the oldest entomologists in the 
Dominion of Canada, having joined the Entomological Society of Ontario 
on its inception in 1863, and in the succeeding 25 years before his removal 
to Victoria, he held at different times the positions of Vice-President, 
Secretary-Treasurer, Librarian, Curator and Auditor. He wrote many 
articles on economic entomology, and was a constant contributor to the 
Canadian Entomologist. He passed away at his home in this city 
on November 18th last, after a long illness, at the advanced age of 79. 
A fitting tribute to his memory is penned by his life-long friend, Rev. 
J. C. S. Bethune, in the Canadian Entomologist for February, 1917. 


It is with deep and sincere regret that I have to refer to the tragic 
fate which overtook Mr. Tom Wilson, on the morning of March the 6th. 
He was also one of our original members, and was elected President at 
the resuscitation of our Society in December, 1911. He was an ardent 
entomologist and botanist, being especially interested in Scale Insects 
and the distribution of the Tent-caterpillar in this Province, and we 
always looked forward to an interesting paper by him at our annual 
meeting. He was one of the most genial, generous and warm-hearted 
men that I ever met, and in him the Dominion Government has lost a 
most faithful and conscientious servant, and our Society one of its 
most valued members. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1917 5 


In passing, I think it is only right to mention the heroic death of 
Sergt-Major W. T. Taylor, the youngest son of the late Rev. G. W. 
Taylor, who was the President of our Society for so many years. Sergt. 
Taylor was only twenty years of age, and while leading his men during 
an attack on an enemy position, he was struck by a piece of shrapnel 
and his left arm torn off. Despite this terrible injury, he urged on his 
men to greater efforts, while he lay in a shell hole. After the assault on 
the enemy had been successfully effected, he was rescued but spurned 
assistance, saying that there were others who needed it worse than he. 
He died shortly afterwards, alone in his dugout, from loss of blood. He 
was educated at Mount Tolmie University School, and was a pupil of 
the late Captain Harvey. 


At this, our annual meeting, it will be only fitting for us to pass 
a vote of condolence to the families of the deceased gentlemen. 


During the past season the Dominion Government appointed Dr. 
A. E. Cameron on a special mission to investigate the ravages of the 
Pear Thrips on the Saanich Peninsula, and I wish to welcome him 
amongst us, and to take this opportunity of extending the good wishes 
of the Society towards him. Perhaps you are not all aware of the 
great success that attended. the work of Dr. Cameron and Mr. Treherne 
amongst the Pear Thrips during the past year. 


I believe I am right in stating that, owing to their efforts in this 
direction at Mr. Bryden’s orchard at Royal Oak, there was the biggest 
crop of fruit produced in many years, notwithstanding the adverse 
weather conditions encountered in the early part of the season. Dr. 
Cameron has become a member of our Society, and will be a great 
acquisition to us and a source of strength to the entomology of the 
Province. 


He has offered to help any of our members who are desirous of 
going deeper into the studies of our local insects, and I look forward 
to Dr. Cameron’s assistance with great interest, assistance which will 
be invaluable to those of us who intend to study the biology and 
taxonomy of our insect fauna. 


While I am on this subject, [ would like to draw the attention of 
our Society to the excellent work that our worthy Secretary, Mr. R. C. 
Treherne, has done on that destructive pest the Cabbage Root Maggot. 
A very excellent bulletin, comprising 58 pages and 27 original illustra- 
tions, entitled “The Cabbage Root Maggot and its Control in Canada,” 
was issued by the Dominion Department of Agriculture last April, 
written by Messrs. Arthur Gibson and R. C. Treherne in collaboration, 
which covers every phase of the subject, and | think that we, as a 
Society, should congratulate our worthy Secretary as junior author of 
such an important contribution to economic entomology. 


6 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


Speaking of entomological literature reminds me that I would like 
to say a few words regarding two Monographs recently published in the 
State of Illinois. The first was issued in July, 1915, by the University 
of Illinois, and is the work of Stanley B. Fracker. It is entitled “The 
Classification of Lepidopterous Larvae,” and carries to a successful 
conclusion the preliminary work done by Dr. Dyar and others. It is 
a very clever piece of work and wonderfully well thought out. The 
chief structures of value in the classification of the larvae, are the posi- 
tion of the setae, the shape of the spiracles, the number of prolegs and 
the arrangements of the crochets they bear. 


‘The other Monograph was published by the Illinois State Laboratory 
in March, 1916, and is entitled “The Classification of the Lepidoptera 
based on Pupal Characters,’ by Dr. Edna Mosher, and is a really 
important addition to entomological literature, as previous to this 
publication very little had been done in this particular line of research. 
Some of the chief characters used for determining the phylogeny of the 
order are the number of movable segments, the freedom of the append- 
ages, the number of sutures present in the head, and the relative length 
of the body segments. It has been found in some orders that the 
only good taxonomic characters available are found in the pupal stage 
of the insect. These two publications, taken together, afford much food 
for thought both to systematic and economic entomologists. 


It is of special interest to the economic entomologist, as he early 
realizes the value of being able to recognize the immature stages, for in 
many orders of insects the larval stages alone are responsible for a 
great deal of the damage done to crops and orchards. 


At present, in many cases, he has to content himself with rearing 
the adult forms to determine the species, and thereby possibly losing a 
lot of valuable time. To those of us that are systematists, it is very 
evident that the classification of Lepidoptera based upon characters that 
are only present in the adult forms, must necessarily be arbitrary and 
artificial, and that to get a natural classification we shall have to study 
in conjunction characters that appear in the larval and pupal stages as 
well as those in the adult insects, and also the inter-relationships of one 
to the other. 


The new check list of North American Lepidoptera issued by Drs. 
Barnes and McDunnough, which we have all been waiting for, was 
published last week. ‘There are a large number of additions and a great 
many changes in nomenclature. The arrangement of genera is also 
entirely different to what we have been accustomed. I must say that, 
on a cursory glance through its pages, the numerous shiftings of species 
into different genera is a great improvement on previous lists, and that 
the arrangement in general seems to me to be a great step towards a 
more natural arrangement of the species. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1917 7 


With the valued assistance of our energetic Assistant Secretary, 
Mr. Williams Hugh, I instituted a series of monthly meetings, beginning 
with the New Year. We held one in January and another in February, 
both of which were attended by about nine of our local members, and 
a great deal of interest was shown at both meetings in the subjects 
under discussion. It is our intention to hold these meetings the second 
week in each month throughout the year, and to make them as interest- 
ing and instructive as possible, especially to the younger members of 
our Society. 


I have not taken any set subject for my address, but am contenting 
myself with making a few general remarks on different subjects that I 
wish to speak of, and this seems to me the most convenient opportunity 
of expressing myself to you. I would like to say here that these remarks 
are not made in any spirit of criticism but are made solely with the idea 
of improving the collections of the systematic entomologists of British 
Columbia. 


During the past four years, as most all of you know, I have been 
studying the Geometridae of British Columbia. In the course of my 
studies I have examined about fourteen collections, both on the Island 
and the Mainland. Many of these collections had neither date nor 
locality labels; some of the insects were on short pins, others low set 
on long pins; again others were badly set and badly arranged, and in a 
few instances the presence of mites and dermestes was very evident. 


Noticing all these things made me feel that if I were permitted to 
draw the attention of our systematic collectors to these several defects, 
a more uniform standard could be attained in the display of our collec- 
tions. ‘This may seem to many of you a trivial matter, but I can assure 
you from the remarks of Mr. Wolley Dod and other eminent entomol- 
ogists, that it is a matter of the utmost importance, both to the collector 
himself and more especially to others who may either want to exchange 
material, or for comparison to settle some disputed point. 


I was very sorry to see so many collections without date labels of 
any kind, as the value of labelling at the time of capture cannot be too 
strongly impressed upon all collectors. It has been truly said that at 
times a label without an insect is of more value than an insect without 
a label. A small printed label not only adds to the appearance of a 
collection but in many cases is the only means of a ready identification 
of specimens. To illustrate what I mean, I will give an example as 
regards the value of a date label. We have on Vancouver Island two 
geometers that are almost exactly alike, Hydriomena irata and Hydrio- 
mena californiata, so close in fact that if there were no labels on them 
only an expert could tell which was which, but when properly dated can 
be easily separated, as irata occurs in April while californiata does not 
emerge until June. 


8 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


An example of the value of locality labels occurs in the common 
sulphur butterfly of the eastern states, Eurymus philodice, the points 
of difference between this and its western representative, Eurymus 
eriphele, are so slight that without locality labels no one but a close 
student of this genus could tell one from the other. As any one can 
get these labels printed with locality and collector’s name in 3 point 
type for the small sum of 25 cents per thousand, there is no reason why 
every collector should not have a supply of these on hand. 


Low setting has fallen into disuse in nearly all countries, with the 
exception of the British Isles. It has many disadvantages as compared 
with high setting, chief of which is the greater danger to the attack of 
insect pests, and in those species which are liable to “grease,” the 
danger of the grease spreading to the lining of the box and ruining the 
whole of the specimens contained therein is very great. 


Now as to arrangement, I have seen collections of Lepidoptera 
beautifully set and labelled correctly, but badly mixed up—diurnals, 
noctuids and geometers all in one box; genera split up, some in one 
box, some in another; and even specimens of the same species scattered 
through two or three different boxes. The result of this haphazard 
arrangement is that when one wants to show a fellow-collector a certain 
group or even a certain species, one has to hunt through half a dozen 
boxes or drawers, as the case may be, befote finding them. It is time 
well spent to go over one’s entire collection every winter and arrange 
it in accordance with the list which is the recognized standard of the 
time. We should have no difficulty as regards this from now on, as 
the new check list just published will probably be the standard list for 
a great many years. 


As regards insect pests in our collection, immediate steps should be 
taken to exterminate them at the very first sign of their presence. 
Nothing is more sure or certain than a tablespoonful of bisulphide of 
carbon in a small container, and placed in the box or drawer and left 
for twenty-four hours. All exchanges should be subjected to this 
process before being placed in our cabinets, as very often pests are 
introduced into our collections by specimens from outside sources. 


I would also like to ask our more active members to study their 
insects more in the leisure hours of the winter months. I am sure 
many interesting points would be discovered and many mistakes recti- 
fied. I have seen in several collections different species listed under 
the same name, in some cases as many as three, and in one case four; 
also the same species listed under two different names, and so on. I 
think in cases like this a little more care and study would eliminate 
these mistakes. 


I would be sorry to see the collection of any member of our Society 
come under the scathing indictment made by Mr. Wolley Dod on the 


PROCEEDINGS, 1917 9 


Heath Collection of Lepidopters, which appeared in the Canadian 
Entomologist for May, 1916. In support of my remarks to you this 
morning, I would like to give a few brief extracts from the article in 
question. As some of you probably know, the late Mr. E. F. Heath 
was a resident of Cartwright, Manitoba, and collected there for about 
35 years. At his death, his collection was acquired by the Manitoba 
Government, as a nucleus for the entomological section of the Pro- 
vincial Museum. 


Mr. Wolley Dod was given an opportunity of looking over it last 
December, and this, in part, is what he says: “Viewed as a whole the 
collection was in poor condition. The percentage of worn or indifferent 
specimens was high, and with a very few exceptions, the setting was 
badly done on short pins. <A portion, and only a portion, of the speci- 
mens bore date labels, usually face downwards.” Again he says: 
“Heath, though a most energetic collector, had unfortunately a poorly 
developed faculty for recognizing a species. We frequently found a 
series of good specimens standing as one species, a series of bad speci- 
mens of the same as distinct, and perhaps a series of smaller specimens 
of the same thing as something else. Nor was that all, besides the 
frequency with which one species stood for two or more, it was deplor- 
able the number of very distinct and often dissimilar species which 
were arranged in one series under the same name. In short, the errors 
and mixtures were appalling.” 


Now, that is a pretty severe indictment of a man who had been 
collecting for 35 years. There is no reason why any of our members 
should lay themselves open to an attack of this nature. There is a 
good collection of Lepidoptera in the Museum, which is available at any 
time during the day, and my own private collection is open at all times 
for inspection and comparison to any of our members who care to avail 
themselves of it. 


In conclusion, I would like to appeal to all our members to do some 
one thing or other during the coming season to advance the knowledge 
of the entomology of this Province, either by recording life histories of 
species, by the breeding of rare or uncommon forms, by making 
ecological notes of all rare or uncommon species they may happen to 
capture, of by taking interesting and uncommon forms in other orders 
than those in which they happen to be interested, and giving those speci- 
mens to members who are making a special study of them. 


Dr. Hewitt, the chief entomologist of the Dominion, paid a brief 
visit to this city last June, during which I had the pleasure of spending 
an evening with him, and he wished me to convey to you his hearty 
appreciation of the work our Society was doing. As your President, 
it is my earnest desire to maintain this work, and that is why I ask all 


10 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


of you to do something, however little, to keep up the reputation that 
we have gained. 


We have the finest field in the Dominion of Canada for the prosecu- 
tion of our studies, and there are many perplexing problems waiting 
to be solved. In Leptarctia californiae and its varieties, to determine 
if any males can be produced that have red secondaries; all the males 
that I have seen have yellow ones and the females red, although Dr. 
McDunnough assures me that he has a red male. In the genus Alypia, 
Sir George Hampson, in his synopsis of the species, differentiates 
between octomaculata hind wings marked with white and langtoni hind 
wings marked with yellow. The species that we have are all listed 
under the name of langtoni, although in all the specimens that I have 
seen the males have hind wings marked with white and the females 
marked with yellow. By breeding we could determine if this was only 
a sexual and not a specific difference. Again we have a species called 
Hadena arctica, which Dr. McDunnough claims to be a variety of 
Hadena castanea. I am of the opinion that it is a western race of the 
eastern arctica, but by breeding castanea and so called arctica from the 
eges of known females, this point could be definitely settled for all 
time. There are a number of other instances which I could give you 
along the same lines, but I think these are sufficient to show you that 
if our systematic members would each take up one of these subjects and 
carry it to a successful conclusion, they would accomplish something 
that would add to their credit and be of great taxonomic value to the 
entomology of Boreal America. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1917 11 


NOTES ON THE LEPIDOPTERA OF THE NORTHERN 
OKANAGAN 


By W. Downes, Victoria, B.C. 


During a residence of several years’ duration in the vicinity of 
Armstrong, in the Northern Okanagan, a small! collection of Lepidoptera 
was made by the writer, and the following brief notes may be of interest 
to those who have not had the opportunity of visiting this favoured 
district and obtaining first-hand knowledge of its rich insect fauna. 


Travelling northwards from Vernon, a point is reached about 12 
miles from that city, where the open range country ends rather abruptly 
and the hills are principally forest-clad, with here and there patches of 
open grass land, while on the lower levels there are extensive areas of 
heavy bush, indicating a moister climate, the precipitation in fact in this 
district being about double that of the range country to the south. 
This region may be roughly described as being triangular in shape, the 
base of the triangle extending from Sicamous, on the main C.P.R. line, 
to rather beyond Salmon Arm, and the apex at Armstrong. The visitor 
will find that this district presents faunal characteristics very different 
from the drier range country to the south and west, the varied flora is 
at once apparent, and from the point of view of an entomologist the 
region is one of surpassing interest. For the most part the country 
consists of broad valleys interspersed with low hills, but it is flanked 
at the east by high mountains rising to a height of about 4000 feet, on 
which many high-altitude species may be obtained, not to be found on 
the lower levels. The collection brought by me to the Coast this year 
is not a large one and contains only about 300 species, but it is fairly 
representative and includes some rare’ forms and several new records 
for the Province. 


With the first warm days of spring Papilio zelicaon. Luc. makes its 
appearance, followed at no great interval by P. glaucus race canadensis, 
which is one of the common butterflies of the Interior. The magnificent 
P. daunus. Bdy. does not usually appear until June, but I have taken it 
once as early as May 12th. P. bairdi race oregonia. Edw. is not so 
frequently met with in the bush districts as on the range land to the 
south, where it is fairly plentiful in July. Parnassius smintheus race 
magnus is somewhat local, but where found is usually abundant. 
Neophasia menapia. Feld. is taken but rarely, being more abundant in 
the Southern Okanagan. 


Among the sulphurs, Eurymus eurytheme form kootenai Cockle is 
common in spring. ‘The form eryphyle Edw. appears in the first week 
in July, followed a little later by eurytheme Bdv., which is not by any 
means common, and of which I have so far only taken males. It is 
scarcely necessary to mention such a cosmopolitan insect as Danaus 
archippus but for the fact that I have seen hibernated individuals early 


12 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


in May, and venture to suggest that it may breed with us; it is abun- 
dant along the poplar-fringed bottom lands in certain years in July. 


Of the Satyridae my collection shows few examples, but one butter- 
fly among them well worthy of mention is Oeneis macouni Edw. Of 
this species I have a single example, which was taken near my house, 
but evidently a straggler, as it is a high altitude insect and is found 
more abundantly as we ascend to higher levels, together with chryxus, 
which is the commoner one of the two. 


Among the Nymphalidae, electa, leto and atlantis are the commonest 
forms. Brenthis bellona is double-brooded with us, occurring in May 
and July. Euphydryas perdiceas Edw. occurs in great numbers in the 
spring. 


Of the Lycaenidae, interesting and rather uncommon species are 
Incisalia eryphon Bdy., C. dumetorum Bdv., H. heteronea Bdv., and 
P. piasus Bdv. 


Among the Sphingidae, a new record for British Columbia is Smer- 
inthus jamaicensis form geminatus Say., which comes occasionally to 
light. Paonias myops A. & 8. I have bred from the larva, the food plant 
of which is the choke cherry. Pachysphinx modesta Harris is taken 
sparingly. The beautiful Proserpirtus clarkiae Bdv. is quite a common 
insect in certain years, flying in bright sunshine over the blossoms of 
the “wild sunflower.” Eubaphe immaculata race trimaculosa Reak. is 
common some times on partly cleared bush lands. Hyphoraia parthenos 
Harr. is occasionally taken. 


Among the noctuids, a new record for this Province is Dysocnemis 
oregonica Hy. Edw., which I have taken on the open range among the 
sunflowers in May. Sugaring I have always found the most successful 
method of getting noctuids and generally far more productive of speci- 
mens than light. One of the good things taken at sugar is Euxoa andera 
Sm., a new record for the Province; it isnot uncommon. Cirphis farcta 
Grt., Agrotis rubifera Grt. and Aplectoides condita Gn. are also recorded 
for the first time; none of them are common in the district, and I 
obtained only single examples of each. 


In August, 1915, several specimens of Catocala relicta Wik. were 
obtained at sugar. ‘This fine moth is usually rare with us, and it was 
the first time I had seen it for some years. It has the unusual habit of 
being attracted by ordure, and I have seen it fly up from cattle and 
horse manure on the roads. Other species of this genus that were taken 
are nevadensis form montana Beut. and californica Edw., the latter 
being the most common. ‘Two specimens of Eosphoropteryx thya- 
tyroides Gn. were taken in July, 1913, but I have failed to take it since. 
Others worthy of note are Aplectoides pressus Grt., Euretagrotis per- 
attenta Grt., Xylena mertena Sm., Trachea illocata Wlk., T. mactata 


PROCEEDINGS, 1917 13 


race allecto Sm., Luperina veterata Sm., Acronycta minella Dyar., 
A. tartarea Sm. and A. dolorosa Dyar. 


The Geometridae of the district are very numerous and although the 
species obtained by me were comparatively few, nevertheless two new 
records for the Province were obtained. These are Macaria bicolorata 
Fabr. and Hesperumia sulphuraria form baltearia Pack. ‘Two specimens 
were secured of the latter, which is not at all uncommon. No collection 
was made of any Micro-lepidoptera. 


With the exception of my own trivial and spasmodic efforts, the 
Northern Okanagan is quite unworked territory, and it is hoped that 
in the near future its insect fauna will be better known, there being no 
doubt that more sustained and systematic collecting will result in the 
discovery of many species hitherto unknown in the district. 


For the determination of material, I am indebted to Mr. E. H. 
Blackmore, who has looked over my collection and given me most 
generous assistance. 


14 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


NOTES ON THE HYBERNATION OF SOME LARVAE AND 
THE MOVEMENT OF BOREUS IN THE SNOW 
By J. Wm. Cockle, Kaslo 

The statement is often made that Snow Fleas, as they are commonly 
called, come up through the snow. ‘This statement has often struck me 
as strange and altogether improbable. How could an insect get through 
several layers of frozen snow, which represent the results of thawing 
and are generally described as crusts? But like our old friend Mark 
Twain, “I have watched him.” ‘The summary of results follows: 

The actions of the snow insects form a reliable barometer, and as 
they become readily visible after the first snow has whitened the ground, 
their observation becomes easy. 

It is well to enumerate the changes that occurred in the temperature 
in order that we may more readily understand the extreme changes that 
insects are subjected to in this locality. 

On November 17th, 1916, the winter commenced with a slight fall 
of snow and sleet, followed the next night by a fall in the temperature 
to below zero. The temperature gradually rose for the next few days, 
and then it snowed about six inches. The following morning, when 
the temperature stood at freezing point, the snow was covered with 
insect life. Boreus californicus was very numerous, and I| also observed 
five species of spiders, the most plentiful of which is a pale greenish 
stone colour, having two yellow stripes lengthwise of the abdomen. 
I may note, in passing, that these spiders have been fairly common on 
the snow all winter, but the most remarkable thing that came under 
my observation was the number of noctuid larvae that were out on the 
surface of the snow, and were in a lively condition. The natural con- 
clusion was that they had been caught by the early snow and although 
they had managed to crawl upward through it, away from the frozen 
ground below, that they would eventually succumb to the cold and find 
a grave in the snow, but remarkable as it may seem, their appearance 
later demonstrates that they will live and thrive in the snow. We had 
a continuance of cold weather and snow up to Christmas. On the 
night of the 26th December the temperature again fell to below zero, 
moderating again in a few days, and then another heavy fall of snow 
(making a total fall to date of 24 inches) with a temperature of 30 
degrees. Numerous larvae were again seen in an active condition. I 
procured some five or six and brought them into the house and fed 
them on cabbage leaves. The change from the cold snow to the warmth 
of a sunny window in the kitchen seemed to be to their liking, and they 
were thriving well until they turned cannibals. Only one was left when 
I discovered this and I consigned it to the stove. Cannibal larvae will 
not reach maturity, but generally die just as they reach the stage of 
pupation. 

Next time I shall know that they have to be kept separate, just as 
the snow deals with them. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1917 15 


Now let me describe nature’s winter barometer—Boreus. When 
the temperature is 30 degrees or over they may be seen hopping over 
the snow, and if there is a snowstorm pending they will be observed in 
greater numbers. A heavy snowstorm starts, then they may be observed 
jumping from point to point in an endeavour to maintain themselves at 
the highest level. They do not get snowed under, but keep out on top 
as long as the temperature does not fall below 28 degrees. 

As I previously stated, the temperature fell on December 26th to 
below zero. This was followed by a fall of 26 inches of snow and con- 
tinuous cold for a fortnight, when the temperature again rose to 34 
degrees. Within three days Boreus was again to be seen on the surface. 

On February Ist a heavy snowstorm started, when 26 inches of 
snow fell in the course of 36 hours, and as the temperature was low, 
all insect life was dormant and consequently was buried under this 
depth of snow. No larvae were seen after this fall, but within three 
days Boreus was again out on the surface. In this way they follow up 
the various snowfalls, always keeping as near the surface as the tem- 
perature will permit. 

Boreus also seems to avoid the extreme heat of the bright March 
sun. When the sun is shining they may be observed buried under a 
thin coating of the surface ice for protection against the heat. None 
will be visible on the surface except on cloudy days, or where there is 
some shade. 

The summary of results is that they do come up through the snow, 
but they do it gradually, following up each fall as it occurs. It is 
probable that some of the noctuid larvae also pass the winter in a much 
similar manner but, as I have stated before, none have been seen since 
the heavy snow of December 26th. 

How the spiders manage to exist I am not prepared to offer any 
suggestion, but from the fact that they may be observed on the surface 
of the snow when the weather is mild seems to offer the suggestion 
that their habits may be similar to the Boreus, or they may attach them- 
selves to a tree or other similar resting place, a condition which does 
seem applicable to the other two insects mentioned, as the majority of 
those observed have been on or near the roads or on cleared land where 
there is no vegetation near, and their slow progression dispells the 
supposition that they have travelled any considerable distance during 
the time that the climatic conditions were sufficiently favourable for 
them to move about. 

At the last annual meeting mention was made of another snow 
insect that I had discovered that was active when the temperature was 
25 degrees Ft. I was fortunate in securing another of these this winter, 
which I found actively walking on the snow, the temperature being at 
the time 29.degrees Ft. As it was taken close to the house, I was able 
to compare the temperature at once. ‘This makes this a positively 
reliable record. 


16 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


NOTES ON GEOMETRIDAE NEW TO BRITISH COLUMBIA 
By E. H. Blackmore, Victoria, B.C. 


This is the fourth year in succession that 1 have presented you 
with a paper under a similar title. Each year I am in hopes that I 
have come to the end of the new additions to the list, but after another 
season’s work, I always seem to find some species and varieties that 
have not been previously recorded. 


The present paper embraces two species and eight varieties new to 
science that have been described during the past twelve months, and four 
species and three varieties new to British Columbia, making a total of 
six species and eleven varieties to be added to the list as a result of 
last year’s investigations. 

I will take the new species and varieties first. 


Nomenia obsoleta Swett. When rearranging the collection of the 
late Captain R. V. Harvey, 1 came across three specimens that were 
labelled Venusia cambrica Curtis. Although bearing a strong super- 
ficial resemblance to this species they seemed rather small, and on 
further examination I found that they were all taken in April. Now as 
cambrica does not emerge until about the first of July, I knew at once 
that it could not be that species. Upon further examination under a 
microscope I found that in the males the antennae were somewhat 
different, being unipectinate, while in cambrica they are bipectinate and 
in pearsalli filiform ciliate. As they evidently did not belong to either 
of these two genera, they naturally fell into the genus Nomenia, which is 
closely allied. As we had no representative of this genus in British 
Columbia, I concluded that it was new and sent it to Mr. L. W. Swett, 
who verified my conclusions and named it obsoleta. This name is rather 
appropriate, as I have not seen it anywhere else with the exception of 
one in the Provincial Museum, which was taken in the same month and 
year—April, 1908. 

I have worked this district thoroughly for the past five seasons, 
but have not taken anything approaching it, so that I am afraid it has 
disappeared. 


Diastictis andersoni Swett. ‘This species was taken by Mr. E. M. 
Anderson at Atlin, B.C., in 1914, and was at first thought to be a luteous 
form of occiduaria Pack., but the extra-discal lines are differently curved 
and there is no trace of any yellow shading. It is closely allied’ to 
inceptaria Walk., specimens of which I have from Michigan. 


Hydriomena californiata ab niveifascia Swett. In Capt. Harvey’s 
collection there were several specimens of Hydriomena under the name 
of californiata. On looking them over, I found two which were quite 
distinctive from the others, and which have been named as above. The 
chief points of distinction are the silvery white bands which replace the 
ordinary red shadings and smoky bands of the typical form. 


PLATE II. 


‘ig. 5. &anthorhoe defensaria form gigantaria Swett. (Paratype male) 


‘ig. 6. Manthorhoe defensaria form gigantaria Swett. (Allotype female) 
‘ig. 7. Manthorhoe defensaria form conciliaria Swett. (Paratype male) 
‘ig. 8. XManthorhoe defensaria form conciliaria Swett. (Allotype female) 
‘ig. 9. Xanthorhoe defensaria form thanataria Swett. (Paratype male) 
‘ig. 10. Xanthorhoe defensaria form thanataria Swett. (Paratype female) 


‘ig. 11. XKanthorhoe defensaria form mephistaria Swett. (Paratype male) 


‘ig. 12. XKanthorhoe defensaria form suppuraria Swett. (Paratype male) 


PROCEEDINGS, 1917 17 


The above three insects were described in the Can. Ent., Vol. 
XLVIIL., page 249 et seq. (July, 1916). 

The next in order is the genus Xanthorhoe, a genus we have been 
working on for some considerable time. When I started to collect 
geometers seriously in the spring of 1912, I was much struck with the 
amount of variation that occurred in three species of this difficult but 
interesting genus. I determined to pay special attention to this group, 
with the result that in 1913 and 1914 I collected something over 300 
specimens of this genus. The three groups mentioned are the defensaria 
group and what are known as the fossaria-pontiaria group and the 
munitata-convallaria group. 


‘Taking the defensaria group first, I sorted them out into series gov- 
erned by the date of their appearance and the differences in maculation. 
I then sent them to Mr. Swett, who agreed in the main with my separa- 
tion, with the result that the following four well-marked varieties were 
described by him in the Can. Ent. Vol. XLVIII., page 349 et seq. 
(October, 1916). 


X. defensaria var. gigantaria Swett, which is the large spring form 
occurring at the end of April. It is distinguished by its large size, heavy 
markings, and wide bands. 


X. defensaria var. conciliaria Swett. This is a very distinct form 
and is easily recognized by the basal and outer areas of the fore wings 
being a deep ochre and the median band of a reddish chocolate colour. 
It flies along with, and at the same time as, typical defensaria. 


X. defensaria var. thanataria Swett. ‘This is a small and stunted 
form which occurs later in the fall, generally in September and October. 
It is possibly a third brood, but this cannot be definitely stated until it 
is bred. In fact, the whole of this group may have to be revised again, 
when the life histories of the various forms are worked out and the 
genitalia studied. 


X. defensaria var. suppuraria Swett. This is a beautiful variety 
and a very distinct one, the broad black band contrasting sharply with 
the lighten ashen colour of the fore wings. This median band is subject 
to a variation in colour from reddish black to a deep jet black, and is 
really a melanistic form. This is the rarest of all the varieties and occurs 
in April. 

I may say here that the study of the fossaria-pontiaria group has 
just been completed and three new species have been discovered, which 
will be described in the Can. Ent. at an early date. This leaves us the 
munitiata-convallaria group to work on during the present year, and 
which we hope to complete before our next annual meeting. 


We now come to the Dysstroma citrata-mulleolata group. Citrata 
Linn and its varieties I treated of in our Proceedings No. 4, N.S., page 
44 et seq., 1914, and mulleolata I spoke of in the paper I read before you 


18 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


at our last annual meeting. A more complete revision of this group 
has just been given by Mr. Swett in the Can. Ent., Vol. XLIX., page 64 
et seq. (February, 1917), wherein he has described the three following 
new aberrations: 

Dysstroma mulleolata ab sobria Swett. This is a form which has 
the median band solid black and is the rarest form of all. So far I have 
only taken one specimen and that is the type which is in the collection 
of Mr. Swett. 

D. mulleolata ab subumbrata Swett. In this form, which is a transi- 
tion stage between the black-banded and the white-banded forms, the 
black central band has begun to break up into greyish spots and shad- 
ings, especially at the costal and inner margins. Of this form I took 
four specimens in 1914 and two in 1915, but have not seen it since. 

D. mulleolata ab ochrofuscaria Swett. Of this form I have only 
taken one, and that is the type taken on the 27th June, 1915. Mr. G. O. 
Day took a female at Quamichan Lake in 1908, which has been made a 
paratype, as also is a male taken by Mr. A. W. Hanham in the same 
district in 1910. I believe Mr. Hanham has also one or two more of 
them. 


I am not quite so sure of this latter being a variety of mulleolata. 
The course of the extra-discal line is different, and there are one or two 
other minor points which make me think that it may be a distinct species 
when its life history is worked out together with a study of the genitalia. 

This concludes the list of species and varieties new to science which 
have been described from British Columbia during the past twelve 
months. Turning to those geometers which I have discovered during 
the past year as being new to British Columbia, the first to claim our 
attention is Hydriomenia furcata var. periclata Swett. I found this 
interesting geometer resting on the outside of my house on April 4th, 
1916. It was described from a single male taken at San Francisco in 
1909, and seems to be of very rare occurrence. 


Stamnodes topazata var. albida B. & McD. where the deep 
ocherous colour of topazata gives place to a creamy white. This speci- 
men was taken by our energetic librarian, Mr. Williams Hugh, and is 
rather illustrative of what is generally known as fisherman’s luck. Mr. 
Hugh was over in Abbotsford for a few days in the early part of April 
last year, and one day seeing a few geometers flying about, he caught 
half a dozen with his hat, and brought them back with him in a 
matchbox. 


Five of them were the common M. gratulata, and the other a new 
addition to the list. Iam only sorry that the numbers were not reversed. 
Our thanks are due to Mr. Hugh for putting a new record on our lists 
in such a lucky manner. 

Sciagraphia orillata Walk., taken by Mr. Anderson at Penticton on 
May, 1913. This was placed as a synonym of continuata Wlk. by Dr. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1917 19 


Dyar in 1902, but is a distinct species, a very excellent figure of which 
is given in Packard’s Monograph, Plate IX., Fig. 75. 

Sciagraphia meadiaria Pack., taken by Mr. W. Newcomb at Chil- 
cotin in June, 1914. This one was rather damaged, but we are glad to 
have the record of it. ‘This group sadly needs revising, but unfortunately 
our material in this group is very limited. 

Macaria praeatomata Haw. ‘This pretty species was taken by Mr. 
Downes at Armstrong in 1915. It is accurately figured by Packard in 
his Monograph on Plate X., Fig. 18. The name will probably fall 
before bicolorata Fab., as I believe the two species are the same. Packard 
had never seen a specimen of bicolorata, which was described from Vir- 
ginia in 1794. Praeatomata, while not common, is widely distributed 
throughout the New England States. 

Diastictis decorata Hulst. A specimen of this species was taken 
by Mr. Anderson at Lillooet in July, 1916. This species was described 
from specimens taken by Dr. Barnes at Platte Canyon, Colorado, in 
1896. 

Alcis sulphuraria var. baltearia Hulst. This pretty variety was 
taken by Mr. Downes in June, 1915, and also by Mr. Anderson at Lillooet, 
27th June, 1916. I have specimens exactly like this one, taken at San 
Diego, Cal., in July. 

This concludes the list of those that we are absolutely certain of as 
being new to British Columbia, although there are a few more yet to be 
correctly placed. We seem to have quite a number of intermediate 
forms in this Province, perhaps it would be better to say local races, and 
until these are bred and their life histories worked out, it cannot be 
definitely ascertained what their relationships are to closely allied 
species, appearing in other parts of the country. 

Author’s Note (July, 1918).—Since the above paper was written, 
many new facts have come to hand which makes it necessary to add the 
following notes and remarks: 

Nomenia obsoleta Swett. On looking over the collection of Mr. 
G. O. Day, of Duncan, in September, 1917, I found that he had four 
specimens of this species amongst his material, all taken in the Duncan 
district. Showing how rare this species is, not more than one specimen 
was taken in any one year, the dates of capture being March 20th, 1914; 
April 16th, 1915; May 7th, 1916; and April 3rd, 1917. I was extremely 
glad to get these records, as I had feared that the species was extinct. 

Xanthorhoe defensaria form thanataria Swett, and Xanthorhoe 
defensaria form suppuraria Swett. These two forms have both been 
placed in the synonymy by Messrs. Barnes and McDunnough in their 
New Check List. In the case of thanataria they are probably correct, 
as in my opinion it is only a partial third brood which is produced in 
those season’s having a long, dry fall. ‘The food plant at that time of 
the year being much less succulent, thus producing a small stunted form 


20 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCTETY 


with narrower bands. As regards suppuraria I must entirely disagree 
with them in placing it as a synonym of mephistaria Swett. They are 
seasonal forms, are quite distinct both in size and width of median bands, 
and I have never known them to intergrade. In my opinion suppuraria 
bears the same relation to mephistaria that gigantaria bears to typical 
defensaria. 


Hydriemena furcata var. periclata Swett. There is some doubt as 
to the status of this specimen, either Mr. Swett has misidentified it, or 
the reference to furcata is incorrect. At the time I took the specimen in 
question I recognized that it was different to any that I had taken pre- 
viously. I read over carefully the published descriptions of this group, 
and it seemed to me that it agreed very closely with periclata. Ata 
later date I sent it to Mr. Swett, who confirmed my identification, 
remarking that “it is very nearly like type.’ Messrs. Barnes and 
McDunnough in “A Review of the genus Hydriemena Hub.” (Cont. 
Lep. No. Amer., Vol. IV., No. 1), state that Mr. Swett has examined 
the unique male type (of periclata) and informs them that unfortunately 
the uncus is broken off but that the basal portion is rather narrow and 
suggests that of furcata. Recently I have examined my specimen 
under a binocular, and find that the uncus is of the shape which is 
characteristic of the quinquefasciata group, and which materially differs 
from the shape of the uncus in the furcata group. Until such times 
as further nimotypical specimens of periclata can be obtained, the refer- 
ence to furcata cannot be considered as entirely conclusive. For the 
present I shall list it with a question mark as follows: H. furcata (?) 
var. periclata Swett. 


Hydriemena californiata var. niveifascia Swett. Messrs. Barnes 
and McDunnough have associated this form with irata Swett, instead of 
californiata Pack., on account of the similarity of the male genitalia 
which differs considerably in the two species named. ‘This variety is 
now known as H. irata form niveifascia Swett. 


Dysstroma mulleolata Hulst. It is rather doubtful if our large Van- 
couver Island form is the true mulleolata. The type locality in Hulst’s 
description is given as Colorado, whilst the type specimen in the Hulst 
collection at Rutger’s College, N.J., is labelled “Washington,” so it is 
questionable whether this so-called “type” represents the true mulleolata 
of Hulst. Again, Mr. Weiss who compared a specimen of the large Van- 
couver Island form with this so-called “type” (which is in very poor 
condition), may have misidentified it, as this large form, typical truncata 
Huf., and citrata form punctum-notata Haw. are practically alike in 
maculation. It is more than likely that the Hulst specimen, if the 
locality label is correct, is really conspecific with the latter-named form. 


I wish to thank Mr. F. Kermode, our Honorary President and 
Director of the Provincial Museum, for the loan of the cuts, from which 
Plates II. and III. were made to illustrate this paper. Ey EBs 


PLATE III. 


Dysstroma mulleolata Hulst. 
Victoria, B.C. (Blackmore ) 
(New to British Columbia.) 


Dysstroma mulleolata form ochrofuscaria Swett. 


Victoria, B.C. (Blackmore) 
(New to science. ) 


Hydriomena furcata race periclata Swett 
Vietoria, B.C. (Blackmore) 
(New to British Columbia. ) 


Venusia obsoleta Swett. 
Goldstream, B.C. (Harvey coll.). 
(New to science. ) 


Dysstroma mulleolata form subumbrata Swett. 


Victoria, B.C. (Blackmore) 
(New to science.) 


verumia sulphuraria form baltearia Hulst. 
Armstrong, B.C. (Downes). 
(New to British Columbia.) 


Hes} 


Hydriomena irata form niveifascia Swett. 
Victoria, B.C. (Harvey coll.). 
(New to science.) 


Itame andersoni Swett. 
Atlin, B.C. (Anderson). 
(New to science.) 


PLATE III. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1917 21 


FOSSIL INSECTS, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THOSE OF 
THE TERTIARY LAKE DEPOSITS OF THE 
SIMILKAMEEN VALLEY, B.C. 

By Alfred E. Cameron, M.A., D.Sc., F.E.S. 


MEANS OF FOSSILIZATION 


Abundant as insects are at present, they are comparatively rare as 
fossils, the fossil species forming a very insignificant percentage of the 
total number of described species of insects. The absence of insect 
remains in sedimentary rocks of marine origin is explained by the fact 
that almost no insects inhabit salt water; and terrestial forms, in general, 
are ill-adapted for fossilization. ‘The hosts of insects that die each year 
leave remarkably few traces in the soil, owing perhaps in great measure 
to the dissolution of chitin in the presence of moisture. 


Most of the fossil insects that are known have been found in vege- 
table accumulations such as coal, peat, lignite, or else in ancient fresh 
water basins, where the insects were probably drowned and rapidly 
embedded. At present, enormous numbers of insects are sometimes cast 
upon the shores of our great lakes—a phenomenon which helps to 
explain the profusion of fossil forms found in some of the ancient lake 
basins. 


Insects in rich variety have been found in amber, the fossilized resin 
of coniferous trees. This substance, as it exuded, must have entangled 
and enveloped insect visitors, just as it does at present. Many of these 
amber insects are excellently preserved, as if sealed in glass. Copal, a 
transparent amber-like resin from various tropical trees, particularly 
Leguminosae, has also yielded many interesting insects. 


Ill-adapted as insects are by organization and habit for the com- 
moner methods of fossilization, the number of fossil insects already 
described is now more than 6000. 


LOCALITIES OF FOSSIL INSECTS 


The Devonian of New Brunswick in Canada has furnished a few 
forms, found near St. John, in a small ledge that outcrops between the 
tide-marks. These forms, though few, are of extraordinary interest, as 
will be seen. 


For Carboniferous species, Commentry in France is a locality noted 
through the admirable researches of Brongniart (6), who described from 
there 97 species of 48 genera, representing 12 families or higher groups 
—10 of which are regarded as extinct—without including many hundred 
specimens of cockroaches which he found but did not study. In this 
country many species have been found in the coalfields of Illinois, Nova 
Scotia, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Ohio. 


2D B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


Many fine fossils of the Jurassic period have been found in the lith- 
ographic limestones of Bavaria. One hundred and forty-three species 
from the Lias—four-fifths of them beetles—were studied by Heer (1). 


The Tertiary period has furnished the majority of fossil specimens. 
To the Oligocene belong the amber insects, of which 900 species are 
known from Baltic amber alone, and to the same epoch are ascribed the 
deposits of Florissant and White River in Colorado and of Green River, 
Wyoming. ‘These localities—the richest in the world—have been made 
famous by the monumental works of Scudder. At Florissant there is 
an extinct lake, in the bed of which, entombed in shales derived from 
volcanic ash and sand, the remains of insects are found in astonishing 
profusion. For Miocene forms, of which 1550 European species are 
known, the Oeningen beds of Bavaria are celebrated as having furnished 
844 species, described by the illustrious Heer (1). 


On our Western Coast it is interesting to know that quite a rich 
stratum of fossil-insect remains are located in the Tertiary lake deposits 
of the Southern Interior of British Columbia, there being in all something 
like 135 species, which have been described by the three distinguished 
palaeoentomologists, Scudder, Cockerell and Handlirsch. In 1910 
Handlirsch (2), dealing with a collection of 73 specimens of fossil insects 
disinterred by Lambe of the Canadian Geological Survey, and submitted 
to him for investigation by Dr. A. P. Low, Director of the Survey, made 
a valuable contribution to the study of Canadian fossil insects. The 
localities in which these insect fossils of British Columbia have been 
found is confined to a comparatively small area, extending from the 
Similkameen in the south to Quesnel in the north, and include the 
deposits along the Nicola River, the Tulameen River one and a half 
miles above Princeton and opposite Vermilion Cliff, Tranquille River, 
Horsefly Mine, Ninemile Creek, Quilchena. One specimen is recorded 
from Vancouver Island, an unidentified specimen of the Chrysomelid 
genus Microrhopala described by Chagnon. 


Of the 73 specimens collected by Lambe, Handlirsch distributed 
them among the systematic groups as follows: Orthoptera (Acridioidea), 
1; Coleoptera, 4; Hymenoptera—Ichneumonidae, 1; Rhaphidioidea, 1; 
Diptera—Bibionidae, 54; Ptychopteridae, 1; Tipulidae, 2; Empidae, 1; 
Hemiptera—Pentatomidae, 1; Gerridae, 1; Homoptera—Cercopidae, 3; 
Insecta incerta sedis, 6. In all there were 41 species, of which 20 
belonged to the genus Penthetria of the dipterous Bibionidae. 


Including the Tertiary insects previously made known from British 
Columbia, chiefly in the works of Scudder—which Handlirsch (2) for 
the sake of completeness inserted in his list—the species are systematic- 
ally distributed among various families by this author as follows: 


Orthoptera—Acridioidea, 1. ? Mastacinae, 1. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1917 93 


Coleoptera—Carabidae, 1; Nitidulidae, 1; Tenebriondidae, 1; 
Elateridae, 5; Buprestidae, 3; Hydrophylidae, 1; Chrysomelidae, 3; 
Scarabaeidae, 1; Coleoptera incertae sedis, 3. 


Hymenoptera—Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae, 4; Braconidae, 2; For- 
micidae, 3. 


Neuroptera—Hemerobiidae, 1. 


Diptera—Orthorrhapha nematocera, Mycetophilidae, 5; Bibionidae, 
about 35; Ptychopteridae, 1; Chironomidae, several; ‘Tipulidae, 2; 
Orthorrapha brachycera, Asilidae, 1; Empidae, 1; Dolichopodidae, 1; 
Cyclorrhapha-Borboridae (Acalyptrate Muscidae), 5; Anthomyiidae, 2. 


Hemiptera—Gerridae, 2; Pentatomidae, 2. 


Homoptera—Fulgoridae, 1 (? 2); Cercopidae, 12; Aphididae, 2 
(incerta sedis, 1). 


Insecta incerta sedis, 7. 


With such a small number of species as have been found, it is diffi- 
cult to judge accurately the age of the given deposits. Handlirsch argues 
that since no representatives of the latest and most highly specialized 
insects have been found, the deposits belong to the early Tertiary. For 
instance, the Aphididae, Muscidae, Syrphidae, Rhynchophora, Cecido- 
myiidae, Lepidoptera, Thysanoptera, Termitidae, Forficulidae, Chal- 
cididae, etc., are either absent or only feebly represented, and likewise 
the Lamellicorns and Formicidae. All these groups have doubtless 
persisted since the Cretaceous. Nevertheless, in the early Tertiary 
they did not for a long time attain that pre-eminence for which they 
were noted in the late Tertiary, the Quaternary, and especially in recent 
times, where they are distinctly dominant forms. In the early Tertiary 
they were certainly also well represented in British Columbia, and, if 
they are lacking in the collections, this fact must in part be attributed to 
accident, and in part to their still meagre numerical development at that 
time. Moreover, this fact may also be accepted as proof of the relatively 
great age of the beds in question. A further argument of perhaps greater 
significance, rests on the relatively strong representation of groups of Old- 
world forms, as, for example, the Elateridae and Buprestididae (which 
were numerous even in the Lias); the species of the genus Pimpla, 
belonging to the most primitive apocrite Hymenoptera; the Cercopidae, 
which are also of Jurassic age; also a form of Acridiidae, which does not 
strictly coincide with any of the recent sub-groups; a Rhaphidian in 
which are found characters of both existing genera of this order, and, 
finally, a very primitive Ptychopterid, the representative of a family 
existing today in a few surviving forms. 

The Diptera clearly furnish the most reliable data. Of these forms, 


the nematocerous Orthorrhapha with their eucephalous larvae, also the 
above-mentioned ptychopterid, as well as the Chironomids, Myceto- 


24 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


philids, and Bibionids, have a relatively strong representation, and out- 
number all other Diptera threefold. Today, these conditions are exactly 
reversed. ‘The Bibionids were especially prominent, and appear to have 
formed the principal element of the fauna of that time. They are 
exclusively represented by the genus Penthetria (Plecia), which through- 
out the world, at present, includes but few more species than are com- 
prised in the small collection of Lambe. ‘The number of species of this 
genus was much larger in the early Tertiary than in the late Tertiary, 
where the genus Bibio was beginning to become more prevalent, as 
judged by their geological distribution in the European Tertiary. 
Hence Handlirsch came to the conclusion that the occurrence of so dis- 
proportionately large a number of species of Penthetria in the Tertiary 
of British Columbia, contemporaneous with the absence of Bibio, also 
indicate that the beds in question belong to the early Tertiary, and are 
at least Oligocene in age. The genus Bibio is now represented in the 
American Tertiary and the supposition is that the genus Bibio originated 
in the East, probably in Europe, and later found its way to America. 
Today, the genus Penthetria exists principally in tropical and sub- 
tropical countries. In temperate zones, it survives only in individual 
forms; one of these being the single dwarf European species P. holo- 
sericea. Bibio, on the other hand, is especially abundant in the temperate 
regions of North America and Europe, but is sparingly represented in 
the South. So much the more interesting, then, is the occurrence of 
such a large series of fossil species of Penthetria—the representatives of 
existing thermophilous forms—in a latitude so high as is the region of 
the Similkameen River. Not only in the Penthetrias, however, but also 
in Promastax (primitive Acridioid) and the numerous Cercopids, and 
particularly in the huge Aphrophora angusta Hand, the fulgorid, 
Ricania antiquata Scud, etc., are found proofs of a warm climate at that 
time. ‘These data, therefore, taken together, lead to the safe conclusion 
that the Similkameen deposits are at least Oligocene in age. 


GEOLOGICAL RECORD 

Although insects have a very long pedigree, it is as yet a very 
imperfect one. ‘The remains of creatures that can be referred to the 
class Insecta have been found, it is said, in Silurian strata; only one 
or two of these very early forms are at present known, and the informa- 
tion about them is by no means satisfactory. If insects at all—as to 
which some doubt exists—they apparently belong to very different 
forms, though, like all the earliest fossil insects, they are winged. In 
the strata of the Carboniferous epoch numerous insects have been 
detected, in both Europe and North America. These early insects are 
called by Scudder—quoted by Sharp (8, p. 486)—Palaeodictyoptera. 
According to this author they are separated from the insects around us, 
because he considers there existed among the Palaeozoic insects no 
ordinal distinctions such as obtains in the existing forms, but that the 


ae 


PROCEEDINGS, 1917 = 25 


primeval creatures formed a single group of generalized Hexapods. 
Brauer on the other hand—also quoted by Sharp (8)—considers that 
these earlier forms can be relegated to families existing today and form- 
ing parts of the Orthoptera, Neuroptera and Hemiptera. Since it is 
chiefly the wings of these forms that have been found, it would seem 
arbitrary to assign the species to a separate order, said to be extinct, on 
merely alar evidence. The fact that there is one species, Eugereon 
bockingi, with head and mouth parts of a hemipterous or dipterous 
nature while the wings are distinctly neuropetrous, seems to us to 
weaken Scudder’s position. 


In the more recent rocks, insect remains become comparatively 
numerous, and in Mesozoic strata forms that can be satisfactorily 
referred to existing orders are found, the Palaeodictyoptera of Golden- 
berg and Scudder having disappeared. The Blattidae do not apparently 
present any great discontinuity between their Palaeozoic and Mesozoic 
forms. It would be well to remark here that the history of the cock- 
roaches is the best preserved in the rocks, of any insect. In the Car- 
boniferous epoch they existed in considerable numbers and variety, and 
a still earlier but doubtful fossil has been found in the Silurian of 
Calvados. It is curious to note, according to Brongniart (6), that some 
of the females of these fossil Blattidae had a well-marked ovipositor, 
in the shape of an elongate, exserted organ at the end of the body, by 
means of which the insect may have desposited its eggs in trees and 
other receptacles in the manner prevailing among Orthoptera of our own 
times. 


In the strata of the Secondary epoch, remains of Blattidae have also 
been discovered in both Europe and America, in Oolitic, Liassic and 
Triassic deposits. From the Tertiary strata, on the other hand, com- 
paratively few species have been brought to light. A few have been 
discovered preserved in amber. 


According to Scudder (5, p.109) not only were insects abundant in the 
Tertiaries, but their remains indicate conditions of existence very similar 
to what we find around us today. “Certain peculiarities of secondary 
sexual dimorphism accompanying special forms of communistic life, 
such as the neuters and workers in Hymenoptera and the soldiers of the 
‘Termitidae, are also found, as would be expected, among the fossils, at 
least through the whole series of the Tertiaries. The same may be said 
of other sexual characteristics, such as the stridulating organs of the 
Orthoptera, and the peculiarities of ovipostion, as seen in the huge egg- 
capsules of an extinct Sialid of the early Tertiaries. The viviparity of 
the ancient Aphididae is suggested, according to Buckton, by the appear- 
ance of one of the specimens from the Oligocene of the Florissant, while 
some of the more extraordinary forms of parasitism are indicated at a 
time equally remote by the occurrence in amber of the triangulin larva 


26 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


of Meloe and of a characteristic strepsipterous insect. Not only, too, 
are the parent tribes of gall-making insects abundant in the Tertiaries, 
but their galls as well have been found.” 


Following is a brief outline of our knowledge of fossil insects as 
culled from Folsom (9): 


Phryganeidae. Abundant remains in the Tertiaries. It is a remark- 
able fact that a larval case has been found in amber, which seems to 
point to the arboreal habits of the species, quite rare today. Adult 
fossils are very abundant at Florissant (Tertiary Lake Basin). In 
Auvergne, the so-called industrial limestone, two or three yards thick 
over a wide area, is supposed to be composed chiefly of the cases of 
larvae of this family. 


In the Mesozoic epoch some wings have been found in the lower 
Purbeck, and similar wings in the Lias. <A tube of a supposedly Phry- 
ganeid larva has been found in the Cretaceous of Bohemia. The palae- 
ontological evidence does not appear to supply any information regarding 
the theory that the Phyrganeidae are allied to the early conditions of 
the Lepidoptera. 


Acridiidae. Have never been found in amber, probably owing to 
their strength and size. Few fossil remains are known and these do 
not extend further back than the Mesozoic. Several forms found at 
Florissant. Brogniart has found some representatives at Commentry in 
the Carboniferous strata (Palaeacridiidae), which are said to be abun- 
dant in this epoch. 


Forficulidae. Occur in the lower Lias of Aargau and Jurassic in 
Eastern Siberia, but the forms are not well preserved. They are 
common in the Tertiary formations, as in the Lower Miocene beds at 
Florissant. 


Ephemeridae. ‘The palaeontological record of this family is both 
rich and remarkable. Several forms are preserved in amber. ‘The 
family is represented in the Tertiaries (Florissant), Jurassic, Devonian 
and Carboniferous, all more or less akin to our existing Ephemeridae. 
All evidence points to the fact that our fragile, short-lived may-flies 
appear to be, as Scudder says, the lingering fragments of an expiring 
group. 

Perlidae. Occur in amber, Eocene (Isle of Wight); Miocene 
(Europe); Jurassic (Siberia); Carboniferous (Commentry). 


Sialidae. Found in Tertiary and Mesozoic. ‘The red sandstones of 
Connecticut have yielded a larval form of Sialid (Scudder), which is the 
oldest larva known (Mormolucoides articulatus). From the Carbon- 
iferous of Illinois several specimens have also been disinterred. 


Termitidae. Very abundant in Tertiary times, when the genera 
appear to have been much the same as at present. In Mesozoic strata, 


PROCEEDINGS, 1917 27 


the remains of true Teremitidae apparently exist in the Lias in Europe, 
but further back than this the history is not traceable satisfactorily. 
They are not now supposed to have existed in the Carboniferous strata. 


Some of the extinct Neuroptera of palaeozoic times were insects of 
large size, surpassing considerably in this respect any of those now 
known. Some possessed abdominal tracheal gills comparable to those 
found in the immature condition of the present day Ephemeridae and 
analogous to those of the adult of Pteronarcys. Further, some had 
wing-like expansions on the prothorax. 


Thysanoptera. Tertiary epoch of Europe and North America. 


Buprestidae. Remarkably rich in fossils. Twenty-eight per cent. 
of fossil beetles of the Mesozoic period found by Heer in Switzerland 
are referred to the Buprestidae. 


Diptera. A considerable variety of forms have been found in amber 
and many in the Tertiary beds. A very few numbers of the Cyclorrha- 
phous sections are, however, found among them. ‘Tipulidae are richly 
represented. In the Mesozoic epoch the order is found as early as the 
Lias, the forms being exclusively Orthorrhaphous, both Nematocera and 
Brachycera being represented. All are referred to existing families. 
No evidence has been found tending to connect the Diptera with other 
orders. No Palaeozoic Diptera are known. 


Hemiptera. Several Palaeozoic fossils have been found but their 
identity has been disputed. Eugereon bockingi belongs to the Permian 
strata. Facts show that the Homoptera appeared before the Heteroptera 
and date as far back as the Carboniferous period. 


Ants. ‘They are among the earliest of the Hymenoptera. Remains 
referred to the family have been found in the Lias of Switzerland and 
in the English Purbecks. In Tertiary times Formicidae appear to have 
been the most abundant of all insects. At Florissant they occur in 
thousands and form in individuals about one-fourth of all the insects 
found there. They have also been met with in large numbers in the 
European ertiaries, and Mayr studied no less than 1500 specimens 
found in amber. 


Oestridae and other parasites (Mallophaga). Although in many 
cases the rocks have yielded us no direct information regarding such 
highly specialized parasitic insects as the warble flies of oxen and deer, 
we may be assured that they only became differentiated during those 
later stages of the Kainozoic period which witnessed the evolution of 
their respective mammalian hosts. Carpenter (7, p. 108) states that 
“some instructive hints as to differences in the rate of change among 
different insect groups may be drawn from the study of parasites.’ For 
example, V. L. Kellog (10) points out that an identical species of the 


a8 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


Mallophaga (Bird Lice) infest an Australian Cassowary and two of the 
South American Rheas; while two species of the same genus (Lipeurus) 
are common to the African Ostrich and a third kind of South American 
Rhea. These parasites must have been inherited unchanged by the 
various members of these three families of flightless birds from their 
common ancestors, that is from early Kainozoic times at latest. 


Handlirsch (4, p. 250) has shown in a summary of the distribution 
of the species of existing and extinct genera of insects that heterometa- 
bolus species are more numerous 1n warm regions, whilst holometabolic 
species are more frequent in cold countries. Arguing from this fact, we 
are led to the conclusion that those species, the fossil remains of which 
are found in the rocks of temperate regions, but are related to forms 
which today occur only in warm, southern countries, must have existed 
at a time when temperature conditions were more favourable in those 
regions where they now occur only as fossils. In amplification of the 
evidence Handlirsch (3, p. 518) cites several cases and I take the oppor- 
tunity of presenting a translation of his words: 


“The sand-ground beetle, Tetracha carolina, occurs today only in 
the southern part of North America and in Central America, but it is 
also found in the European Bernstein. The sawflies of the genus Perga 
exist today only in Australia and sparingly in South America. They 
were, however, present in the Miocene of North America. The Aethio- 
pian genus Glossina (tse-tse flies), fortunately now only represented in 
tropical Africa, but they were present in the Miocene of North America. 
The nemopterid genus Halter is now confined to the Eastern Mediter- 
ranean, whereas species abounded in North American Miocene. Various 
genera of ants which one finds today only in tropical Asia, lived in the 
Oligocene in Northern Europe. 


“Not only do these fossil remains indicate a similarity in the environ- 
mental conditions of the regions where they occurred thousands of years 
ago with those that now prevail in those regions where their allies at 
present live, but it is more than probable that there was distinct land 
connections between the different continents in places now occupied by 
the waters of the ocean. 


“Tt appears to me that generally speaking insects offer very good 
evidence for the assumption that the northern continents were linked 
up at different times to each other by means of land-bridges, for there 
was in the Palaeozoic a great resemblance between the faunas of the 
eastern and western hemispheres. All orders of which we have been 
able to recognize more than one representative, have been shown to 
occur both in America and Europe. Almost all families tolerably rich 
in species, and many genera occur on both sides of the Atlantic, and — 
although the species often appear to be different, yet the difference in — 
the general facies of the faunas is certainly not any greater than that — 


j 


PROCEEDINGS, 1917 29 
which prevails today in the case of those of Europe and Palaarctic 
Eastern Asia. Since there was also a similar condition of affairs in the 
Tertiary, we may conclude that insects were repeatedly given the oppor- 
tunity of passing between Eurasia and North America.” 


REFERENCE LITERATURE 


1. Heer, O. Die Insecten fauna der Tertiargebilde von Oeningen 
und von Radoboj in Croatien. 3 th. 644 pp., 40 taf. From Neue Denks. 
schweiz. Gesell. Naturw, bd, 8, 11, 13. Leipzig, 1847-53. 


2. Handlirsch, An. Insects from the Tertiary Lake Deposits of 
the southern interior of British Columbia. Contributions to Canadian 
Palaeontology, Vol. Il., pt. 3 (Canadian Fossil Insects), Geological 
Survey, Dept. of Mines, Ottawa, 1910. 


3. Handlirsch, A. Die Bedeutung der fossilen Insekten fur die 
Geologie, pp. 503-522. Mitteilungen der Geologischen Gesellschaft, 
Wien, III., 1910. 


4. Handlirsch, A. Uber einige Bezienungen zwischen Palae- 
ontologie Geographischer Verbeitung und Phylogenie dee Insekten. 
Transactions of the Second Entomological Congress, 1912. Wien. 


5. Scudder, S. H. Systematic Review of our Present Knowledge 
of Fossil Insects. Bull., U.S. Geol. Surv., No. 31, 128 pp. Washington, 
1886. 


6. Brongniart, C. Recherches pour servir a l'histoire des insects 
fossiles des temps primaires, etc. 2 vols., 537 pp., 37 pls. St. Etienne, 
1894. 


7. Carpenter, G. H. The life-story of Insects. Cambridge, 1913. 

8. Sharp, D. Insects, Pt. 1. Cambridge Natural History, London, 
1910. 

9. Folsom, J. W. Entomology. Philadelphia, 1906. 


10. Kellogg, V. L. Distribution and species-forming of Ecto- 
parasites. Amer. Naturalist, Vol. XLVII., 1913. 


du Memoriam 


TOM WILSON 


It is with a feeling of deep regret that I put pen to paper to record 
the life-work of our late lamented colleague and friend, Mr. Tom Wilson, 
who met his death in a disastrous fire at the Coquihalla Hotel at Hope, 
B.C., on March 6th, 1917. On the other hand, it is with immense satis- 
faction that I can call attention to the wonderful influence his life and 
personality brought to bear on the work of our Entomological Society, 
as indeed upon the interests of all field naturalists. His intimate knowl- 
edge of our birds, mammals, plants and insects was nothing short of 
marvellous, and it was conceded by all who knew him that he represented 
the best type of field naturalist the Province has enjoyed for a great 
many years. He could discourse freely upon the habits of many native 
animals and insects—facts known to only a few but facts learnt by 
observation and experience—and he could bring his memory to bear 
onto the distribution of the majority of our native plants and trees. 
There were few parts of British Columbia where he had not been, after 
thirty years sojourn in the Province. While the habits of insects and 
animals attracted his regard to no small extent, it was really upon the 
mysteries of plant life, growth and ecology, that his mind really loved 
to dwell. A tramp through the woods, especially on Vancouver Island 
and on the Lower Mainland, was to his heart its greatest pleasure, and 
hours spent in his company on such occasions were hours of inspiration 
and delight. 


He was born at Musselburgh, Scotland, on July 25th, 1856. In his 
early twenties he studied horticulture and forestry, and for a while was 
employed as foreman in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Edinburgh. India 
then claimed his attention, to which country he went at the age of 24. 
Here he was engaged as Superintendent of some tea plantations in 
Lower India and Burmah. After six years spent in the tropics, he 
returned to his home in Scotland, only to set sail shortly afterwards for 
Canada. He was for a time employed on railway construction work 
on the main line of the Canadian Pacific Transcontinental Railway, and 
as he used to remark, “he walked into British Columbia before the rail- 
way was completed.” From 1886 until the date of his death he remained 
in British Columbia—in very truth one of the pioneers of this great 
Province. In 1896 he was appointed Fruit Inspector in the Provincial 
Department of Agriculture. In 1900 he entered the service of the 
Dominion Government as Superintendent of Fumigation, and in 1906 
the Inspectorship of Indian Orchards was added to his duties. The 
importance of the work necessary to develop Indian agriculture grad-_ 


THE LATE MR. TOM WILSON, 


Dominion Inspector of Indian Orchards 
President, Entomological Society of British Columbia, 1912 


dl 


ually increased until finally, in 1911, he was relieved of his work at the 
Fumigation Station in order that he might devote his whole energy to 
the improvement of Indian orchards and farms. 


It was in pursuit of his duties as an officer of the Indian Department, 
loaned to the Entomological Branch of the Dominion Department of 
Agriculture, that he met his untimely end on March 6th, 1917. 


The most outstanding feature of his character was his absolute trust 
and loyalty to his colleagues and to his chiefs, and his obvious endeavour 
to do the very best he could in the work in which he was engaged. 
Friends throughout the Province learnt of his death with the greatest 
regret, realizing a sterling character had passed away as well as a perfect 
friend and companion. 

Re CRE HB RINE eB SrA. 


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PROCEEDINGS 


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BRITISH COLUMBIA 


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APREL--1923.0 
NUMBER ELEVEN 
ECONOMIC SERIES 
~ NOV10 1990. \ 


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VICTORIA, B.C.: 
_ Printed by Witt1am H. Cun, Printer to the King’s Most Excellent Majesty. 
1920, 


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PROCEEDINGS 


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-ENTOMOLOGIGAL SOCIETY - 


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VICTORIA, B.C. : 
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en Printed by Wittiam H. CuLiin, to the King’s Most Excellent Majesty 


1920. 


TABLE OF CONTENTS. 


The Onion-maggot—R. C. Treherne and M. H. Ruhman ........... ee 3 
Observations on the Control of the Onion-maggot—M. H. Ruhman ... oF 
Some Notes on the Tent-caterpillar—A. B. Baird ..../............ o7 
Further Notes on the Tent-caterpillar and its Natural Control—A. B. f 


Observations on the Use of Poison Baits for the Control of Cutworms 
INtOTS==M EL. Rahman sane Were cae ereseione Mots eas ch pee ene 102 © 
General Records of Work carried on in the United States and Canada 5 


in TOUS== Rew = Terehegie <a. Sierras teyehenesalehec one ere ae Neaeea renee 


_ BRITISH COLUMBIA ENTOMOLOGICAL 
SOCIETY. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1920. 


THE ONION-MAGGOT. 


_ By R. C. TREHERNE, ENTOMOLOGIST IN CHARGE FoR B.C. DomINion 
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, AND M. H. RunMAN, 
ASSISTANT PROVINCIAL ENTOMOLOGIST. 


GREAT deal of conflicting evidence is before us on the control 
of this injurious insect. Even now after one year’s concen- 
trated study of this insect at Vernon in the “ Dry Belt,” where 
it is yearly assuming greater importance, and after two years’ 

observations on its general activities and habits in that district, 
we are unable to claim to have devised a scheme for control 

which completely satisfies us. Our investigations have led us along defi- 
nite channels which may result in something definite after a while. 

; In glancing over the literature on this insect we find the following sug- 

- gestions for its control :-— 

! “Liberal amounts of tobacco-dust.” (O’Kane.) 

q “Clean up and burn refuse after harvest.” (Sanborn, Oklahoma.) 

y “Rotation of crop, destroy infested plants, and apply carbolic-acid 
emulsion to soil.” (Conradi, South Carolina. ) 

_ “Destroy refuse, wild mustards, and cruciferous weeds; rotate crops; 

Me rilizers: frequent surface cultivation; tobacco-dust and sulphur in drill- 
‘rows with seed; hellebore; and slaked lime as a dust to the soil. (Lovett, 
_ Oregon.) 

q “Cultural control measures and use of trap-crops with deterrents of 

sand and kerosene, carbolized lime, charcoal, hellebore, tobacco-dust, and 

dry lime.” (Britton, Connecticut.) 

“Control by repellents and fertilizers; take up infested bulbs and 

destroy.” (Pettit, Michigan.) 

These suggestions for control are representative of the remedial 
easures adopted for this fly until about the year 1913. During 1913, 1914, 
‘and 1915 the poisoned-bait method for control was devised and used exten- 
vely in Eastern United States. Eastern Canada has also used this new 
nethod with great success. In brief, the recommendation called for the 


‘Water. This mixture was applied to the fields of onions as soon as the 
mions were up in about two applications a week until the latter part of 
June. It was either whisked out of a bucket across or in the rows of 
onions or it was sprayed in coarse drops from a hand-sprayer. The object 


92 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


to be attained was briefly to induce the female flies to feed upon the 
poisoned liquid from the drops that fell either on the soil, or on the onion 
foliage, or on the foliage of weeds and grass growing alongside the fields. 
In this way the flies would be killed and the first generation of maggots 
would be prevented. Later on, owing to the labour involved in this opera- 
tion of spraying, ordinary pie-dishes were used at the rate of from twenty 
to forty to the acre, with a quantity of the same poisoned liquid in each 
dish. At the present time it is my understanding, although there are few 
published records of the work, that both the spray method and the pie-dish 
method are employed by onion-growers in Eastern Canada and Eastern 
United States. 

In order to test the efficacy of the treatment in British Columbia, steps 
were taken in 1918 and in 1919 to run a series of experiments. Since the 
summer of 1914 the annual losses suffered by onion-growers through the 
work of the onion-maggot have been gradually increasing in severity. In 
the spring of 1918 several growers evinced the desire to take steps to effect 
control. Unfortunately, the Entomological Branch, at this time, were 
unable to undertake any definite control measures or to study the life-history 
owing to pressure of other work. The growers were advised on the 
method of using the sodium-arsenite and molasses bait. The pie-dish 
method of using the bait was suggested, for the reason that it was felt 
that the spreading of the bait in coarse drops of spray would not suit our 
conditions in the Okanagan. 

Accordingly, two fairly large onion-growers set out twenty pie-dishes ~ 
to the acre, using the bait consisting of 14 oz. of sodium arsenite and 4 ~ 
pint of molasses to a gallon of water, and starting them going about the end — 
of April. These pie-dishes were maintained during May and until June ~ 
14th, after which time they were allowed to dry for a month, being renewed _ 
for a few weeks in July. On June 14th, at the suggestion of these growers, ~ 
an examination of the onion plantations was made, and advice was further ~ 
requested as to how to save the plantation which was severely injured by 
maggots. Examination revealed the fact that the onions were heavily — 
infested despite the use of the baits over the period mentioned. The — 
growers had made an honest endeavour to retain moisture in the pie-dishes, — 
but it was a difficult matter owing to the rapid evaporation. Dishes filled — 
at noon were found to be absolutely dry by 3 q’clock in the afternoon. — 
Fresh water at the rate of 1% pints to each dish was added daily, and once ~ 
a week a fresh solution of bait was made up and poured into the dishes. 
Close examination of the fields on June 14th showed that very few 
unhatched eggs were present and that few flies were in evidence flying over 
the plantations. The onions had been thinned in May by hand, but despite’ 
this fact it was evident that a heavy loss from the maggot was to be antici- 
pated. Judging from the conditions, it would appear that the point of 
heaviest infestation had been reached; it was therefore suggested that the 
crop be rethinned and that all infested onions be pulled up and burnt. One 
grower with 8 acres of onions arranged in two blocks, 5 and 3 acres each, 


a PROCEEDINGS, 1920. 93 


separated by 100 yards of an alfalfa-field, objected to the process of rethin- 
ning owing to the increased cost. He was prevailed upon, however, to do 
the rethinning on 5 acres, leaving the remaining 3 acres untouched. The 
results of this work were most surprising. The rethinned 5 acres yielded 
a crop at the end of the year of 25 tons to the acre, while the untouched 3 
acres produced a total-of 900 lb. 

At the close of the year the statement was made in our annual report that 
results from the use of the poisoned bait had been unsatisfactory, but that 
the bait was still believed to be satisfactory. It seemed essentially necessary, 
however, to conduct a close study of the life-history of the fly in order to 
correlate its habits with the use of the bait. The onion-growers, further, 
were very anxious to obtain more information leading towards control; 
hence it was decided to include the study of this fly in the outline of experi- 
ments for 1919. 

In 1919 an extensive experiment with the use of sodium-arsenite and 
molasses bait (14 oz. to %4 pint) was carried on at Vernon Specially con- 
structed cans were made, filled with water, which allowed a certain quantity 
of water to filter down on to felt pads arranged in trays. The felt pads, 
having been soaked in the bait and a few ounces of the poisoned liquid 
poured over them, retained their moisture for four to ten days under all 
temperatures. Twenty of such bait-cans were placed to the acre between 
the rows of onions and 2% acres in an 8-acre field in all were treated in 
this experiment. The bait-cans were set on May 14th, five days before any 
eggs were laid in the field, and they were maintained continuously until the 
end of June, and again during the first two weeks in August. 

Samples of the poisoned liquid were taken two or three times a week 
from the trays and fed to flies. The adults were observed to be in distress 
within five minutes of actual feeding and were completely stupefied in thirty 
minutes, and this condition prevailed throughout, despite frequent dilutions 
from rain and from the water in the reservoirs above the felt pads. Flies 
left to their own devices in the laboratory in the presence of drops of 
poisoned bait gave a 100-per-cent. mortality in less than twenty-four hours. 
Circular fly-traps arranged in the field, each baited with different essential 
ils and mixtures, undoubtedly showed that molasses was the most suitable 
bstance to attract the flies. Despite these two favourable circumstances, 
e are unable to claim that the poisoned-bait method is a satisfactory control 
under such field conditions as prevailed at Vernon, B.C., in 1919. Oviposi- 
on took place on seedling onions and on volunteer onions (from the crop 
the previous year) in such numbers that it was impossible to state that 
€ poison bait had any effect in checking oviposition. In several instances 
unteer onions gave as many as 500 eggs to the plant during May and June. 
_ The influence of a suitable type of volunteer onions as a trap-crop for 
e first generation presents a phase of onion-maggot control that must be 
arded very highly. In the 8-acre experiment of 1919 a number of sec- 
s of onion-seedling rows were examined daily for oviposition, and 
may be stated that there was no material difference in oviposition in the 


94 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


baited area or in the non-baited area. Further, there was no indication that — 
the maggot attack was more severe in any one part of the field over any 
other. 

The first male flies appeared in the field on May roth; the first females — 
a few days later. The height of the oviposition period was not passed 
until June 6th. Eggs were laid in the field on May roth, and continually — 
from this date until August. The length of the larval period varied from 
sixteen to twenty-nine days and the pupal period from fourteen to twenty- — 
six days. The earliest pupa formed was found on June 14th. Second-— 
generation adults appeared on July 7th. The first generation of flies 
extended over a period between May toth and July 7th; the second genera- 
tion until August 23rd, after which time third-generation flies might be # 
expected. Two generations occur and doubtless a third, but the life-history 
notes on the last generation have not been obtained with accuracy. A great 4 
many notes have been obtained on the habits of the fly and particular atten- — 
tion has been paid to temperatures and weather conditions. + 


OBSERVATIONS ON THE CONTROL OF THE ONION- 
MAGGOT (HYLEMYIA ANTIGUA). 


By M. H. RuuMan. 


of years, particularly in the Okanagan Valley. In the year 1914 growers 4 
began to complain that cutworms were destroying their young plants. On 
investigation it was found that the onion-maggot was present and respon- _ 
sible for most of the trouble. This was most evident in small kitchen- —~ 
gardens, the large commercial plantings not suffering sufficiently to attract 
attention. The few short gaps that did occur in the rows of onions were © 
attributed to faulty seeding or cutworms. In the year 1915 growers began. 
to get alarmed, as extensive injury was being done by the onion-maggot. 
The recommendations for control—i.e., the removal of infested plants in 
the middle of June and their destruction by boiling or burning, and the 
destruction after harvest of onion-tops and undersized onions, usually left 
on the field to be ploughed under—did not appeal to them and compara- 
tively little was done to control the pest. The onion-maggot* has now 
become so serious a menace that control measures must be undertaken o 
the growing of onions commercially must soon be discontinued. x 

The adult of the eae is a fly somewhat resembling ‘tl e 


tionally larger wings, ean is grey in colour. The life-history of the fly 
in British Col fiber is not well known; the insect passes the winter in t 
pupal stage in the ground and Beeaston ally in stored onions, in which tl he 


PROCEEDINGS, 1920. 95 


one to fifteen (2) and are laid at the base of the young plants or in the soil 
close to a plant. Later broods may lay them in the axil of the leaves when 
the plants are well grown. The incubation period of the eggs may vary 
from three to ten days (2 and 3), according to climatic conditions. The 
larval period (2) is completed in two to three weeks in green onions, onion- 
sets, and small-seeded onions, but in onions stored from the previous year 
may require from four to five weeks to complete their larval period. The 
pupal period (2) of the summer broods is from nine to sixteen days, with 
an average of eleven to twelve days. There are probably three broods of 
flies each season. 

When the eggs are hatched the young larve immediately work their 
way down the plants and commence feeding, and as at this time, the end of 
May or early June, the onions are quite small, one larva may destroy a large 
number of plants, with the result that long stretches in each row of onions 
may be completely destroyed, making it unprofitable to continue cultivation. 
Later when the bulbs are forming a number of larve may be found in one 
bulb. The top of the onion in this case may be completely killed, but the 
lower part of the bulb may still continue to grow owing to the roots being 

uninjured. 

_ The losses to the onion-growers occasioned by the maggot during the 
years 1917 and 1918 in the Okanagan Valley were very heavy, amounting 
to thousands of dollars. In some instances the crops were so badly injured 
during the early summer that it was unprofitable to continue cultivation and 
the crops were consequently ploughed under. It is well to state, however, 
that yields were also greatly interfered with by other conditions, such as 
wireworm-attack and poor quality of imported seeds. So far as is known, 
_ this insect has no other host-plant, but to determine if this insect was able 
_ to complete its life-cycle on other food, Messrs. Severin & Severin (2) 
- conducted a number of experiments. Freshly laid eggs were placed in 
4 contact with growing radishes, and it was found that the onion-maggot 
- completed its life-cycle in twenty-nine to thirty-five days. A second experi- 
_ ment was tried by placing the eggs on fresh horse-droppings, with the result 
that the maggots completed their life-cycle in twenty-nine to thirty-one days; 
_ one maggot taking fifty-two days to complete its life-cycle. It is therefore 
evident that the fly can adapt itself to other food than the onion, but in a 
. general way, under strictly natural conditions, most investigators agree that 
the onion-maggot attacks onions and no other crop. 

Control—aA large and varied number of methods of control for the 
onion-maggot have been advocated at different times. Few of these appear 
to have been tested on a commercial scale. Many of them are too expen- 
sive to be considered, and a few of them, such as carbolic-acid emulsion, 
_ kerosene emulsion, and hellebore, are only useful in the kitchen-garden. 
Professor Sanders (4), having determined that the pre-oviposition period 
of the female fly covered a period of ten to fourteen days, thought it feasible 
to prepare a poison bait that would attract the adult fly during the pre- 
Oviposition period. Accordingly, experiments on a commercial scale were 


96 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY, 


conducted by the Professor and others in Wisconsin between 1913 to 1916. 
The bait used was the Sanders formula, 5 grammes sodium arsenite dissolved 
in 1 gallon of boiling water, to which is added % pint of molasses. This 
bait was applied as a spray with a small compressed-air sprayer altered to 
give a coarse spray, or might be applied by a whisk-broom, the operator 
walking up and down the fields about every twelfth or fourteenth row and 
releasing a quantity of spray at every four paces. In this manner about 3 
gallons of the bait were applied to 7 acres about twice a week. The first 
application was made as soon as the onions came up and were continued 
until the later part of June. From the end of May the amount of spray 
applications was doubled. From the end of June to the end of August a 
series of fly-traps were used to test various modified baits. Of the baits 
tried, the Sanders formula with the addition of sliced onions proved 300 
times more attractive than other baits tested. A further experiment was — 
tried by distributing the bait in pie-tins at the rate of fifteen to twenty-five 
tins per acre. The amount of success obtained with these baits in the field 
did not come up to expectations, being attributed to continuous rains. 
Mr. T. J. Headlee, of New Jersey, where similar tests had been made over 
two years under drier conditions, states that very satisfactory results were 
obtained. In the Okanagan Valley in the spring of 1918, owing to the 
heavy loss in the onion-crop the previous year, a local grower was induced 
to try the poison-bait method to protect his crop. He was instructed to — 
distribute tin pie-plates at the rate of twenty to the acre, and to prepare 
the poison by dissolving %4 oz. of sodium arsenite in 1 gallon of boiling 
water and to add to this %4 pint of molasses. This bait was placed in the — 
plates and renewed weekly. Frequent visits were paid to this field to — 
observe results. Early in June it was found that, owing to our dry condi- 
tions, the renewal of the bait once weekly was insufficient owing to the © 
rapid evaporation of the water, and dishes were found to be quite dry one ~ 
or two days after the bait had been placed in them; it was therefore found. 
necessary to renew the baits daily during the months of June and July. 

The adults of the onion-maggot were found to be attracted freely to 
the bait when moist, but none were observed near dry or partly dry dishes. — 
Instead of renewing the bait daily, water was added to keep it moist, fresh — 
bait being only distributed weekly. The result was that considerable infes- — 
tation was noticed in the middle of June. It was then suggested that a 
second thinning of the crop be undertaken and that infested onions be 
removed and burned. Owing to the acreage under consideration and the 
expense of a second thinning, also because there was considerable doubt — 
on the part of the grower as to the final results, the work was undertaken — 
on 5 acres of the crop which consisted of home-grown seed, and was more — 
vigorous than the balance of the crop which was sown to imported seed. | 
The work was carefully done and the poisoned bait continued; by the middle 
of July the rethinned onions were showing a perfect stand and the poisoned — 
bait was soon after discontinued. The harvested crop from the 5 acres of 


2 
: PROCEEDINGS, 1920. 97 
- 


 rethinned onions was estimated to average 24 tons per acre; the balance of 
the field was a total loss. 

From the observations made on the experiment the following conclu- 
sions were drawn: The fresh bait was attractive to the fly. Where the 
plates had been allowed to dry no flies were attracted to the poisoned 
molasses remaining. Instead of weekly renewal of the bait as suggested by 
the Wisconsin experiments, it was found that daily renewal was necessary 

-under our dry conditions. Instead of daily renewal of the bait, water was 

added to the plates to replace evaporated moisture; this possibly was not 

- done until after the bait was so dry that the water would not mix readily 
with the poisoned molasses; consequently the flies were able to obtain 
moisture from the bait without absorbing the poison. In the middle of June 
infestation was found to be very heavy, and the second thinning appears to 
be mainly responsible for the excellent crop obtained, the cost of which was 
certainly warranted, but careful work is necessary to make the thinning a 
success. 

- In the spring of 1919 experiments will be conducted to find, if possible, 
a more attractive bait; also methods of application more suitable to our dry 
conditions in relation to the life-history will be tested. 


Lome «a! 5 


References. 


(1) Gibson & Treherne, Ent. Branch, Ottawa, Bul. 12. 
. 2) Severin & Severin, Jour. Econ. Ent., Vol. 8, 1915, p. 342. 
3 (3) Donald J. Caffrey, Ent. Rept., Connecticut, 1911, p. 287. 
(4) N. F. Howard, Journ. Econ. Ent., Vol. II., 1918, p. 82. 


SOME NOTES ON THE TENT-CATERPILLAR. 


By A. B. Bartrp, AssistANT ENTOMOLOGIST, ENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH, 
OTTAWA. 


During the past summer the tent-caterpillars have been attracting the 
attention of every one in and around the Cities of Vancouver and Victoria, 
and judging from the supply of egg-masses to be seen at the present time 
this pest may be expected in even greater numbers in 1919 unless control- 
work is undertaken in a thorough and systematic manner. ‘These cater- 
pillars must not be confused with another destructive species, the fall 
web-worm (Hyphantria sp.), which were also very abundant in Vancouver 
and the Lower Fraser Valley last year, but which appear much later in the 
season, usually about the end of July, after the tent-caterpillars have 
_ disappeared. 
~ Two distinct species of this insect occur in British Columbia — the 

common or orchard tent-caterpillar (Malacosoma pluvialis) and the forest 
tent-caterpillar (M. disstria var. erosa). Their life-histories, habits, and 
- control are quite similar, however, and they will be treated together in this 


> 


98 B.C. EntomorocicaL Society, 


short paper. In common with many of our native insects, this pest is subject 
to years of abundance followed by several years of scarcity, and this is but 
one of the many outbreaks recorded in the history of our continent. The 
caterpillars are voracious feeders, and during the years of abundance much 
damage is done, in addition to the unsightly appearance and inconvenience 
caused by their presence. The history of the forest tent-caterpillar as 
recorded in our available literature is given briefly on the accompanying 
chart. A more detailed account may be found in the Annual Report of the 
Entomological Society of Ontario, 1916. 

It will be noted that outbreaks have occurred at intervals of eight to 
ten years and the average duration was about three years. 

Life-history and Habits ——The insect spends the winter as a tiny cater- 
pillar in the egg-shell. The eggs are deposited in masses of from 250 to 
400 in the form of rings or masses on the terminal twigs and smaller 
branches of the trees. The masses are covered with a shellac-like material 
which serves to hold the eggs together and protect them from the weather 
as well. 

The caterpillars emerge from the eggs in the early spring and feed upon 
the opening leaves. Those from each mass, or from several masses in the 
case of an outbreak, usually keep together and feed in congress until nearly 
full-grown. As the caterpillars grow they moult, or cast off their outer 
skins several times, and the dry skins are often found in large numbers on 
the tree-trunks and taken by many to be dead caterpillars. 

When the caterpillars become full-grown, which usually requires about 
eight weeks, they spin their cocoons and enter their chrysalid or pupal stage. 
The cocoons may be found fastened to the leaves of trees, in crevices of the 
bark, under fence-rails, under the eaves of houses, and in many other places. 

The moths emerge in from two to three weeks. They are medium-sized 
moths and are reddish-brown in colour, with two more or less distinct bands 
across each front wing near the middle. They fly at night, and after mating 
the males die within a day or two and the females deposit their eggs as soon 
as they have found a suitable location. The females will not deposit their 
eggs until they have been fertilized and may live for two or three weeks. 
There is only one generation a year, the eggs deposited in July remaining 
on the trees until the following spring. 

Control—tThe control of these insects in forest lands is not at present 
economically possible, but the following control methods are applicable to 
orchards, city lots, shade-trees, and parks :— 

(1.) Destruction of Egg-masses——During the winter months the egg- 
masses are easily seen on the twigs, especially on the smaller trees, and much 
good can be done by removing and burning them before hatching-time, and 
although some masses will be missed the caterpillars from these will be more 
easily controlled. 

(2.) Destruction of Clusters of Caterpillars—The forest tent-cater- 
pillars may be removed when they are in clusters on the trunk or lower 
branches on the tree, either by scraping them off with a hoe or stiff wire 


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100 B.C. ENToMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. = - 


brush or by applying a strong spray of kerosene emulsion directly on the 
caterpillars. The caterpillars of the other species may be quite readily 
destroyed by burning with a torch when they are resting in their web or tent 
on the trees. 

(3.) Spraying.—tThis is perhaps the simplest and most economical 
method where quite large areas are infested, such as in parks and orchards. 
Any reliable stomach-poison may be used, the most available being Paris 
green and lead arsenate. Of these, lead arsenate is to be preferred on 
account of its better adhesive qualities. The spraying should be commenced 
as soon as possible after the caterpillars hatch, so that they may be killed 
before much damage is done to the trees. Also the older caterpillars 
require much stronger spraying mixtures, and as the foliage increases the 
amount of spray necessary becomes proportionately greater; hence it is 
doubly economical to spray early. Use 2% lb. of lead arsenate to 40 
gallons of water; or 1 lb. of Paris green with 2 lb. of quicklime (to prevent 
burning) to 160 gallons of water. 

(4.) Jarring the Trees—tThe caterpillars usually drop to the ground 
when the tree on which they are feeding is jarred or shaken, so if one 
strikes the trunk and larger branches with a padded mallet most of the 
caterpillars will fall off, and the trunk may be banded with cotton or some 
adhesive mixture to prevent their return up the tree. 

(5.) Banding—Banding is more or less complementary to all the other 
control measures in order to prevent caterpillars from infested trees near by 
crawling on to trees which have been freed from the pests. Several 
materials may be used for banding, but the most convenient and effective 
material is a special tree tanglefoot prepared by the O. W. Thum Company, 
Grand Rapids, Michigan, the makers of sticky fly-paper. This should be 
applied as a band around the trunk about 4 or 5 inches wide and 4 or 5 feet 
from the ground. It must be renewed, if necessary, by scraping the surface 
and removing caterpillars which get stuck up in it. 


The natural control of these insects was discussed in a paper prepared 


by Mr. J. D. Tothill for last year’s annual meeting of this Society and will — 
be found in the report of that meeting. I would merely mention the fact — 
that insect parasites and predators, diseases, birds, weather conditions, and 
such-like, have been responsible for the years of scarcity noted in the past 
and will no doubt reduce the present outbreak in due time. In the mean- — 
time, however, we must make use of artificial methods of control to prevent 
the damage to our property which must otherwise result. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1920. IOI 


FURTHER NOTES ON THE TENT-CATERPILLAR AND 
ITS NATURAL CONTROL, 1910. 


By A. B. Batrp. 


The tent-caterpillar outbreak was again very seyere in and around the 
Cities of Vancouver and Victoria, causing much damage to shade and fruit 
trees and making the streets and parks very unsightly. The web-building 
species (Malacosoma pluvialis) was predominant and spread over a much 
larger area than the forest tent (M. disstria var. erosa). The latter was 
confined chiefly to a part of the Uplands District in Victoria, and in Van- 
couver to a section between Seventh and Thirtieth Avenues and extending 
for some fifteen to twenty-five blocks east and west of Main Street. 
Occasional caterpillars and small colonies were found scattered all over the 
infested area, but only in the above-mentioned areas was it in the majority. 
The species are equally destructive and their life-histories, habits, and control 
are practically the same, the chief difference being that T. pluvialis hatches 
about a week earlier in spring. Owing to the very cold, backward spring 
the trees had nearly all leaved out before the larve issued, which is a rather 
unusual condition. The cold weather also reduced the work of insect para- 
sites to a large extent. 

As conditions in Vancouver and Victoria are quite different, it is neces- 
sary to discuss them separately. 

In Vancouver overcrowding and diseases were the chief control factors 
noted, and together they were responsible for the death of large numbers of 
the larve. It is rather ditfcult to estimate the percentage thus destroyed, 
but judging from the abundance of egg-masses it was not sufficient to pre- 
vent another outbreak next year. Insect parasites were almost entirely 

- absent. Apart from a few egg parasites which destroyed about 2 per cent. 
of the eggs and a species of tachinid fly which destroyed less than 1/10 of 1 
per cent. of the pupz, none were found, although several careful searches 

» were made in the field covering most of the infested territory, and each week 
collections of 100 larvee and pupze were made from different sections, which 

- were either dissected or reared through in trays in the insectary. If para- 

| sites were present they must have been exceedingly scarce and localized. 

Birds of various kinds devoured a small percentage and insect predators, 

such as ants and carabid beetles, no doubt also took a small percentage. 
| None of these factors, however, have had any appreciable effect in reducing 
the outbreak, and there will be another outbreak to face this coming season 
if the eggs now on the trees hatch and yield the usual number of caterpillars. 

In Victoria conditions were quite different. Insect parasites were very 
abundant in early June—sufficient under ordinary conditions to control the 

“outbreak. The cold, windy weather, however, reduced their effectiveness, 

so they were almost a negligible quantity in the control. Millions of 

_ parasite-eggs failed to hatch in time to do their deadly work, and millions 

_ more were not deposited at all, or were deposited out of season. One 

_ tachinid fly deposited eggs on fully 50 per cent. of the caterpillars, but, so 


102 B.C. EnNtomMoLoGrcaL Society. 


far as we could tell from field observations and rearing hundreds of them 
in the insectary, less than I per cent. of these eggs hatched before being 
moulted off by the caterpillars. Another tachinid which deposits eggs on 
the leaves of the food-plants is only active on hot, sunny days, and deposited 
most of its eggs too late to be of value in the case of M. pluvialis. It was, 
however, useful in the control of the erosa outbreak in the Uplands; these 
caterpillars being ten days to two weeks later, and the parasitism there ran 
as high as 20 per cent. Two species of Hymenoptera were present in small 
numbers—Campoplex (Ameloctonus) validus and a species of Rogas. 
Both of these attack the very small caterpillars and are often useful para- 
sites. Some other parasites were found attacking the pupe, but these were 
also in negligible numbers. Overcrowding and diseases were very active 
and important factors, and were successful in reducing the outbreak in all 
parts of the city, with the exception of the Uplands, which was fairly free 
from disease. 

To sum up, we see that, although the natural enemies of the tent- 
caterpillars have been successful in reducing the outbreak in Victoria, it is 
far from being under complete control, and it can increase so rapidly that 
it will be necessary to assist nature in every way during the coming summer 
in order to render these pests innocuous. In Vancouver much greater 
efforts will be necessary. Last year recommendations were made to the 
Councils of both cities with a view to assisting them in reducing the depre- 
dations of the insects, but the results fell far short of being satisfactory 
owing to a lack of any co-ordinated campaign. 


OBSERVATIONS ON THE USE OF POISON BAITS FOR 
THE CONTROL OF CUTWORMS IN 1018. 


By M. H. RuuMan. 


For some years a mixture of Paris green or white arsenic and bran has 
been advocated for use against cutworms. , The usual recommendation was — 
the application of the poisoned-bran bait round the base of young orchard 
trees, or its distribution along the rows of plants, or its being placed in 
small piles under shingles among the plants to be protected. In lectures on 
control and in most publications emphasis is placed on the fact that the 
Paris green or white arsenic is liable to cause injury to the plants or trees 
if the bait is placed in contact with them. Evidence to this effect came to 
the writer’s notice in the spring of 1918 when called upon to investigate the 
cause of the complete destruction of two separate plantings of 2,000 tomato- 
plants and approximately 2 acres of beans. On examination it was imme- 
diately evident that the plants had been burned by some poison applied to 
prevent cutworm injury. On inquiry it was found that a bait had been 
prepared consisting of 2 lb. of white arsenic to 50 lb. of bran mixed with — 
sufficient water to make a crumbly mass. The white arsenic was used ~ 


PROCEEDINGS, 1920. 103 


owing to difficulty in obtaining sufficient Paris green. The grower was 
not aware of the necessity of avoiding contact between the bait and the 


_ plants, and had been in the habit of applying the bait to the rows of plants 


without troubling to avoid contact. No ill effect had resulted in previous 
years, but Paris green had always been used in place of white arsenic. 
Greater care, therefore, is necessary in using white arsenic than Paris green, 
but care should be exercised on all occasions with growing plants with either 
arsenical. On another occasion a representative of a commercial firm called 
for advice as to the planting of 80 acres which had been prepared to receive 
tomato-plants and which had been baited for cutworms. Thirty plants set 
the previous evening had been cut down overnight and it was feared that 
heavy losses would result if the field were planted. A visit was paid to this 
field, and on examination of the plants destroyed an average of seven cut- 
worms to each plant was found. The preparation and handling of this acre- 
age was entirely in the hands of Chinamen, who insisted that the injury was 
not due to cutworms, as they had carefully baited the land to destroy them 
by placing about a tablespoonful of poisoned-bran bait on the spot each 
plant was to occupy. This bait on examination was found to have been 
improperly mixed, at least 50 per cent. of the bran being free of poison. 
The method used to apply the bran was not only unsatisfactory, but must 
have taken considerable time. It was advisable, therefore, to rebait the 
entire field, the formula given being in the proportions of: Bran, 50 lb.; 
Paris green, 1 !b.; molasses, 2 quarts; lemons, 6 fruits; and water, 5 gallons. 
This bait is prepared by thoroughly mixing the bran and Paris green 
in their dry state. One gallon of the water is heated, in which the molasses 
is dissolved, which is then added to the remaining 4 gallons of water. The 
juice of the lemons, and their pulp and peel after being finely chopped, 
are then added. The liquid is then gradually mixed with the bran and Paris 
green and thoroughly worked until all the bran is equally moistened. This 
bait was, on the occasion mentioned above, and should at all times be pre- 
pared just before use and broadcasted over the ground immediately after 
the ground has been prepared for planting, but before planting or seeding 
has taken place. It should be applied over the entire acreage as thinly as 
possible in the cool of the evening. This quantity of bait will cover about 7 
acres if thinly broadcasted. 
No further visits were paid to this field, but on inquiry at the end of 
July it was reported that not a single plant had been lost through cutworms. 
- On another occasion a small lot of about 1 acre, which had been pre- 
pared for planting, but was abandoned owing to the enormous quantity of 
cutworms present, was taken over by two boys for a war-garden. The 
writer personally baited this lot with the mixture before described, and 
obtained 100 per cent. results overnight. The boys were put to work to 
hunt for live cutworms the following morning, and, although over 3,000 
dead cutworms were gathered, they failed to find a live one. This lot was 
then planted to beans, with no loss for the remainder of the summer through 
cutworms. 


104 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


The mixture used is a modification of the Kansas grasshopper bait, and 
was first used by the writer in the spring of 1917 on a small city garden- 
patch with perfect results. 

In many districts cutworms are always present in sufficiently large 
numbers to warrant the application of a poisoned bait every spring to pro- 
tect the crops. The broadcast method has the advantage that no green food 
is present to detract the cutworms from the bait, which is consequently 
greedily eaten. The desired results are thereby obtained. 

Owing to war conditions the cost of material in the spring of 1918 was 
high, being: Bran, 50-1b., $1.05; molasses, 5 lb. (approximately 2 quarts), 
50 cents; lemons, 6 fruits, 25 cents;.Paris green, 1 lb., $1; making a total 
of $2.80 for material sufficient for about 7 acres. With the labour of prep- 
aration and application the total cost should not exceed 55 cents per acre. 
Under normal trade conditions the lower cost of material would reduce this 
to approximately 40 cents per acre. 

Every endeavour should be made to treat land before planting, as the 
quantity of bait required per acre to treat planted land greatly exceeds the 
broadcasting method, and the time required to apply the bait, so as to avoid 
direct contact with the growing plants, can bear no comparison. Further- 
more, the effectiveness of the bait is considerably reduced, as when succu- 
lent young plants are present the cutworms are liable to give them preference 
to the bait. 

The most important point in the preparation of the bait is the thorough 
mixing of the bran and Paris green. These ingredients must be mixed in 
their dry state in the endeavour that each flake of bran shall bear a particle 
of the poison. The water must not be added in bulk, but worked in gradu- 
ally and thoroughly. If this is not done the addition of the water will free 
a considerable percentage of the poison from the bran-flakes, thereby making 
the bait less effective, it being remembered that only a small quantity of the 
bait will be consumed by one cutworm. 


GENERAL RECORDS OF WORK CARRIED ON IN THE 
UNITED STATES AND CANADA IN 1018. 


By R. C. TREHERNE. 


In Control of Cabbage-worm lead arsenate and calcium arsenate gave 
best results (1 lb. powder, 2 lb. paste to 4o gallons, with 1 lb. laundry-soap). 
Zine arsenate, tobacco-dust, lime, of no use at all. Dusting is becoming the 
recognized way of controlling cabbage-infesting insects. 

(a.) Arsenate of lead powder or Paris green mixed with 20 times its 
bulk of hydrated lime or gypsum. 

(b.) Sulphur, 50 parts; tobacco-dust, 40 parts; lead arsenate, 10 parts; 
used in cheese-cloth bag by shaking, or by regular dusting-machine, costing 
approximately $30. 


: f 
EE eS eS ee a ae 


oa ie 


PROCEEDINGS, 1920. 105 


Control of Clothes-moth—Sulphur fumigation destroys adults and 
larve, not eggs. Heat at 110° Fahr. for 30 minutes kills all stages. Larve 
and eggs killed by dipping for ro seconds in water at 140° F. Camphor and 
naphthaline are the only materials fit to use in closets, etc. 

Control of Cockroaches.—Sodium fluoride has given best results. 
Borax is good, but its action is’slow. 

Red-spider Control—vUse soft-soap solution, 4 per cent. if buds are 
closed; soft soap I per cent. and nicotine 3 per cent.; soft soap I per cent. 
and quassia 2 per cent. A new spray where red spider is really bad has been 
devised in California, uniting lime-sulphur, miscible oil, glue, and water. 

Sprays—Arsenate of Lead Spreaders.—Sage-brush tea, 1 lb. to 1 gallon; 
allow to stand for 12 hours, 5-1,000. Casein lime: 314 grammes quicklime 
and 1% grammes casein; grind in mortar; 4-8 oz. to 100 gallons. 

Calcium Arsenate is not safe for general recommendation. It is sug- 
gested for apples, potatoes, pear, but not for plum, cherry, or peach. Used 
alone, it burns. One to ten of lime is safe for apple. Excess of lime pre- 
vents arsenic going into solution. 

Dusting is rapidly replacing liquid sprays for many insect and disease 
controls. The machinery and dusting mixtures have not as yet reached a 
stage of perfection. To-day, relative cost is higher. They are using 80 to 
85 per cent. sulphur, 10 to 15 per cent. powdered arsenate of lead, with ro 
per cent. diluent, at 3 lb. per medium tree. Cherries may be dusted with- 


_ out arsenate within a few days of picking. Dusting is cheaper for large 


trees, 50 per cent. dearer for medium trees, and much more expensive for 
small trees. Liquids hold better to leaves. Diluents or carriers are silt, 
gypsum, talc, limestone. In general, liquid sprays are advocated until 
dusting equipment is improved. 

Lime-sulphur is liable to cause injury with trees in poor vitality, appli- 
cations in unusual heat, direction of spray with high humidity and high 
sunshine record. 

Nicotine has been shown by several investigators to be an effective ovi- 
cide, in some cases by itself destroying 80 per cent. of eggs. With soap, 
4 lb. to 100 gallons (B.L. 40, 1-1,200), 100 per cent. mortality has been 
shown. A new combination with nicotine extract and oleic acid has been 
brought forward. Olein, from which the acid is made, is the chief constitu- 
ent of the fatty oils, such as olive-oil, whale-oil, etc. 

Soluble Sulphur (a sodium sulphide) is advocated from several quar- 


ters, but is not generally recommended. If used, it appears that calcium 


arsenate is safer than lead arsenate in combination. The formula suggested 
is: 214-3% lb. soluble sulphur; 11% lb. calcium arsenate; 15-20 Ib. hydrated 
lime; 100 gallons water. Liver of sulphur (potassium sulphide) cannot be 
used with arsenicals. 

Residues from Spraying.—Experiments have been conducted to show 
the effect of feeding hay cut from beneath trees sprayed with arsenicals. 


_ With cattle, no effects at 3 lb. arsenate to 50; symptoms of poisoning, 6-50; 


‘4 


serious, 10-50. The same applies to sheep, but not so with poultry. As to 


7 


106 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


at pete Re 


sprayed apples, 0.5 mg. is left on one apple at 3-50; medicinal dose is 2-5 
mg.; dangerous dose, 60-120 mg. Thus no danger unless 120 apples are 
eaten at one time. 

House-ant Control—One pound sugar dissolved in 1 quart water, to 
which add 125 grains (approximately 1% oz.) sodium arsenate. Boil until 
thoroughly dissolved and add about a tablespoonful of honey. Set out with 
sponge in shallow dishes. 

Rice-weevils—Do not breed in stored, sun-dried wheat containing 
moisture up to 8 per cent. Ing per cent. moisture they lie dormant, and 
above 9 per cent. are active. Weevils in flour may be controlled by heat, — 
113° Fahr. at 24 per cent. relative humidity. 

Carbon-bisulphide fumigation for pea-weevil is used in Kentucky at 
1 lb. per 83 cubic feet; a greater strength than this destroys germination. 

Pear-slug.—Parthenogenesis proved; virgin females laid eggs in spring, 
giving rise to virgin females entirely. Males are rare. 

Aphides.—It must be realized that three kinds of aphides may be found 
associated in a single cluster on an apple-tree. These are known as the 
green apple-aphis, the European grain-aphis, and the rosy aphis. 

The Green Apple-aphis (A. pomi).—Eggs are laid in autumn on apple; 
hibernates as egg. Hatching occurs when nearly all buds show some green, 
forming, after moults, stem-mothers; wanders around, settles in buds. In 
ten days reproduces about forty young, giving rise to wingless viviparous 
females, winged females, and intermediate forms. The number of young 
produced in earlier generations is higher than later, varying as 55 : 30: 12, 
according to season. Winged forms are not produced as a result of lack 
of food, and not necessary for the propagation of the species. Thus two 
theories are disposed of. Intermediate forms are variants, but reproduce 
normally ; seventeen generations occur. Sexes are formed by the winged — 
and wingless females; usually commence in August or September. The 
proportion of males to females is ten to ninety. Plural mating takes place, 
an average of six eggs per female being laid. \ 

The Rosy Aphis (A. malifoliz)—The most injurious species. A vari- 
ation is shown in the life-history from the green apple-aphis. The winged — 
forms are again seen. All form wings and migrate to secondary host-plant. 
Eggs are laid in apple. Hatch at same time as A. pomi. Stem-mother in 
fifteen days starts to reproduce, laying about seventy-one young. Then five 
to seven generations follow; the first wingless, later winged ; approximately 
122 young being produced per individual. The winged forms become 
migrants in late May. Settle on plantains; produces eighteen young, each — 
wingless. No aphides of this species are now in the apple; all are on plan- _ 
tains. Forty-seven young are produced in geometrical ratio in plantain. 
Winged forms in later generations in plantain are formed, which fly back 
to apple in September. Males are formed in plantain in late summer and 
fly to apple at a time when the first migrants have produced young of the | 
oviparous type. Seven eggs per female are laid on apple-twigs in October. 


€ 


PROCEEDINGS, 1920. 107 


The European Grain-aphis (A. avenz) has a similar life-history to the 
rosy aphis, but it uses the grain and grasses as alternate hosts instead of 
plantains. The only important point—this aphis hatches ten days earlier. 

Aphis-control—Buds too far expanded makes spraying difficult. In 
all recommendations for spraying it is stated that the best results attend a 
dormant spray as the buds are nicely broken. It. costs money to spray; 
often not desirable; depends on degree of infestation and on early spring 
temperatures, etc. There is a certain stage in the embryo which is suscep- 
tible to outside agencies. A high temperature of 65° Fahr. in February 
often kills most aphides. The study is a very complicated matter; the 
critical temperatures are not yet determined. In dry air 4 per cent. eggs 
hatch; in 22 per cent. moisture, 12 per cent.; in 63 per cent. moisture, 20 
per cent.; in 100 per cent. moisture, 36-46 per cent. hatch. Lime-sulphur 
tends to harden shell and nicotine tends to penetrate. Spray 1-9 lime- 
sulphur and nicotine 1-500. 


VICTORIA, B.C.: 
Printed by WitiiaAmM TI. CuLnin, Printer to the King’s Most Excellent Majesty. 
1920. 


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c PROCEEDINGS 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


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FEBRUARY. 1918 
NUMBER 12 
SYSTEMATIC SERIES 


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VICTORIA, B. C.: 
Prinrtep BY THE CoLonistT PriInTING AND PuBLisHine Co., Lrp 


1919 


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PROCEEDINGS 


OF THE 


Entomological Society 


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BRITISH COLUMBIA 


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FEBRUARY, 1918 
NUMBER 12 RT is 
SYSTEMATIC SERIES / ,; i 
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PRINTED BY THE CoLoNist PRINTING AND PuBLISHING Co., Lrp. 


1919 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 


PAGE - 
Proceedings 3 
Report of Secretary-Treasurer 4 
Presidential Address—E. H. Blackmore 
Life-History of the Leaf-eating Crane-fly, Cylindrotoma splendens, 
Doane—A. E. Cameron, M.A., D.Sc. 9 
Notes on a Collection of Hemiptera—W. Downes 13 
Life-History of Perigrapha preses, Grote—Geo. O. Day, F.E.S. 17 
A Revision of the British Columbia species of the Geometrid Genus 
Hydriomena Hub.—E. H. Blackmore . 19 
Notes on the Aeolothripidae—R. C. Treherne, B.S.A. 27, 
Collecting in the Lillooet District—A. W. A. Phair 34 
Natural Control Investigations in British Columbia—J. D. Tothill, 
B.S.A 37 


REGINALD C. TREHERNE 


Secretary-Treasurer, Entomological Society of British Columbia, 1911-1916 


BRITISH COLUMBIA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


PROCEEDINGS, 1918 


The Seventeenth Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of 
British Columbia was held in the Belmont Building, Government Street, 
Victoria, B.C., on February 23rd, 1918. 


The meeting was called to order by the President, Mr. E. H. Black- 
more, of Victoria, at 9.30 a.m. 


The report of the Secretary-Treasurer, Mr. Williams Hugh, for the 
fiscal year 1917, was passed and accepted. 


Eleven papers were read, six on systematic subjects, three of 
economic importance, and two of general interest. 


At the close of the day’s proceedings, the election of officers for the 
year 1918 was proceeded with, and resulted as follows: 


Hon. President—Francis Kermode, Prov. Museum, Victoria, B.C. 
President—R. S$. Sherman, Vancouver, B.C. 

Vice-President (Coast)—Wm. Downes, Victoria, B.C. 
Vice-President (Interior)—J. W. Cockle, Kaslo, B.C 
Secretary-Freasurer—Williams Hugh, Cloverdale, B.C. 


Advisory Board—E. H. Blackmore (Chairman); R. C. ‘Treherne, 
B.s.A.; G. O. Day, F.ES.; A. W. Hanham; and lL. A. Breun. 


4 : B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-TREASURER 


In submitting my report for the year 1917, I regret to state our 
numbers have been sadly depleted owing to the demand made by the 
necessities of the War, but, notwithstanding, we have made a little 
progress, new names being added to our membership roll. ‘There has 
been a growing interest in the work of this Society.’ Mention was made, 
early in the year, in several British Columbia newspapers, of the objects 
of this Society and the work our members were interested in. Many 
requests for information were received, and a number of insects were 
received for identification. 


Our President, Mr. EK. H. Blackmore, Messrs. R. C. Treherne, Geo. 
Day, Dr. Cameron, and L. A. Breun, very kindly assisted in the work 
of determination, and gave a brief account of the life-history of the 
specimens. I received expressions of thanks and appreciation from the 
persons sending. ‘Iwo cases came from schools in the Fraser Valley. 
I am of the opinion that this part of our work might be encouraged and 
greater publicity given to it, so that those interested may be put in touch 
with our members who specialize in the various orders. 


I have to report that during last August, my attention was drawn 
to a case of disease affecting the brood of bees, in Burnaby. It is 
commonly called European Foul-brood. ‘The larva is affected very early 
in its development, but the disease can be controlled by treatment. 


Our library has increased by the addition of several volumes of 
Psyche, and The Annals of the Entomological Society of America. ‘The 
fund reserved for the purchase of books has not been drawn on very 
heavily. This is quite ready for our members use. I have ordered 
“Howard’s Insect Book” and Comstock’s “Handbook of Nature Study.” 


Our finances at present are in good standing, and our Society has 
paid all indebtedness to the parent Society in Ontario. 


It is not, perhaps, necessary for me to say how much I am indebted 
to our President and Mr. R. C. Treherne for their generous assistance 
during the past year, and the unremitting interest they have taken in the 
work of the Society, so dear to us all. 


(Signed) WILLIAMS HUGH, 
Hon. Secretary-Treasurer. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1918 i 


PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS 
By E. H. Blackmore, Victoria, B.C. 


As President of your Society, I beg to extend a hearty welcome to 
all those members who are present at this our Seventeenth Annual 
Meeting. Following the precedent of Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt, at the 
Annual Meeting of the parent Society in 1915, I am not going to give 
you a presidential address. In opening that meeting he said that he 
did not consider it necessary or even desirable for the President to give 
‘a presidential address on re-election, and in that view I fully concur. 
Instead I am going to talk to you about ourselves, both collectively and 
individually ; what each of us has done, and what the Society has done 
to advance our knowledge of the entomology of British Columbia. 


I have had the honour and privilege of being your President now 
for the past two years, and I think it is my duty to give some account 
of my stewardship, as it were—to review the past two years and note 
what progress we have made. On looking back 1 am glad to say that 
we have progressed, and we are in a better position now as regards active 
workers and students than we have ever been in the history of our 
Society. ; 


Last year, during my address to you, | made an earnest appeal to 
each one of you to do something, however small, towards advancing 
our knowledge of the insect fauna of this great Province; I asked you 
to take up some of the more neglected orders, and for all of us to work 
together in a spirit of harmony and co-operation, and I am pleased to say 
that my appeal was not made in vain. Work has been commenced in 
some of these neglected orders and much good work has been done 
throughout the year, some of the results of which will be seen in the 
programme which you have before you. 


It is with great regret that I notice the absence of many familiar 
faces this morning; some have answered their country’s call and are 
now in training, others have gone overseas, and some have left the 
Province to go to other spheres of usefulness. In this latter category 
I have special reference to Dr. S. Hadwen and Dr. A. E. Cameron, who 
have been recalled to Ottawa to take up other and, in the opinion of 
Dr. Hewitt, greater activities. 


These two members are a distinct loss to our Society. Dr. Cameron, 
who was only with us a comparatively short time, endeared himself to 
all those members with whom he came in contact, and was ever ready to 
help with advice and suggestions any of us who were confronted with 
some of those difficult problems which are forever arising. 


In conjunction with two other of our members, Messrs. R. C. 
Treherne and EK. W. White, he wrote a valuable Bulletin on the Pear 


6 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


Thrips of British Columbia, which added materially to the known history 
of this important insect pest. However, he. has kindly sent us a paper 
to be read at this meeting, so that although absent in body, he will be 
with us in spirit. Dr. Hadwen was one of our best known members, 
and has never missed a meeting since the Society was resuscitated in 
1911. We shall miss his valuable contributions, which were generally 
on Ticks and Blood-sucking Flies, which affected the health and well- 
being of animals. [am sure that I am only endorsing the feelings of all 
our members, in expressing our regret at the removal of these two gentle- 
men from our midst, and to extend to them our hearty wishes for their 
future success in their particular lines of investigation. 


lam now going to introduce our more active members to each other, 
as we only meet once a year, and many of us only see each other at this 
time. I think it is only right that we should know what the other fellow 
is doing, what lines he 1s working on, and whether we can help him or 
not. Ido not want you to run away with the idea that I am forming a 
mutual admiration society, but I do say this, that when we have members 
of our Society who are doing good work, and who are spending their 
spare time in the study of the particular order they have taken up, I think 
some measure of recognition should be given them, and perhaps I, being 
in closer touch. with all the active members, may be a little better 
qualified than most to make a few remarks along these lines. 


In the Lepidoptera, Mr. G. O. Day, of Duncan, has done some very 
valuable work in raising many of our western moths from the egg to the 
imago, thereby giving us life histories of species that have never before 
been recorded. Much work still remains to be done in this particular 
field of endeavour, many knotty problems that still perplex us can only 
be solved by working out the life-history of the species involved. I 
should be glad to see some more of our members take up this exceedingly 
useful work. 


I am pleased to note that one of our old members, Mr. J. W. Cockle, 
of Kaslo, has taken up active work again, and he is now specializing in 
the genus Eupithecia, a group of small geomterid moths. Mr. Cockle 
has done some very valuable work during the many years he has col- 
lected in the Kootenay district, and has added a large number of species 
to our British Columbia list, including many new to science. 


Mr. M. Brinkman, of this city, is avery enthusiastic worker, and has 
gathered together a very interesting collection containing many rare 
and uncommon species. 

In the Coleoptera, [| am sorry to say that we have only one member 
who has made any attempt to really study this very interesting and 


important order, and that is Mr. A. W. Hanham, of Duncan. He has 
got together what is probably the largest private collection in the Prov- 


a 
a 


PROCEEDINGS, 1918 MW, 


ince, and is able and willing to determine specimens in this order for 
any of our members who wish to avail themselves in this way. 


Most of us have done a little desultory collecting in this order, but 
none of us have taken it up in a proper systematic manner, and there is 
a great field open for any member who would undertake to do this. 
I feel sure that many species new to British Columbia and probably 
new to science await the collector who devotes himself solely to the 
study of this order. 


Coming next to the Diptera, our thanks are due to Mr. R. S. 
Sherman, of Vancouver, for the able and painstaking manner in which 
he has worked in this order. Since the death of Capt. R. V. Harvey, 
he has worked practically single-handed, and has added extensively to 
our knowledge of the dipterous fauna of British Columbia. Latterly, he 
has devoted himself to the study of the Fungus Gnats, and has added an 
immense number of species to our local list. 


On looking over the list of members, I do not find any that are 
taking any special interest in the Hymenoptrea, with the exception of 
Mr. Williams Hugh, who is taking up the study of the aculeate 
hymenoptera, that is, the Social and Solitary Bees and Wasps. In that 
section alone he will find a life’s work. 


Iam gratified to learn that Mr. W. Downes has taken up as a special 
study the order Hemiptera. This is an order which has been entirely 
neglected for many years from a systematic standpoint, although from 
an economic view it is a very important one, as it contains many species 
which do a great deal of damage. I am pleased that so able a man as 
Mr. Downes is associating himself with this order, and I feel sure that 
we shall benefit by his researches in the future, and shall look forward 
to a valuable paper at our next annual meeting. 


Mr. W. R. Carter, who has been a member for several years, is now 
associated with the Provincial Museum. He is a good botanist, and 
should be very helpful to those lepidopterists whose knowledge of botany 
is limited, in determining the food plants on which they find their larvae 
feeding. 


On the economic side, we have three more valuable members, chief 
of whom is Mr. R. C. Treherne, whose valuable and important work on 
the insect pests of British Columbia is known from coast to coast. Mr. 
Id. White, who was associated with Dr. Cameron in his early work on 
the Thrips, and is now Inspector of Fruit Pests for the Department of 
Agriculture, taking in the district comprised by Vancouver Island and 
the Lower Mainland; and Mr. M. Ruhman, the Provincial Entomologist, 
who is stationed at Vernon, and has done a lot of good wor’ during the 
past year, in conjunction with Mr. Treherne, in investigating and con- 
trolling outbreaks of the codling moth in the Okanagan district. 


8 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


During the past year we have had several new members, and I have 
made it my business to write to each of them, extending a hearty wel- 
come on behalf of the Society and ascertaining what particular field of 
endeavour they were most interested in. By giving this information to 
the members here assembled, those that are working along similar lines 
could get in touch with these new members and possibly form associa- 
tions which would eventually prove of mutual help and benefit, both to 
themselves and the Society. Mr. W. R. S. Metcalfe, who is now located 
at Peachland, is an ardent student of certain families in the order 
Hemiptera. Mr. W. Sykes, who is a school teacher at McAllister, is 
taking up the Diptera, and should be able to add many species new to 
British.Columbia, as he lives in a district from which very little material 
has been taken. Mr. A. W. A. Phair, of Lillooet, is a very enthusiastic 
collector of Lepidoptera, and will be a valuable addition to our Society. 


Out of a large number of noctuid moths, brought down by him for 


identification last November, there are no less than eleven species new 
to British Columbia. 


Mr. H. P. Eldridge, now residing in this city, is a keen student of 
Coleoptera, specializing among the smaller forms, and I look forward to 
his doing some good work in the near future. Last but not least is our 
worthy friend, Mr. W. B. Anderson, who is pretty well known to the 
most of you. He has been appointed to the position of Inspector of 
Indian Orchards, rendered vacant by the death of our late lamented 
member, Mr. Tom Wilson. Mr. Anderson is an accomplished botanist, 
and is rapidly becoming a keen entomologist, and as his duties take him 
into parts of the Province where very little collecting has been done 
previously, I feel sure that we shall benefit greatly by his membership. 


By some of you I may be accused of introducing what may be termed 
as too much of the personal element, but I have felt for some time that 
we, as individual members, are so far apart, and in some cases isolated 
from each other, that we do not really know what each of us is doing, 
and I have taken this means of bringing the work of each to the atten- 
tion of all. 


During the past two years a very large number of species have been 
added to our previously known records, not in one order alone but in 
practically every order. I have not had the time to compile the exact 
number of species that have been thus added to our list, but I can say 
this, that nearly every active member of our Society has contributed 
more or less towards them. 


In searching through the Entomological publications for the past 
two years, insofar as they were available to me, I have found that 33 
insects new to science were described from British Columbia, represent- 
ing 4 different orders. Of these, Lepidoptera claimed 26, Coleoptera 3, 


PROCEEDINGS, 1918 9 


Diptera 2, and Hymenoptera 2. Of these 33 new species and varieties, 
no less than 22 were described from material collected by members of 
this Society, divided as follows: E. H. Blackmore, 9; Jj. W. Cockle, 5; 
late Capt. Harvey, 3; E. M. Anderson, 2; G. O. Day, 1; A. W. Hanham, 
1; and the late Tom Wilson, 1. This is a showing of which we should 
be proud, and should spur our individual members on to greater efforts, 
for much work remains to be done in each and every order. 


It has given me much pleasure to place these facts before you, and 
perhaps I have put them in a rather unconventional manner, but if so 
I must beg your forgiveness, as I have only done what I have thought to 
be right and in the best interests of the Society. 


LIFE-HISTORY OF THE LEAF-EATING CRANE-FLY 
CYLINDROTOMA SPLENDENS, DOANE (DIPTERA, TIPULIDAE) 


By Alfred EK. Cameron, M.A., D.Sc., F.E.S., Technical Assistant, 
Entomological Branch, Department of Agriculture, Ottawa 


INTRODUCTION 


Previous to the discovery of the larvae of Cylindrotoma splendens 
by the author and Mr. E. W. White of Victoria, at Westholme, Van- 
couver Island, the species was known only from Alaska, and apparently 
the female had not been found. The original description of Doane 
(1900) was made from three male specimens, and Coquillet (1901) 
re-described the species under the name of Cylindrotoma juneta from a 
single male specimen. 


In addition to the fact that the author, in the present work, obtained 
in the course of breeding all the pre-adult stages for the first time and 
described them in a paper recently read before the Annual Meeting of 
the American Entomological Society at Pittsburg, it may be remarked 
that never before had the immature stages of any species of the genus 
Cylindrotoma been found on the American continent. 


The tribe Cylindrotomini occupies an isolated and intermediate posi- 
tion between the Tipulidae brevipalpi and longipalpi. The structure of 
the adult flies, especially as regards certain details of the venation of the 
wings, is quite unique, but it is in the immature stages of the different 
genera that the most interesting distinctions are found. The larvae, 
instead of living in the mud along the banks of streams or in rotten wood, 
as do the majority of the known crane-fly larvae, dweil upon the leaves 
of various terrestial and aquatic plants; instead of being brown or grey 
in colour, they are bright green and usually resemble the leaves of their 
host-plants to a very remarkable degree. 


10 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


LIFE-HISTORY 

The larvae were first taken on April 28, 1917, on Vancouver Island, 
and were observed to be feeding on the leaves of the false bugbane, 
Trautvetteria grandis (Ranunculaceae). The food-plant generally affects 
damp and well-shaded habitats, and in this particular instance it was 
growing in great luxuriance in a rich woodland timbered by lofty cedars 
and spreading, large-leaved maples. At the time of first collection, the 
larvae appeared to be in the penultimate stage of their development. 
They were reared to maturity and the adults were obtained, both sexes, 
from the resulting pupae. 


Egg Stage. Individual plants of Trautvetteria grandis were potted, 
and one each placed in special breeding cages. As the adults emerged 
from the pupal skins (May 15-30), they were transferred to the breeding 
cages. Copulation was undertaken soon after emergence, and the female 
deposited her elongate, glistening, white eggs along the margin of the 
leaves, generally on the under-surface. Under natural conditions the 
eggs were found to be invariably laid on the lower surface, but in the 
more confined area of the breeding cages, eggs were also deposited on the 
margin of the upper leaf-surface. 


The female ovipositor is unique among Tipulidae, and consists of 
(1) a pair of double-bladed cutting valves; (2) an unpaired, upper, 
bifurcated valve; and (3) an unpaired, lower. plough-share valve. 
Each one of the cutting valves bears an inner, serrate-edged blade, and 
an outer, unserrated blade. It is their function to slit the epiderm of 
the leaf whilst the plough-share valve guides the egg into the resulting 
slit. The bifurcated valve apparently serves to keep the leaf in position 
during the operation of ovipositing, since the leaf-margin is held securely 
between this valve and the cutting valves. 


The eggs are not wholly hidden. ‘They are generally laid in close, 
parellel series, lending to the leaf-margin a characteristic, beaded appear- 
ance. ‘The period of incubation occupies about two weeks. 


Larval Stage. The first stage larvae are a semi-translucent greyish- 
white, and measure 1.19 mm. long and 0.37 mm. broad soon after they 
emerge from the egg. The segmental tubercles and pro-legs so char- 
acteristic of the mature larvae, are readily distinguishable although they 
are as yet not well developed. The black head-capsule stands out in 
decided contrast to the semi-transparent body. 


The young larvae are very sluggish and are not readily disturbed 
when feeding. The mandibles are very firmly embedded in the leaf- 
tissue. Their movements are very characteristic and can be most aptly 
compared with those of the “measuring worms” or “looper-caterpillars” 
(Geometridae). 


PROCEEDINGS, 1918 11 


As the larva grows, it assumes a leaf-green colour, which renders it 
almost imperceptible to the casual observer. ‘This general green colour 
is relieved by two brownish grey lines, one on each side of the median 
dorsal line. 


After a period of about six weeks, end of July, during which time 
the larva has apparently only moulted but once and has attained a 
length of about 8.5 mm., it ceases feeding altogether and becomes 
quiescent. In this condition they spend the winter among the dead 
leaves on the ground, and in the following spring they resume their 
activities when the food-plant once more sends up its shoots. 


Growth then proceeds rather rapidly, the larva measuring 15 mm. 
in its penultimate stadium and 17 mm. when full-grown. ‘The segmental 
tubercles on the dorsal surface and the paired “pseudopodia” on each of 
the last eight abdominal segments, are now well developed. The latter 
are the organs of locomotion and serve to retain the body of the larva 
on the leaf-surface by fluid-pressure, as well as by the secretion of a 
viscid liquid. When disturbed, the larvae relax their hold on the leaf- 
surface and readily fall to the ground. This response to a contact 
stimulus, together with their marked resemblance to their environment, 
would appear to be their only assets of defence against predaceous 
insects. In no single instance were the larvae found to be parasitized, 
although it is not improbable that there is quite a high percentage of 
mortality under natural conditions, caused by hunting spiders and 
ground-beetles. 


Pupal Stage. Previous to pupating, the larva firmly attaches itself 
to the surface of the leaf or to the leaf-petiole by means of its anal 
pseudopodia. The skin splits transversely posterior to the head, but is 
only partially sloughed off. The head, thorax and first four abdominal 
segments of the pupa are exposed, but the remainder of the abdomen 
remains enclosed in the larval skin, the terminal portion of which 
attached to the leaf-surface, is collapsed and wrinkied. The black 
head-capsule of the larva, which is moulted with the rest of the exuvium, 
lies ventrad of the fifth abdominal segment of the pupa. The pupae may 
be found on both the upper and lower leaf-surface as wel! as attached to 
the petioles. 


The pupal period persists for 6 to 10 days, at the end of which time 
the adult appears. 


Proportion of Sexes. Of 108 adults reared, 91 were females and 
the remaining 17 males. Thus the percentage of females and males 
reared were respectively 84.2 and 15.8. 


On June 1, 1917, 96 individuals were captured by sweeping the 
food-plant at Westholme, when the males were found to be in the 


12 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


ascendant in the ratio of 60.2% to 38.9%. On this date many specimens 
were taken in copula. 


The marked discrepancy between these two sets of figures appears 
at first glance to be inexplicable. It is just probable, however, that the 
figures resulting from rearing the adults, represent approximately the 
actual superiority in total numbers of the females over the males. On 
the date that the collection was made at Westholme, there were com- 
paratively few adults to be seen. When one adds to this the fact that 
the females emerge in larger numbers before the males appear and that 
they die off soon after laying their eggs, the greater proportion of the 
later-emerging males towards the end of the adult season on June 1, 
is readily accounted for. 


The same male may copulate with several different females. 


Explanatory Note. In the original paper, to be published in the 
Annals of the Entomological Society of America, full and detailed 
descriptions have been given of the egg, larva, head-capsule and mouth- 
parts of the larva, the pupa and adults, together with illustrations in each 
case. As the presentation of these descriptions from a read manuscript 
would be rather tedious, I have thought it best not to attempt to exhaust 
the patience of the members by including them in this paper, which your 
President has kindly asked me to send. I have, however, had photo- 
graphs made of my drawings, and these, I think, will explain the salient 
features of the different stages of the species. 


I should like to say here that Mr. W. Downes, one of the Society’s 
members, has the hibernating larvae under his able care, and from his 
last letter, I understand that they are hibernating in good condition. 
With his continued assistance, I hope to be able tc determine the exact 
number of larval moults when these larvae commence feeding again in 
the spring. ‘The larvae of the closely allied genus and species Liogma 
glabrata have been stated by Dr. Mueggenberg in an admirable paper 
published in 1901, to have probably eight moults, and this is the number 
determined for Phalacrocera replicata, also belonging to the Cylindro- 
tomini, by Bergtsson. Both of these species are European. 


CYLINDROTOMA SPLENDENS DOANE 


Fig. 1. Ovipositor of adult female. Note bifurcated valve (A) and 
saw-toothed blades (B). 


Fig. 2. Larva (dorsal anterior). 
Fig. 3. Pupa. 

Fig. 4. Eggs in leaf. 

Fig. 5. Adult female. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1918 13 


NOTES ON A COLLECTION OF HEMIPTERA 
By W. Downes, Victoria, B.C. 

With a view to extending the hitherto very limited list of Heterop- 
tera and Homoptera known to occur in British Columbia, considerable 
collecting has been done by the writer during the past season, principally 
in the neighbourhood of Victoria, and the resulting material has been 
submitted to specialists in the order for identification. For determina- 
tions I am indebted to the following gentlemen: Heteroptera, Dr. H. M. 
Parshley ; Cicadidae, Mr. W. T. Davis, N.Y.; Membracidae, Dr. Funk- 
houser; other Homoptera, Dr. E. D. Ball. 

While the collection is necessarily as yet a very limited one, a good 
start on the list of British Columbia Hemiptera has been made, and some 
additional light has been thrown on the knowledge of the distribution of 
many of the species. The majority of species were taken in the neigh- 
bourhood of Victoria, or on the Saanich Peninsula to the north of the 
city, especially near Royal Oak, and a few species were collected during 
brief visits to the Okanagan in the neighbourhood of Vernon and 
Armstrong. 

By far the largest number of species collected belong to the Heterop- 
tera, and as these have not yet been fully examined by Dr. Parshley, their 
consideration will have to be left until later, and the present brief paper 
will deal with the Homoptera. Besides those species collected by myself, 
a few have been received from R. C. Treherne, Vernon, B.C., and M. H. 
Ruhman, Vernon, B.C. 

List of Species 
FAMILY CICADIDAE: 

Okanagana occidentalis Walk. Armstrong, July 12, 1917; Saanich 
District, June 18, 1918. (W.D.) This is the commonest Cicada occur- 
ring in British Columbia. 

Platypedia areolata Uhl. Nelson, May 6, 1918 (R. C. T.); Arm- 
strong, July, 1914 (W. D.). One more species was taken but is not yet 
identified. 

FAMILY CERCOPIDAE: 
Aphrophora irrorata Ball. Saanich, October 25, 1917 (W. 1D ))e 


Aphrophora permutata Uhl. Vernon, June 24, 1917 (R. C. T.). 
Philaenus leucopthalmus Linn. Saanich, August 3, 1918 (W. D.). 
P. leucopthalmus var. astulatus Fall. June 18, 1918 (W. D.). 
P. leucopthalmus var. pallidus. June 18, 1918 (W. D.). 


P. leucopthalmus var. lineatus. June 18, 1918 (W. D.). ‘This 
cercopid is extremely common everywhere, the three varieties noted 
above being more usual than the type form but they ali intergrade. 


Clastoptera obtusa Say. August 13, 1918 (W.D.), on alder. 


14 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


FAMILY MEMBRACIDAE: 


Ceresa basalis Walk. Saanich, October 8, 1917; August 14, 1917 
(W. D.). A common species. On willow and goldenrod. 


Stictocephala pacifica Van D. Saanich, August 3, 1918; July 31, 
1918 (W. D.). Taken on willow (Salix scouleriana). 


Glossonotus univittatus Harr. Saanich, October 10, 1917; July 11, 
1918 (W. D.); Vancouver, September 23, 1918 (W. D.). This species 
is rarely taken. Occurs on Salix scouleriana. 


Platycotis quadrivittata Say. Saanich, June 13, 1918; April 18, 
1918 (W. D.). Occurs on oak (Quercus garryana). Very variable both 
in colour and form., In some individuals the humeral and dorsal pro- 
cesses are well developed; in others absent altogether. In colour the 
species vary from brown mottled with black to a dull green speckled 
with red. 

A beautiful form is sometimes taken in which the ground colour is 
greenish white with a bright red stripe extending from the head over the 
humeral angles and bordering the lower edges of the pronotum, and two 
parallel red stripes extending caudad from the head on each side of the 
median carina. The species winters in the adult condition, and I took 
nymphs in final and penultimate stages on September 9, 1918. 


Campylenchia latipes Say. Vernon, September 28, 1918 (W.D.). 
One specimen on willow. Although this is said to be a grass-inhabiting 
species in the East, I failed to take any in the alfalfa field which was 
bordered by the willow trees on which the specimen was taken. 


In spite of persistent collecting, the number of Membracidae taken 
is disappointingly few, the above mentioned five species being all that 
have been observed so far. Probably when further collections can be 
made over a more extended area a number of species will be added. 


FAMILY CICADELLIDAE: 
Agallia novella Say. Goldstream, B.C., June 2, 1918 (W. D.). 


Agallia lyrata Bak. (7) Armstrong, September 29, 1918; Saanich, 
April 19, 1918 (W. D.). 


Idiocerus pallidus Fh. Victoria, August 17, 1917; Saanich Sept. 
9, 1918 (W. D.). A common species on Salix scouleriana. 


Idiocerus pallidus. Variety with a dark saddle. Not uncommon. 
Armstrong, September 29, 1918 (W. D.). 


Idiocerus suturalis var. lunaris Ball. Saanich, August 3, 1918. 
Common. 


Idiocerus musteus Ball. Royal Oak, September 28, 1917; August 
25, 1918 (W. D.). Common on willow. : 


Idiocerus concinnus Ball. Saanich, September 11, 1918 (W. D.). 


PROCEEDINGS, 1918 15 


Idiocerus amabilis Ball. Saanich, September 11, 1918 (W. D.). 

Idiocerus productus Bak. Royal Oak, September 6, 1918.; Victoria, 
July 1,1918 (W.D.). Not common. ‘Taken on Salix lasiandra. 

Macropsis viridis Fh. Saanich, August 3, 1918 (W. D.). 

Macropsis canadensis Van D. Saanich, August 3, 1918 (W. D.). 

Oncopsis variabilis Fh. Vernon, July 4, 1917 (R. C. T.); Victoria, 
aly Mors CW Ds): 

Bythoscopus rufoscutellatus Bak. Vernon, June 24, 1917 (R. C. T.). 

Cicadella hieroglyphica var. confluens Uh. Royal Oak, September 
6, 1918 (W.D.). At Duncan I have recently found this species in great 
numbers on the willows bordering the Cowichan River. 

Cicadella gothica Sign.. Vernon, September 24, 1918 (W. D.). 

Helochara communis Fh. Saanich, September 18, 1917; Armstrong, 
September 29, 1918; Shawnigan, July 21, 1918 (W. D.). Common 
everywhere. 

Draeculacephala crassicornis Van -D. Saanich, August 14, 1917; 
Victoria, July 1, 1918; Shawnigan, July 21, 1918 (W. D.). Common 
species on herbage in moist places. 

Eucanthus acuminatus Fabr. Saanich, August 3, 1918 (W. D.). 
Common on alder. 

Errhomenellus lineatus Bak. Vernon (R. C. T.). A pair in coitu. 

Gypona angulata Spangh. Shawnigan, July 21,1918 (W.D.). Very 
few taken. This is a new record for this species (FE. D. B.). 

Xerophloea viridis Fabr. Saanich, May 3, 1918; Royal Oak, 
November 9, 1917 (W. D.). 

Scaphoideus scalaris Van D. Saanich, September 12, 1918 (W. D.). 
} Platymetopius acutus Burm. Saanich, August 3, 1918; Shawnigan, 

July 21, 1918 (W. D.). Common species. 

Deltocephalus affinis G & B. Armstrong, Sept. 29, 1918 (W. D.). 

Deltocephalus fuscinervosus Van [D. (var.). Saanich, September 
11, 1918; June 22, 1918 (W. D.). 

Deltocephalus misellus Ball. Victoria, June 11, 1918 (W. D.). 

Deltocephalus Van duzei G & B. Saanich, June 5, 1918 (W. D.). 

Euscelis striatulus Fall. Cowichan, July 24, 1918 (W. D.). 

Euscelis clavatus Ball. Royal Oak, September 6, 1918 (W. D.). 

Phlepsius apertus Van D. Victoria, July 11, 1918 (W. D.). A 
common species everywhere. 

Phlepsius occidentalis Bak. Saanich, August 14, 1917 (W. D.). 

Thamnotettix geminatus Van D. Royal Oak, September 28, 1917; 
Saanich, June 6, 1918 (W. D.). Common species. 

Thamnotettix montanus Van D. Saanich, August 18, 1917; Gold- 
stream, June 2, 1918 (W. D.). Common species. 


16 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


Thamnotettix flavocapitatus Van D. Victoria, June 12, 1918. Red 
variety; occurs on oak (Quercus’ garryana). 


Thamnotettix inornatus Van D. Saanich, August 3, 1918 (W. D.). 

Chlorotettix unicolor Fh. Saanich, August 13, 1918 (W. D.). 

Neocoelidia lineata Bak. Armstrong, September 29, 1918 (W. D.). 

Cicadula sexnotata Fall. Royal Oak, August 18, 1917; Saanich, 
June 10, 1918 (W. D.). An abundant species. 

Balclutha manitou G. & B. Saanich, May 5, 1918; April 19, 1918 
(W. D.). 

Dikraneura mali Prov. Saanich, April 19, 1918 (W. D.). 

Empoa querci var. Gillettei Van D. Victoria, June 17, 1918 
(W. D.). Abundant on oak. 

Empoa commisuralis Stal. Saanich, September 9, 1918 (W. D.). 
Taken usually on alder, on which it is quite abundant.. The form with 
the dark stripe on the tegmina not very frequent, most specimens are 
immaculate or very slightly marked. 

Erythroneura comes var. vitifex Fitch. Gordon Head, May 3, 1918; 
Saanich, April 30, 1918. Generally taken when sweeping grass and low 
herbage. 


FAMILY FULGORIDAE: 

Scolops sulcipes Say (?). Vernon, July 10, 1917 (M. H. R) 
(nymph); Goldstream (A. W. H.), no date. i 

Cixius sp. Armstrong, September 29, 1918 (W. D.). 

Liburnia sp. (Osborni?). Saanich, June 6, 1918 (W. D.). 

Liburnia sp. Saanich, September 14, 1918; Vernon, September 28, 
1918. Taken abundantly when sweeping damp places and borders of 
lakes. 

Of the above species thirty-four are new records for the district. 
A number of other species await identification. The nomenclature used 
is that of Van Duzee’s recent list. 


Since the above list was compiled, Dr. Parshley has completed his 
examination of the British Columbia material (Heteroptera) and has 
published the results of his findings (Occas. :pap. 71 Mus. Zool. Univ. 
Mich., 1919). In this paper 137 species are recorded for British Col- 
umbia, of which 90 are new records. The few ecological notes com- 
municated by me are in this paper, and at the present time there is little 
of interest that I can add. ‘The determination of this material was in 
many cases most difficult, and our thanks are due to Dr. Parshley for 
the exhaustive and careful manner in which he has dealt with it. Since 
this collection was made a number of other species have turned up, and 
it is hoped that he will make them the subject of an additional paper. 


a 


PROCEEDINGS, 1918 17 


LIFE-HISTORY OF PERIGRAPHA PRAISES GRT. 
By Geo. O. Day, F.E.S., Duncan, B.C. 


A female taken at sallows on the flats near Cowichan Bay, in 1916, 
laid 60 to 70 eggs on the 2nd of April. ‘The eggs were laid somewhat 
regularly in a patch on the lid of a chip box attached by the base and 
mostly touching each other. ‘The colour was light green and continued 
the same until the eggs hatched out. Shape, spherical—very slightly 
flattened at apex and base—the usual striations running from base to 
micropyle. Hatched 22nd April. Young larvae 3 mm. long. Colour 
of body a dirty green. Head very bright brown and wider than body. 
Both body and head look spotted with black. On the body it is the 
warts that are black, and on the head, black marks arranged irregularly. 
The warts extend across each segment but appear irregular—the young 
larvae would not keep still enough to notice particularly. The larva has 
four pairs of pro-legs, but uses only two pairs and the anal claspers in 
walking, which is a decided looping motion. The two pairs of legs are 
some distance away from the anal claspers. The young larva rests on 
the two pairs of pro-legs with the rest of the body elevated. Short hairs 
are emitted from the warts. 


On the 9th of May, when at the end of the 2nd or 3rd instar, the 
larvae were about eleven millimeters long—most of them of a watery 
sage-green colour, with five longitudinal white stripes, of which the 
widest contains the spiracles; the next widest is the central dorsal line, 
and the others (narrower) between this and the spiracles, but rather 
nearer the spiracular line than the central line. There are slight black 
dots across each segment—the four on the dorsal area being situate on 
the green stripes and the other four on the white spiracular stripes. 
Head now small and spotted, of a lighter colour than the body, and with 
a tinge of light brown. ‘The larvae vary considerably—the greens in the 
intensity of colour and density of the white stripes. Others have a 
tendency to be darker in ground colour in the direction of purplish brown. 
The ventral area is much the same colour as the dark stripes. They seem 
to prefer spirea to sallow as food, but will eat both. Make use of all 
their legs at this stage, but still make a decided loop when walking. 


On the 15th of May, at the end of the third (or fourth) instar, the 
white stripes are still discernable under a hand lens, but the spiracular 
lines are the only conspicuous ones. ‘he general colour is a dirty 
brown, though some larvae are greyer. The dorsal area on each side 
of the central lines, as far as the two second lines, is lighter in colour 
than the outer area between the second lines and the light spiracular 
areas just mentioned. On each segment (dorsal area) are four eye-like 
marks with a black pupil on the inside, making the eyes look like some- 
one squinting. The foremost pair are closer together than the hind pair. 
The conspicuous light spiracular line is rust colour along the middle of it. 


18 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


‘The ventral area, including the legs, are lighter than the dorsal area, 
and of a greeny brown colour. 


On 28th May (36 days old), having just changed skins, the general 
appearance considerably changed. Length 25 mm. Prevailing colour 
a dark umber-brown on the dorsal area, with lighter orange-brown 
along the spiracles and all over the ventral area, only the underside lacks 
the orange tinge. The dorsal central area is a lighter shade of brown 
than the area between this and the spitacular stripes. "The central area 
(or stripes) on each segment, is wider on the head side than on the tail 
side, and makes a pattern (especially towards the tail) like a chain of 
shields. There are various light dots, the most conspicuous of which 
are those on the forward points (one on each) of the shield-like markings. 
Head light brown. 


On the 13th June (52 days old), length 35 mm. General markings 
much the same as before, only the colour is rather darker brown and 
the shield-like markings, especially towards the tail, are outlined with 
very dark brown triangular markings. At this stage the larvae appear 
to be nearly full-fed and thicken for pupation. ‘There is more uniformity 
in appearance, inter se, in the later stages. 


After the early stages all the legs are used in progressing, and the 
larvae appear as regular noctuids. Rolls in an incomplete ring when 
disturbed, but is soon active again. 


With regard to general habits, the larvae mostly rest during the 
day, either amongst the twigs of the food-plant or at bottom of their 
feeding cage among debris (in my case, moss was supplied). During 
_ the night they eat most voraciously. 


All my larvae disappeared for pupation during the week following 
the 13th of June, being near about 8 weeks in the larvae stage, a firm 
compact cocoon was formed among the debris and moss at the bottom 
of the tin. The cocoon is lined with a kind of glutinous silk, and 
fits the enclosed pupa rather closely. ‘The pupa is very dark brown, 
almost black, and of the usual noctuid shape, fairly plump and blunt 
with a pair of small anal hooks. 


Three moths appeared on 4th of March, 1917, while snow was still 
on the ground. ‘The weather, however, was becoming mild after a long 
spell of snow and frost. Emergencies continued until 24th of March 
(forty in all). What mortality there was occurred principally in the 
pupa stage. I kept the pupae in an outhouse under cover, and I suppose 
they did not get sufficient moisture. However, the success was about 
60 per cent., which is not bad. 


The moths varied considerably in the markings, but could be roughly 
divided into these groups: 


a. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1918 19 


No. of Specimens 
1. Uniform dark chocolate brown, markings indistinct... 18 
2. Very dark, with the band on outer margin and the 
reniform and orbicular spots showing distinct but dark 9 
3. Dark, with the same markings lighter and more con- 
EeEc UG LT) ee ence ee a2 oe B,D ee ee eee 13 


The female parent of the brood belonged to group No. 2. It is 
curious that there should be fewer of this type than the others. 


A REVISION OF THE BRITISH COLUMBIA SPECIES OF THE 
GEOMETRID GENUS HYDRIOMENA HUB. 


By E. H. Blackmore, Victoria, B.C. 


During the past four years I have endeavoured to try and straighten 
out this most difficult and perplexing group, as far as it concerned our 
British Columbia species. I have given papers on this genus at some 
of our previous meetings, bringing the changes up to date as our knowl- 
edge became more extended. In consequence of further additional 
research, other changes have been made which brings this particular 
genus pretty near perfection. What has made this genus so perplexing 
in the past is the fact that many species which could not be conveniently 
placed in any other genera, were all dumped in here, with the result that 
there was a heterogenous mass of species which bcre no apparent 
relationship to each other, either in maculation or generic structure. 


In 1892, Mr. Meyrick, of London, England, published a “Classifica- 
tion of Geometrina of the European Fauna” (Trans. Ento. Socy. London 
1892, Part 1, pp. 53-140), in which he endeavoured to arrange the family 
on the basis of invariable structure. This classification was not entirely 
adopted, as he had not taken into account the known existence of inter- 
mediate forms in nature. he strictest application of his fundamental 
rules of classification, made some of his genera, especially the one we 
have under consideration, cover almost sub-family differences. 


The Rev. Geo. Hulst, some four years later, published a “Classifica- 
tion of the Geometrina of North America” (Trans. Am. Ent. Socy., 
Vol. XXIII., pages 245-386), and while following Meyrick’s classification 
in the main, he made several changes, notably in this genus Hydriomena, 
separating from it five other genera which Meyrick had placed with it, 
viz.: Mesoleuca, Cenocalpe, Triphosa, Euchoria and Gypsochroa. Even 
then, Hulst admitted that he had drawn an artificial line in this genus, 
as he says: 


20 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


“T have in a sort of way made Hydriomena the refuge of species 
whose males I have not seen, and whose exact reference cannot there- 
fore be given. ‘The species under it are yet, in respect to palpi, antennae, 
and thoracic tuftings, very variable, but I hesitate to make any further 
divisions, as the bulk of the species lie midway between the extremes.” 


This is how the position stood until quite recently, although it has 
been felt by workers in this group for a long time past that something 
would have to be done to further limit this unwieldy and cumbersome 
genus. The true Hydriomenas were easily separable, and fell into a 
natural group, but what to do with the others was the great trouble. 
Out of 28 species listed by Dr. Dyar (U.S.N.M. Bull. 52, 1902) in 1902, 
only 8 were true Hydriomenas. However, in that monumental work, 
“Seitz Macro-Lepidoptera of the World,’ parts of which were first 
published in 1913, and which owing to the war, has never been completed, 
and perhaps never will be, Louis B. Prout, of the British Museum, the 
greatest geometridist we have today, and in whose charge the geometrid 
part was placed, has completely revised the whole of the family, with 
the result that all those fugitive species which had found a resting-place 
in this genus, were removed to other genera or else had new genera 
erected for them. 


In the 1906 Check List of B.C. Lepidoptera, 13 species were listed 
under the genus Hydriomena, of which only seven were true species of 
this genus—the other six species have since been placed in four other 
different genera. 


Having shown you the difficulties we have had to contend with in 
this group, and brought you down to the point where the true Hydrio- 
menas have been at last placed by themselves, I will now go on to give a 
brief resume of these true species. 


Previous to 1911, very little was known about the forms described 
by the older authors, several of them having been described from females 
only. In that year Mr. L. W. Swett, of Boston, Mass., published an 
article in the Can. Ent., Vol. 43, p. 73 et seq., in which he separated them 
into three main groups according to the length of the palpi—short, 
moderate and long. This was a distinct advance on anything attempted 
before, and reduced them from an unwieldy mass into something like 
approaching order. 


In the new Check List they are placed practically as Swett worked 
them out, but since then Messrs. Barnes and McDunnough have pub- 
lished a revision of this group (Cont. N.H. Lept. No. Amer., Vol. IV., 
No. 1, May, 1917). This revision is based on the structure of the male 
genitalia, with special reference to the shape of the uncus, and has 
certainly led to a number of radical changes. ‘The authors have retained 
Swett’s palpal subdivisions, so that with taking these two principal char- 


PROCEEDINGS, 1918 21 


acters in conjunction with each other, it will be easier to separate our 
British Columbia species than has hitherto been the case. Messrs. 
Barnes and McDunnough are certainly to be congratulated on their 
work, which, as far as our present knowledge gces, is pretty nearly 
perfect. 


I may state here that it is not necessary to break off the body of a 
cherished specimen to examine the genitalia, as by simply removing a 
few hairs with a fine brush from the anal segment, the uncus is exposed 
to view and can be readily examined under a strong lens or low-power 
microscope. 


There are three distinct types of uncus in this group—truncate, 
conical and bifurcate 
variations. 


each of which has its own modifications and 


I will not take up your time in going over the whole list of British 
Columbia.species separately, but will give you a few remarks om the new 
forms, with their distinguishing characteristics, and also on those which 
may be difficult to determine, contenting myself with giving you a list 
of those species that are well known and of which the names have not 
been changed. In their proper sequence, the latter consists of furcata 
periclata Swett; nubilofasciata cupidata Swett (Mr. Day, of Duncan, 
has taken the only specimen in British Columbia, that I have any record 
of); manzanita Taylor; irata Swett; californiata Pack; and speciosata 
Pack, with its forms taylori Swett, and ameliata Swett. ‘The latter of 
which only two specimens have been taken, both of which were collected 
by myself. 


There has been considerable doubt in the past about the two species 
furcata Thun., and quinquefasciata Pack. An examination of the 
genitalia of the two forms shows quite a difference, and they are easily 
separable by this character alone. 


The shape of the uncus in furcata (page 25, Fig. 1), is identical with 
the figure given in Pierce’s “Genitalia of the British Geometridae.” ‘The 
colour of the primaries of this species is either smoky or else decidedly 
reddish. ‘There is also a European form that occurs with it, fuscoun- 
data Don., which is very strongly marked, and having a greenish tinge 
with the median space ruddy. It is practically identical in maculation 
with the next species quinquefasciata Pack., and can only be separated 
by the shape of the uncus (page 25, Fig. 3) being convex instead of 
concave, having the base broader and the lateral apical points much 
reduced. With this species goes the form viridata Pack., which is 
greener, has no ruddy shades, and is more indistinct in its markings. 
I have specimens of these forms, all taken in Victoria. 


We are all pretty well acquainted with the species hitherto known 
as reflata Grt. [his name has now been relegated in a varietal sense 


22 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 

to a form which occurs in Arizona, and which is listed as a race of 
albifasciata Pack., the latter, although only an aberrant form, having 
priority over reflata. This left our Vancouver Island form without a 
name, as although it is identical in maculation with the Arizona form, 
it differs in colour, the latter being a dark grey form, while ours is a 
dull green with shght rosy sprinklings along the veins. Messrs. Barnes 
and McDunnough have named it victoria, the types being three males 
and two females from this locality. 


A new species is described from Ketchikan, Alaska, under the name 
of exculpata B. & McD., and a grey form of this species occurs with it, 
called tribulata B. & McD. This latter form also occurs at Kaslo 
amongst other places, and therefore must be included in our B.C. List. 


The form of niveifasciata Swett, described as a variety of californiata 
and of which I have the allotype, is now placed as a form of irata on 
account of the shape of the uncus, which, as will be seen by the figures 
on page 25, is much closer to the type of irata than it is to that of 
californiata. 


This concludes the new forms in the short palpi group. In the 
next group, those with moderate palpi, there have been more changes 
than in any of the others. ‘The name of autumnalis Strom., which is a 
European species, and which was applied to a species occurring in the 
Atlantic States, has been discarded, as the genitalia of our North 
American species do not coincide with it; also several forms which were 
associated with it in a varietal sense have been raised to specific rank, 
notably perfracta Swett, which 1s a very rare insect, of which only three 
specimens are known, two from Calgary and one from the Catskill Mts. 
There is a race of this species from Vancouver Island, which has just 
been described by Barnes and McDunnough under the name of exasperata 
from two specimens in the Taylor collection, taken at Departure Bay and 
Wellington, respectively. I had the good fortune to take a single male 
in May, 1914. ‘This had stood in my collection as an undescribed form 
of autumnalis. It is evidently as rare as the typical species, as the three 
mentioned are the only ones known; so far no female specimens have 
been taken. 


We now come to the race named columbiata by the late Rev. Taylor. 
It has been removed from its previous association, and is now considered 
a race of renunciata Walk., on account of the shape of the uncus, which 
is deeply bifurcated, leaving practically no neck. There is a melanic 
form of this race, which has been named pernigra by Barnes and McDun- 
nough. ‘This is of special interest to us, as although the types are from 
Montana, the three paratypes are from British Columbia—a male and 
female from Skagit Basin and a male from Stickeen River. It is more 
than probable that the latter was taken by Theodore Bryant when in 
that district many years ago with a survey party. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1918 23 


Crokeri Swett has been raised to specific rank. ‘The only locality 
this species has been recorded from is Victoria, with the exception of a 
solitary male from Salem, Ore. 


In the long palpi group, the only change affecting our British Col- 
umbia species is in edenata Swett. This species was described from 
Eden Valley, Monterey Co., Calif., and although our Vancouver Island 
form is identical in maculation, it is very much larger, measuring 38 mm. 


in both sexes. 


On account of this large size, Barnes and MeDunnough propose 
the racial name of grandis for our Vancouver Island form. It also differs 
slightly in colouring, as our local form possesses a greenish tinge, which 
is lacking in the typical species. 


In this long palpi group speciosata Pack., and its varieties, occur, 
and it is interesting to note the totally different shape of the uncus from 
those we have been discussing. 


There are slight but distinct differences in the uncus of speciosata, 
and its two forms, taylori and ameliata, especially in the basal portion 
of the neck. I have a long series of each of the two former, and the 
differences appear to be constant. 


In conclusion, it may be of interest to mention that out of a grand 
total of 68 described forms in Boreal America (that is, North of Mexico 
to the Arctic Circle), twenty or nearly one-third occur in British Col- 
umbia. Of these 20 forms, no less than 18 occur on Vancouver Island, 
this Island thus containing more species than any other locality in North 
America. This is quite an advance on the 1906 B.C. Check List, which 
contains seven species, and one of these—ruberata—was listed in error. 
Furthermore, out of the 18 forms occurring on Vancouver Island, it is 
gratifying to note that eleven of them were described from here, the 
types being from Victoria (5), Wellington (2), Departure Bay (2), Gold- 
stream (1), and Duncan (1). 


Author’s Note (September, 1919). 


Since the above article was written, another new species of this 
genus has been described by L. W. Swett under the name of Hydriomena 
macdonnoughi, vide Can. Ent., Vol. 50, p. 296, Sept. 1918. It was taken 
at Atlin in June, 1914, and apparently belongs to the ruberata group. 
It is named after Dr. J. McDunnough.in recognition of his splendid work - 
on this genus. 


In the same article Mr. Swett verifies the conclusion that I had 
arrived at in my article in the Proc. B.C. Ent. Socy., No. 10, March, 1917 
(Author’s Note, page 20), that periclata is a form of quinquefasciata 
Pack. rather than of furcata Thun. Upon the recent receipt of two males 


D4. B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


from the nimotypical locality, he was enabled to see that this form had 
the same type of uncus that is associated with quinquefasciata. 


Recently, in working over my material in this genus, | have found 
a male specimen which undoubtedly belongs to speciosata form ameliata 
Swett. It was taken at Garden City (the type locality), a suburb of 
Victoria, on June 26th, 1914, and is the first male recorded, the type 
and paratype both being females (Can. Ent., Vol. 47, p. 64, Feb., 1915). 
A figure of the uncus will be found on page 25. gels 18%: 


EXPLANATION OF FIGURES ON PAGE 25 


Fig. 1. H. furcata Thun. Fig. 9. H. renunciata 
et or ETO eg race columbiata Taylor. 
form fuscoundata Don. “10. H. crokeri Swett. 
“3. H. quinquefasciata Pack. “11. H. californiata Pack. 
“4. H. quinquefasciata “12. H. macdunnoughi Swett. 
form viridata Pack. oan ETt ad erate, 
“5. H. albifasciata race grandis B. & McD. 
race victoria B. & McD. 6c ote speciosata Pack. 
6. H. manzanita Taylor. “ 15. H. speciosata 
v7 gablvirataysw ent: form taylori Swett. 
~ 8 “H.iirata “16. H. speciosata 
form niveifascia Swett. form ameliata Swett. 


These figures were all drawn with the aid of a low-power binocular 
from specimens in my own collection. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1918 25 


ener 
(el 
WM 
A 


AA 


TYPES OF UNCUS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA SPECIES OF THE 
GENUS HYDRIOMENA HUB. 


v¢ 
A 
M 


26 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


COMPLETE LIST OF SPECIES OF HYDRIOMENA 
OCCURRING IN BRITISH COLUMBIA 


As it may be some time before the new Check List of British Col- 
umbia Lepidoptera is published, I have thought it best to append a list 
of our species in this genus, with their localities, insofar as they are 
known to me. 

HYDRIOMENA HUB. 
SHORT PAL PINGROUR: 


furcata’ ‘Thun, - -- )=, = 4- - Wancvr. Island, Princeton, *Willooet; 
Chilcotin, Quesnel, Rossland, 
Atlin. 
form fuscoundata Don. -  - Victoria. 
quinquefasciata Pack. - - - Victoria, Duncan. 
formuvinidata Packs =) 9-4 = Victoria. 
form periclata Swett = 9-1 Vietoriat 


albifasciata Pack. 
race victoria B. & McD. - - Victoria, Duncan. 
nubilofasciata Pack. 
form cupidata (?) Swett-  - Duncan. 
manzanita Taylor - - -  - Goldstream, Duncan, Wellington. 


exculpata B. & McD. 


form tribulata B. & McD. = itaslos 
irata Swett 2 Se ek Can COmviel USlan dea WiatlGotnnets 
form niveifascia Swett - - Victoria, Goldstream, Duncan. 


MODERATE PALPI GROUP: 


perfracta Swett 


race exasperata B. & McD. Victoria, Departure Bay, Wellington. 
renunciata Walk. 
race columbiata Taylor - - Vancouver Island, Agassiz, Hope. 


Skagit River, Stickeen River. 


form pernigrata B. & McD. 


Erokenl Swett = ys). = ee VitGtonar 

californiata Pack. - = - = Vancotver Island. 
LONG PALPT GROUP: 

macdunnoughi Swett - - - Atlin. 


edenata Swett 


race grandis B. & McD. Victoria, Duncan. 


1 
i 


speciosata Pack. - - - - Vancouver Island. 
form taylori Swett - - - Vancouver Island. 
form ameliata Swett - -  - Victoria. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1918 


bo 
“I 


NOTES ON THE AEOLOTHRIPIDAE 


By R. C. Treherne, Field Officer, Entomological Branch, 
Dominion Department of Agriculture 


I take a great deal of pleasure in recording certain notes on the 
order Thysanoptera in the Proceedings of the Entomological Society 
of British Columbia. ‘This group has been sadly neglected in Canada, 
very few records being obtainable as to the.species present, with their 


distribution. 


The family Aeolothripidae represents the most generalized group 
in the Thysanoptera, and for that reason | have attempted to bring 
together such information as | have been able to gather from literature 
and from the study of certain specimens, with a view towards enlisting 
your support and introducing to your notice this important group of 
insects, which has not as yet received any attention at the hands of our 


entomologists. 


This order of insects, commonly known as Thrips, has heen referred 
to the Physopoda by various authors. ‘The name Thysanoptera, how- 
ever, has priority over Physoda, and therefore should be used to cover 
this group. The order is divided into two sub-orders—Terebrantia and 
Tubulifera, the former having females with a saw-like ovipositor arising 
from the 8th and 9th abdominal segments, and the latter, with females 
without an ovipositor, the terminal segments of the abdomen being 
drawn out into the form of a tube. | 


According to Hood (1915), the sub-order Terebrantia is divided 
into two super-families—Aeolothripidea and Thripoidea—the ovipositor 
of the former being up-curved and of the latter down-curved. The family 
Acolothripidae, which will receive our attention in this paper, is con- 
tained within the former super-family, and it is divided into sub-families 
and genera in the following manner. 


Order - - -  - Thysanoptera Haliday. 
Sub-order - -  - Terebrantia Haliday. 
Super-family - - Aeolothripoidea Hood. 
Family - - - - Aeolothripidae Uzel. 


KEY TO SUB-FAMILIES 

A. Labial palpi with fewer segments than maxillary palpi; antennal 
segments often freely movable. 
B. Maxillary palpi 7 or 8 segmented; labial palpi 3-5 segmented. 
Orothripinae Bagnall. 
BB. Maxillary palpi 3-segmented; labial palpi 2-segmented. 

Melanothripinae Bagnall. 

AA. Labial palpi 4segmented; maxillary palpi 3-segmented; distal 

segments always closely united... Aecolothripinae Bagnall. 


a8 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


KEY TO THE GENERA 
Orothripinae Bagnall 


a. Labial palpi 5-segmented; head wider than long. 

b. Terminal antennal segments more or less closely united. 
Antennae moderately slender, inserted very closely together. 
segments 7-9 more or less compactly united; maxillary palpi 
clearly 8-segmented; posterior margin of prothorax without 
strong spine; fore-tibiae unarmed; fore-wings expanded 
apically, where they are twice as broad as near base. 

Stomatothrips Hood. 
ec. Antennal segments 5-9 closely united... Desmothrips Hood. 
All antennal segments freely movable. 

d. Maxillary palpi 5-segmented*; posterior margin of pro- 
thorax bordered with several quite strong spines on either 
side; all tibiae armed; fore-wings broader in distal third, 

Orothrips Moulton. 


narrower near base 

aa. Labial palpi 3 or 4-segmented, head longer than wide. 

e. Antennal segments 8 and 9 closely joined and together, 
somewhat shorter than segment 7; maxillary palpi 
8-segmented; fore-wings very slightly narrowed before 
theta dlclil eene se rad tans Soe see ee Erythrothrips Moulton. 


Melanothripinae Bagnall 
Antennae strongly geniculate, with tip of second segment strongly 
produced inwardly beyond insertion of third, all segments free; fore- 
wing coloured uniformly pale brown._.......... Ankothrips Crawford. 


DA eee oS ihe SE ns EU CR os Fo ca ge eae tse eee a Melanothrips. 


Aeolothripinae Bagnall 

a. Head small, broader than long, rounded uniformly anteriorly, dis- 
tinctly retracted into prothorax, forming a compact elliptical mass 
with prothorax; fore-wings narrow with two developed longitudinal 
VeUls DuUtewathoityCrOSSyvelnSwe aes ee ee Franklinothrips Back. 

aa. Head and prothorax separated; wings with cross-wings. 
Antennal segments 3 and 4 elongated, the fourth being three times 

as long as the succeeding segments combined. 

Mitrothrips Trybom. 


* Moulton (U.S.D.A. Tech. ser. No. 12, Pt. 3) in generic key of Orothrips gives 
labial palpi “four-segmented,” but in the description of the genus and in the 
species kelloggii gives labial palpi “five-segmented.” No specimen of kelloggii 
has been available for study, but in a specimen of its variety yosemitii the labial 
palpi are apparently four-segmented, but by careful lighting adjustment a small 
fifth segment appears to be present. 

With Erythrothrips (U.S.D.A. Tech. ser. No. 21) Moulton in generic descrip- 
tion gives labial palpi with three segments, but in the description of the species 
arizonae labial palpi four-segmented. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1918 99 


bb. Fourth antennal segment less than three times as long as com- 
ements. 


bined succeeding seg 
c. Antennal segment 7 longer than 8 and 9 together. 

Rhipidothrips. 

ec. Terminal four antennal segments closely jointed, shorter or 

slightly longer than) theiith: 25. Aeolothrips Haliday. 


KEY TO THE SPECIES 
Genus Stomatothrips Hood 


S.. flavus Hood (Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash., Vol. 25, 1912, p. 64). 
Female—Length 1.4-1.7 mm.; colour brownish-yellow; antennal seg- 
ments 1-4 pale yellowish white, the remainder of antenna black; tibiae 
shaded with black. 


Head about one and one-fourth times as wide as long; wings long; 
fore-wings expanded apically coloured pale brown, with two white cross 
bands, one of these being a narrow one at basal seventh and the other a 
slightly wider one at apical seventh; intermediate brown area somewhat 
paler at middle. Abdominal segments 1, 2, 3 whitish on posterior 
margin; segments 9 and 10 tinged with yellow or white. 


Genus Desmothrips Hood 


D. australis Bagnall. Described by Bagnall under the generic name 
of Orothrips. Hood (Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash., Vol. 28, 1915, p. 57) refers 
this species to Desmothrips. 


Genus Orothrips Moulton 


O. kelloggii Moulton (U.S.D.A. Bur. Ent. Tech., ser. 12, Pt. 3, 1907). 
Length 1.8 mm.; colour dark brown, sometimes light brown; prothorax 
and abdomen shaded with orange. Antennae uniform dark brown except 
tip of segment 2, which is light brown, and base of 3, which is yellow; 
antennal segments 3 and 4 with elongate light coloured membranous 
sense areas on outer side. 


O. kelloggii yosemitii Moulton (U.S.D.A. Bur. Ent. Tech., ser. 21, 
1911). Length 1.7 mm.; colour brown to blackish-brown; antennae, 
segment 2 yellow, dark-brown at base, segment 3 yellow but brown in 
outer half; sense areas on segments 3 and 4 ovoid. 


Genus Erythrothrips Moulton 


E. arizona Moulton (U.S.D.A. Bur. Ent. Tech., ser. 21, 1911). 
Length of body 2.6 mm.; colour dark brown; antennae brown uni- 
colorous with body except basal part of segment 3, which is light brown. 
Long slender sense areas on segments 3 and 4. Fore-wings clear white 
with longitudinal bands, dark brown, extending from base, including 
scale, to tip. 


30 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


Genus Ankothrips Crawford 


A. robustus Crawford (Pomona Journ. Ent., Vol. 1, No. 4, 1909). 
Length of body 1.4 mm.; colour dark brown to black; antennae brown 


unicolorous with body; fore-wings light brown. 


Genus Franklinothrips Back 


F. vespiformis Crawford (Pomona Journ. Ent., Vol. 1, 1909). 
Length of body 1.6 mm.; colour dark brown with first two and part of 
third abdominal segments light ; antennal segments 1-3 clear pale yellow; 
fore-wings shaded brown, with a small clear area near bse and another 
almost at the tip and a larger clear area near centre. 


F. tenuicornis Hood (Ent. News, Vol. 26, 1915). Length of body 
1.8 mm.; colour blackish-brown; antennal segments 1-4 clear pale 
yellow, remainder dark blackish-brown. 


Genus Aeolothrips Haliday 


a. Antennal segment 4 uniformly similar in colour to segments 5-9. 


b. Antennal segment 2 wholly concolorous with segment 1; fore- 
wings clear white with dark brown longitudinal band covering 
posterior half near base to near tip. Length of body 1.6 mm.; 
antennal segment 3 lemon-yellow shaded light brown at tip. 

kuwanaii Moulton. 


bb. Length of body 2.4 mm.; antennal segment 3 light brown with a 
touch of purple pigment at the base. 
kuwanaii var. robustus Moulton. 


bbb. Antennal segment 2 lighter in colour, wholly or in part, to 
segment 1; fore-wings with dark cross bands reaching from 
anterior margin of wing to the posterior margin. 

c. Segments 2 and 3 of abdomen white; length of body 1.9 mm.; 
antennal segment 3 very pale yellowish-white except brown 
band around apex, antennal segment 2 brown at base, fading 
(Hoy hiss awtelikongyalslay che Gyoyee ne ey bicolor Hinds. 


cc. Abdominal segments more or less unicolorous, brown. 


d. Last four segments of antennae equal to the fifth alone: 
segment 3 one and one-third times as long as 1 and 2 
together; length of body 1.6 mm.; antennae brown except 
tip of 2 and all but extreme tip of 3, which are nearly white, 
TeniainGden | COMCOlOROTIS ees eee een fasciatus Linn. 


dd. Last four segments of antennae one and one-fourth times 
as long as segment 5; segment 3 one and one-half times as 
long as 1 and 2 together; length of body 2-1 mm.; antennal 
segment 2 light brown, 3 lemon-yellow shaded light brown 
at the tip, remaining segments concolorous with rest of the 


PO Eig 2 2 Sees oes SOON eae Ae ha eee nasturtii Jones. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1918 21 


aa. Antennal segment 4 white or yellow or partially shaded brown. 
e. First few abdominal segments yellow in colour. 
ee. Abdominal segments unicolorous or first few segments 
only shghtly lighter to the prevailing colour. 
f. Antennal segment 4 wholly white or yellow or shaded 
brown only at the extreme apex. 
ge. Fore-wing with brown area along the greater part 
Oietmencostal mrarowt. see ee ee tiliae Bagnall. 
gg. Fore-wing with longitudinal black band along 
posterior margin, which broadens in the second 
fifth to nearly the costal margin. Length of body 
1.5 mm.; colour blackish-brown; head not trans- 
versely striate; antennal segments 6-9 together 
equal tolsegmients'): eee crassus Hood. 


ff. Antennal segment 4 with basal half white or yellow, 
apical half shaded brown or black. 


h. Antennal segment 3 more or yellowish-white 
throughout. Length of body 1.5 mm.; colour 
blackish-brown; antennal segment 4 pale 
yellowish-white in basal half; ocelli more than 
twice the diameter of facets of eyes; antennal 
segments 5-9 together very slightly longer 
than 3, the last four segments together nearly 
as long as 5; fore-wings basal fifth and apex 
white, remainder dark brown-grey, except a 
white spot occupying costal half of middle 
GI Noses sews es ay peers eae ae a annectans Hood. 


hh. Antennal segment 3 with extreme tip brown 
or black. 


j. Head deeply and closely transversely striate ; 
length of body 1.5 mm.; colour dark black- 
ish-brown; antennal segment 3 yellowish- 
white, becoming dark blackish-brown at 
extreme apex; 4 yellowish-white in basal 
half or third, except dark pedicel, remainder 
of antenna blackish-brown;  fore-wings 
with posterior border occupied by a longi- 
tudinal black band which extends from 
extreme base, across scale,’to the tip of 
wing, with a tendency to form a transverse 
band just beyond the basal third. 

vittipennis Hood. 
jj. Head, dorsal surface with minute cross 
striations; length of body 1.7 mm.; colour 


32 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


/0. 


Ss 


AEOLOTHRIPS SPP. 


Diagrammatic outlines, shaded to show specific characters, adapted from 
original descriptions, of the female antenna and the wing of Aeolothrips: 
(1) kuwanaii, (2) kuwanaii robustus, (3) bicolor, (4) fasciatus, (5) nasturtii, (6) 
tiliae, (7) crassus, (8) vittipennis, (9) annectans, (10) floridensis. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1918 39 
dark brown; antennal segment 3 and basal 
half of 4 yellow, remainder brown, with 
the very tip of 3 brown; fore-wings with 
posterior half shaded, but not very dark 
brown, longitudinally.....floridensis Watson. 


Ae. vittatus, tibialis, albocinctus, melaleucus and versicolor are not 
contained in the above key. In the keys on the genus Aeolothrips to 
which I have had reference (Jones, U.S.D-A. Bur. Ent. Tech. ser. 23, 
Pt. I., 1912, and Watson, Ent. News, Vol. 27, 1916) the leading char- 
acters refer to the wing. In some specimens in my possession, collected 
in British Columbia, brachyterous forms only occur at present.  Tflence 
for my own satisfaction I have collated such information relating to the 
various species from the original descriptions, using other characters 
than the wings as the basis. 

REFERENCES (Other than those already noted) 

1902. Hinds, W. E. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., Vol. 26, pp. 126-132. 

1912. Hood, J. D. Proc. Ent. Soc. Wash., Vol. 14, pp. 129-131. 

1912. Back, E. A. Ent. News, Vol. 23, pp. 74-77. 

1913. Williams, C. B. Journ. Econ. Biol., Vol. 8, pp. 216-218. 

1913. Bagnall, R.S. Journ. Econ. Biol., Vol. 8, pp. 155-158. 

1916. Watson, J. R. Ent. News, Vol. 27, pp. 126-127. 


34 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


THREE YEARS COLLECTING IN THE LILLOOET DISTRICT 
By A. W. A. Phair, Lillooet, B:C. 


Don’t let me frighten you, as luckily for my friends, all I know 
about my collection of three years gathering, or rather the part that 
may interest you, will not take long to tell, as I will try and omit the 
part familiar to all collectors. 


When a boy my teacher (Morrison) had shown me how to mount 
butterflies, and if [| had known what | know now I expect I could have 
given the world quite a few new things, as 1 must have had such 
butterflies as Erebia vidleri before known to Elwes. I believe the type 
came from Seton Lake. Not knowing how to take care of my collection, 
of course most of those collected years ago were entirely destroyed, but 
I found a few specimens a couple of years ago in the attic in shoe boxes, 
in perfect condition. I can’t understand why the moths didn’t destroy 
them, as moths are very hard to keep out of my glass cases. One thing 
I have never forgotten was getting Parnassius smintheus probably var. 
magnus, about twenty years ago, a hundred feet or so above town. ‘Ten 
years or so ago it seems to me that I saw hundreds near the summit of 
Mt. McLean. ‘The last three years I have only seen them at from 4,000 
to 6,000 feet. Last year there were none on the summit. Can anyone 
account for it being so low down that one time? It was not likely it 
was breeding here then, as it lives on sedum and saxifraga, which are 
only found high up. 


It was our good old friend, the late Tom Wilson, who put me on 
the right track. I collected Buprestids for him, but couldn’t resist 
starting a collection of butterflies, although he told me to leave that to 
the boys, and for me to take up a group not so well known. The moun- 
tains were always my friends, but it was not until I knew how to collect 
scientifically that they became of such great interest. It was not until 
after EK. M. Anderson had taken two specimens of Oeneis beazi that I 
had any conception that I still might turn up something of interest to the 
outside world. With the idea of becoming suddenly famous, I made up 
my mind that I would capture an Oeneis beavi if possible, although 
Anderson had been a week in capturing two. I watched the barometer 
until I felt sure that we were going to have fine settled weather. It is 
no use attempting to collect high up in bad weather. So an hour or so 
before daylight on an August morning, | started out for a day of chase 
and destruction that I shall never forget. At about 5,000 ft. I rested 
for breakfast, and if I were a poet | would be still writing verses describ- 
ing the grandeur of the scene, the rising sun gilding the top of the 
mountain in the distance, and the beds of lupins and yellow lillies at 
my feet. The breathing of an air so pure, the stillness of it all, ma‘es 
one wonder how poor man has fallen and got away from God’s wondrous 
world. Reaching timber line at about six, I still pressed onward even 


PROCEEDINGS, 1918 35 


though there were plenty of good things at hand. My mind was set 
on beani. On reaching the crest of the ridge that runs to the summit of 
Mt. McLean, I was surprised to notice-two or three of the prize I sought, 
but I soon found they were a long way from being in the bottle. I noted 
the spot where I was sure I had seen one alight, but although I got quite 
close I could not make it out. | found later on that the underside is 
exactly the colour of the moss or lichen-covered rocks, and that when 
they alight they turn over on their sides, but they are on the alert, and 
one does well to get within ten feet. When they start they rise high in 
the air and are off down the mountain side several hundred feet. After 
a while I struck a plan by studying its movements. I found if I kept a 
little down one side of the ridge, they would often fly in my direction 
or light near me. Even when one had the net over them, one would 
have to be very careful as they would not rise into the net, but lie flat 
on the ground and sneak out under the net, but after many hours of 
hard work up and down the ridge, I was well rewarded. As I got to the 
summit I noticed that beani disappeared and that chryxus took their 
place, and that they did not encroach on each others territory. 


This was in 1916. In 1917 there was not a beani to be seen on the 
same ground at the same time of the year. The weather might have 
had something to do with it, as I did not strike a good day the whole 
of 1917. I saw a few beani near the head of Cayoosh Creek in 1917. 


Among my 1916 catch, I got two or three Brenthis astarte, but was 
so intent on beani that I did not notice much about the habits of astarte. 
In fact, | did not know I had made such a rare capture until later on. 
I did not see an astarte anywhere in 1917. 


Erebia vidleri is fairly plentiful at from 4,000 to 6,000 feet, although 
fresh specimens are not always easily got. 


Oeneis navadensis is found at one or two thousand feet. 


Eurymus nastes form streckeri is found here at about 7,000 feet. 1 
have never seen many, and they seem the hardest of any to capture, as 
once they start they do not alight for a long time. ‘ 


I had the good fortune to get Heodes cupreus at about 7,000 feet 
in 1917. I also got a few at the head of a tributary of Cayoosh Creek. 
The gold and red gives it a very striking appearance when in flight. 

One sight I witnessed on the peak of Mt. Mclean struck me as 
peculiar. The air was literally full of flying ants and lady-bugs 
(Coccinellidae). I intend trying to find out if the ants had their nest 
there, or 1f they flew up from the valley. 

Danaus archippus was quite common here in about 1915, but now 
seems to have disappeared. 

The same thing seems to have happened to Pseudohazis hera. ‘This 
moth was quite common one season, and | got several specimens, but it 


36 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


disappeared all of a sudden, and I only got one specimen the following 
season, although I kept on the lookout for it for two months. I think 
it was flying some time in July, on very hot days. I gave a couple to 
the late T. Wilson, who said he had never seen it before. 


MOUNT McLEAN 

McLean lies to the west of the town of Lillooet. It is bounded 
on the south by Seton Lake and on the north by the lower Bridge River. 
The highest peak cannot be seen from the town, but a trail starts from 
here that is the best possible route to take for one wishing to reach the 
summit. To climb the 7,438 feet and return to town-the same day 
is not too strenuous an undertaking. Any young man that is a good 
walker can make it easily. Those who prefer to ride can take horses, 
and there is a very good trail the whole way. As the town is 862 feet 
above sea level, it means the peak is 8,300 feet high. July and August 
are the ideal months for the collector. Those contemplating a one-day 
trip should start at two or three a.m. ‘There is an excellent place for 
breakfast at about 5,000 feet. Timber line would be then reached at 
about six, and by that time the sun would be warm enough to bring out 
quite a few butterflies. By nine or ten a person could be on the summit. 
Even on the hottest days it is cool there, as there is generally a breeze 
blowing. The horse flies might be a little troublesome, but you can 
have some sport bottling these. There are several lakes and you could 
" work down to these for lunch. Collecting is good anywhere here. The 
view from the top is beyond description. I think I counted three hundred 
snow-capped peaks, some seventy miles away. Looking towards the 
coast, it is a sea of peaks, some covered with perpetual snow down their 
sides for two or three thousand feet. 1 can pick out one at the head of 
Cayoosh Creek that must be 9,000 feet. Frank Gott is the only human 
being who has ever climbed it, Indians excepted (but I don’t think they 
ever did), so I named it Gott Mountain. I got on top of the next peak 
and took a picture of it. 


The flora is most interesting. J. M. Macoun, Dominion Botanist, 
collected here in 1916. He got nearly a thousand species, and claims 
it is one of the best fields he ever collected in. ‘The most beautiful spots 
lie between 4,000 and 6,500 feet. Here whole hillsides are a mass of 
purple lupins, dotted with yellow lillies and framed with dark green fir 
or spruce. In the distance shining snow-banks show through the trees. 


There is quite a contrast between the flowers found at the town and 
those on top of the mountain. Here we have almost tropical vegetation, 
as cactus, sage brush, and other plants that grow in Arizona, while at 
8,000 feet we find alpine flowers that grow up into the Arctic Circle. 
This should be the ideal field for the collector, and I daresay gives a com- 
bination that will be hard to beat anywhere. Then lying between the 
wet and dry belts, a person has only to go a few miles one way or the 
other to find the fauna and flora entirely different. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1918 37 


NATURAL CONTROL INVESTIGATIONS IN BRITISH 
COLUMBIA 


By John D. Tothill, B.S.A., 


In Charge of Natural Control Investigations, 
Entomological Branch, Ottawa 


The forest tent insect (Malacosoma disstria) has an egg mass of 
approximately 200 eggs. In areas where it is maintaining about the 
same numerical strength during a short term of years, it is obvious that 
on an average only a single pair of moths can come to maturity from 
each mass of eggs. ‘This means, of course, that about 198 of the 200 
eggs in each mass fail to do so. 


With the direction of Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt, the Dominion Entomol- 
ogist, an investigation in the natural control of insects is being carried 
on, and the writer is undertaking the study of the causes of this stupen- 
dous mortality in the case of a very few of our common injurious insects. 


One of the chief causes of mortality, or causes of control, has proven 
to be parasitism and predatism by other insects. Indeed, in the host 
insects studied, insect foes have shown themselves to be the chief regu- 
lators of control; for unlike birds, inclement weather, and epidemics of 
bacterial and fungus diseases, they increase and decrease with their 
hosts. 


The importance of such insect predators and parasites in the control 
of insect pests has been recognized for many years, and already some 
very practical uses for them Itave been found. ‘The citrus industry of 
California owes its vigour to the introduction from Australia of a few 
insignificant-looking lady beetles of the genus Vedalia and of a few even 
more insignificant-looking Agromyzid flies. The most common eastern 
parasite of the cabbage worm was brought here many years ago from 
its home in Europe. Owing to the introduction of its chief insect 
enemies the dreaded gypsy moth is now under infinitely better control 
than it was ten years ago. By thus helping insect foes of insects to 
cross such barriers as oceans, mountain ranges, and deserts, the dis- 
turbed balance of nature has in many cases been re-established. Such 
work has been carried on particularly by the State of Massachusetts in 
co-operation with the Federal Entomological forces in the case of the 
gypsy and brown tail moths, and by the State authorities of California 
in the case of citrus insects. “The Government Entomological Service 
in Hawaii and entomologists independently employed by the Sugar 
Planters’ Association in the Hawaiian Island, have been very active in 
similar work. : 


In the progress of natural control investigations in Canada it seemed 
probable that barriers within the limits of the Dominion were affecting 
the distribution of parasitic and predacious enemies of insects having a 


388 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


coast to coast distribution. Certain findings in particular seemed to 
indicate that such was the case. For instance, a few years after the work 
was started it was found that useful parasites were occasionally killed 
out over an area as large as New Brunswick. A Tachinid parasite that 
for three years in succession had killed off more than sixty per cent. 
of the fall webworm crop (Hyphantria) was suddenly itself killed off 
by a very simple but quite natural set of conditions. The crux of the 
situation was that the fly had to compete with another parasite that 
could oviposit in wet weather. While the Tachinid flies were sheltering 
under leaves, their food supply was parasitized by their competitor. 
In another instance a light frost in June indirectly killed off the principal 
parasites of the forest tent (Malacosoma disstria). Such cases indicated 
that parasites present on One coast or in one locality might be absent 
in other places. 


With these things in view the same set of host insects were studied 
last year in the West as had been studied for several years previously 
either in Massachusetts or New Brunswick. 


The forest tent caterpillar (M. disstria) was studied at Red Deer, 
Alberta, and in the lower Fraser Valley. At the first of these places 
there has been a serious outbreak of the insect for three years, and a 
great deal of leaf stripping has taken place each year. In an outbreak 
of such long standing one usually finds that parasites of various kinds 
are becoming very abundant. At Red Deer, however, such was not the 
case, and I was unable to find a single specimen of any of the parasites 
ordinarily preying on this host in both the East and far West. Parasites 
of the right kind could be secured in great quantities at the present time 
from the Western ‘Tent insect (M. pluvialis) on the lower end of Van- 
couver Island, and it seems well worth an effort to collect these for 
liberation at Red Deer. ‘The only reason for the absence of parasites at 
Red Deer that I am able to suggest is that as the present outbreak seems 
to be quite isolated, it probably arose from a few moths being blown in 
from such a great distance that the parasites have been unable to follow. 
As none of the parasites are on the wing at the flying time of the moths 
they could reach such an isolated outbreak only by being accidently 
blown to it. In their case, of course, the barrier would consist of a great 
area of country supporting no food material. 


In the lower Fraser Valley the environment for the forest tent is 
exceedingly unfavourable. None of the native trees it feeds upon are 
abundant enough to support an outbreak, and the insect seems to be 
eking out a rather unhappy existence. Most of the larvae from twenty- 
four egg masses that I had under observation there were eaten by spiders. 
Though the usual insect parasites were present and even abundant, this 
was undoubtedly due to the great numbers of M. pluvialis which were 
suffering a great mortality from the same parasites. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1918 39 


In studying the fall webworm (Hyphantria) information was 
obtained, largely through material collected by several members of the 
British Columbia Entomological Society, concerning its control at several 
widely separated points in both wet and dry belts. It was found that 
in British Columbia a parasite is at work unknown in Eastern Canada, 
and that this parasite was the most important single factor in control 
there. This parasite is an undescribed Tachinid fly, closely related to 
the gyspy moth parasite Compsilura. Its introduction into the region 
East of Winnipeg will be watched with interest. In this case the great 
plains of the Middle West seem to have been the barrier across which 
the parasite has been unable to go. 


Finally, I will mention just one more case of a similar kind, this time 
in connection with an exotic insect, the Oyster Shell Scale. In Eastern 
Canada, and according to Walsh, Shimer, Ewing and Webster, in the 
Eastern United States, the most important single factor in contro] of 
this scale is a predacious mite, Hemisarcoptes malus. ‘This mite, by 
feeding upon the eggs of the scale, brings about an immense destruction ; 
and besides takes at least some of the growing summer scales. 
Although I have been able to find this mite with little or no trouble in 
every one of our Eastern Provinces, a very careful search, made largely 
through the kindness of a number of your members, and last summer 
through personal observations, has failed to reveal the presence of the 
mite in British Columbia. If it is there at all; it is too rare to be of 
practical benefit, and its complete absence seems highly probable. 
Though it is not certain how or when the scale reached British Columbia, 
that it came from the East is about as certain as that it reached the East 
from Europe. Infested stock undoubtedly reached the Province shortly 
after the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway. That the mite 
has not also reached the Province by the same route is a fine tribute to 
the splendid inspection and fumigation system consistently maintained 
by the Provincial and Dominion Departments of Agriculture. It may 
be added, in conclusion, that some experimental colonies of this mite 
have been liberated at several points in British Columbia, and that these 
will be kept under observation during the next few years. 


Enel 


v ioe 
‘i } 


PROCEEDINGS 


OF THE 


OF 


NUMBERS THIRTEEN AND FIFTEEN 
ECONOMIC SERIES 


PRINTED BY 
AUTHORITY OF THH LEGISLATIVH ASSEMBLY. 


VICTORIA, B.O.: 
Printed by Witura H, CuLLIn, Pfinter to the King’s Most Wxcellent Majesty. 
1921. 


a 
war 


PROCHHEDINGS 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


OF 


7 1921 a 


JUNE, 1921 
NUMBERS THIRTEEN AND FIFTEEN 
ECONOMIC SERIES 


PRINTED BY 
AUTHORITY OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY. 


VICTORIA, B.C.: 
Printed by Wituiam H. Cuvuin, Printer to the King’s Most Excellent Majesty. 
1921. 


TABLE OF CONTENTS. 


PAGE. 


The Locusts of British Columbia—E. R. Buckell. (Read March, 1919) 113 


Native Flowers for Bees—J. Davidson. (Read February, 1920) .... 124 
The Importance of Mosquitoes, with Notes on some British Columbia 
E Species ——Ewaleanleme (Readmhebrtiarys 1920) «1 sees sees acre enee 132 


A Further Review of Applied Entomology in British Columbia—R. C. 


sleienness GiNeadeibiebriiaty,, sUO2IA) i rey iss bites ces ctcresseteaia ea 135 
A Talk on Insects imported from the Orient—W. H. Lyne. (Read 

eb nttar yao Ia ie preety eee aera Seti. sae Beata cae, 146 
Man’s Influence on the Native Flora, with Special Reference to Insect 

Pests—J. Davidson. , (Read February, 1921) ....:.........;.. 148 


bo 


a ae 

a gs 
cat 
<i) 


BRITISH COLUMBIA ENTOMOLOGICAL 
SOCIETY. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921. 


THE LOCUSTS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA. 
By E. R. Bucket. 


OCUSTS or grasshoppers from an early date have been known 
to cause great losses to cultivated crops and to the native grasses 
in North America. The Rocky Mountain locust (Melanoplus 
spretus), which periodically appeared in dense clouds, flying 
from the breeding-grounds on the dry mountain-slopes to the 

lower lands in the valleys, was particularly feared by the early 
settlers. Arriving suddenly in a dense swarm, they would descend upon 
the cultivated portions of the valleys, and moving forward would leave the 

ground behind them completely cleared of vegetation, causing great losses. 

In Canada the Rocky Mountain locust is said to have been responsible for 
the great damage done during the severe locust outbreaks of 1868, 1870, 
1872, and 1874. Since then, however, it has not occurred alone in sufficient 
numbers to do very serious damage. Its place, however, has been taken by 
several species, most of which are not migratory in their habits, but. 
periodically become very numerous and destroy the crops in the neighbour- 
hood of their breeding-grounds. As these species are often distributed 

over a large area, a sudden increase in their numbers will cause the destruc- 
tion of crops and range grasses over that area, often resulting in an outbreak 


covering large tracts of land. 

With the exception of Camnula pellucida, which belongs to the sub- 
family CAdipodine, the other species chiefly responsible for outbreaks in 
Canada belong to the subfamily Acridinz and to the genus Melanoplus; 
these are: M. atlanis, M. affinis, M. femur-rubrum, M. bivittatus, M. 
packardii, and M. spretus. Species of other genera, and in some cases 
other families, have been recorded as present during outbreaks, but not in 
sufficient numbers to be of much importance. 

The following brief outline of locust outbreaks in Canada is compiled 
from the reports of the Dominion Entomologist: In the years 1868, 1870, 
1872, and 1874 serious locust depredations occurred in the Prairie Provinces, 
the Rocky Mountain locust (M. spretus) being chiefly responsible for the 
damage done. In 1893 the common red-legged locust (M. femur-rubrum) 


-became very abundant in the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec. In 1894 


a heavy outbreak of the lesser migratory locust (M. atlanis) caused great 
damage on Sable Island. In Ontario and Quebec the locusts continued to 
increase and in 1895 and again in 1896 caused great damage in these 


114 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Provinces, the species chiefly responsible being M. atlanis, M. femur- 
rubrum, and M. bivittatus. During these two years (1895 and 1896) these 
three species mentioned above were reported as injurious to crops and range 
grasses in several parts of Canada, especially where droughts prevailed. 
In 1896 the climax of this outbreak in Ontario and Quebec was apparently 
reached, for in 1897 these Provinces were comparatively free from locusts, 
the notable absence of locusts being probably due to the great abundance of 
their parasites in 1896. In 1808 a bad outbreak occurred in Manitoba, and 
this outbreak lasted until 1903. The commencement of this outbreak in 
Manitoba was important on account of the fact that in this year the Rocky 
Mountain locust (M. spretus), not an important species as regards damage 
done in Canada since the outbreak of 1868-1874, where it alone was 
responsible for most of the damage, was again the chief destructive specie. 
Three other species were recorded as present in lesser numbers—namely, 
M. atlanis, M. minor, and Camnula pellucida. In 1900 this outbreak in 
Manitoba was still serious; M. spretus was, however, not so mutch in 
evidence, but M. packardii, with M. atlanis and Camnula pellucida, were 
the chief destructive species. During the years 1901 and 1902 the Manitoba 
outbreak continued, but was controlled locally by the use of poisoned bran- 
mash. At this time M. atlanis was the chief species present; M. spretus 
and M. packardii were on the decrease, M. bivittatus and Camnula 
pellucida taking their places. In 1903 the same species as in the past three 
years were again numerous in Manitoba, but this appeared to be their final 
year in this particular outbreak, for in 1904, 1905, and 1906 no serious 
damage from locusts was reported. In 1909 and 1910 parts of Manitoba 
and Ontario and Quebec were again injured by locusts. In 1914 and 1915 
Ontario suffered badly from the ravages of M. atlanis and Camnula 
pellucida. During the year 1916 no serious locust damage was reported. 


Locust OurTBREAKS IN B.C. 


The accounts of these outbreaks are taken from the reports of the 
Dominion Entomologist, except that in the account of the 1914 outbreak in 
the Nicola Valley the report of Mr. R. C. Treherne, Field Officer, Dominion 
Entomological Branch, was the chief source of my information, and in 1919 
I was able to visit the outbreaks myself. The earliest record of locust- 
injury in British Columbia contained in these reports is in 1899, where 
locusts are reported to have “ caused complete havoc in the Nicola Valley. 
In 1895 Camnula pellucida was extremely abundant and destructive between 
Vernon and Kelowna.” 

The next outbreak we hear of in British Columbia is in 1898 in the 
Nicola’ Valley, and in a letter from. Mr. Pooley to the Dominion 
Entomologist of September 7th, 1898, he says: “ Injury done by the hoppers 
was principally to the ranges and bunch-grass pasture-fields; also con- 
siderable injury to the oats, by their eating off the small stem which connects _ 
the grain with the straw, and consequently all the oats were lodged on the — 
ground. Injury to wheat, not any; peas scarcely perceptible. This is the | 
second time the grasshoppers have appeared in our valley. The first time | 


” 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921. : 115 


(which was in 1890) they made complete havoc, and unless something 
happens to destroy the eggs before hatching it will be very little use putting 
in a crop next spring. The eggs are deposited on sandy and gravelly hills 
(about an inch below the surface). Some of the eggs seem to have 
become dried, but the majority are quite fertile. Nearly all the grasshoppers 
have disappeared and a great many have died.” 

f Mr. S. J. Solomon, in a letter to the Dominion Entomologist, says: 
© Nicola Lake, December 31st—I could not grow enough feed to keep any 
quantity of hogs. The grasshoppers were very bad last summer and laid 
their eggs, so that we are expecting our crops will be all eaten by them 
next year. I shall put in very little wheat or oats, but principally peas 
___and potatoes, as they do not bother these crops so much. 

Bae? “The early disappearance of the locusts mentioned by Mr. Pooley 
would indicate the probable presence of parasitic insects or some fungous 
or bacterial disease. The most numerous species was Camnula pellucida, 
- which is sometimes extremely abundant and destructive in the West. 
This was the case between Vernon and Kelowna in 1895. The other species 
present were Trimerotropis (probably cincta), Circotettix verruculatus, 
and M. atlanis.” During the years tg00 and 1901 reports were received 
by the Dominion Entomologist of considerable damage to crops and range 
Jand in British Columbia. In 1900 it was in the Okanagan Valley where 
most of the damage was done, where M. atlanis and C. pellucida were 
numerous and attacked grain-crops and bunch-grass pasture lands. 

In the following year, 1901, the locusts had increased in numbers and 
were doing considerable damage in several parts of the Province. 
M. atlanis damaged the foliage of fruit-trees and forage-crops on the 
Coldstream Ranch at Vernon. The Nicola Valley was another district 
which was badly damaged in 1901, and the range country between Nicola 
and Kamloops showed many instances of their destructiveness. Throughout 
this district the grasses on the ranges were severely damaged and the foliage 
of trees and shrubs in the gullies was attacked. Where cultivated crops 
~ occurred, grain-crops, turnips, and garden produce was destroyed by them. 
_ The locusts responsible for this destruction in the Nicola-Kamloops region 
were Camnula pellucida and M. affinis the former doing the most damage. 
Locusts were again noticed in numbers in the Okanagan Valley in 1903, 
and although no serious damage was reported, there was considerable 
anxiety felt by the ranchers in this region lest there be a repetition of the 
outbreaks of rgo0-19g01. The grey-spotted blister-beetle (Epicauta 
maculata) was abundant in 1903, feeding on wild plants, and as this insect 
is predaceous on the locust it was no doubt partly due to its presence that 
_ the locusts did not increase in the Okanagan Valley. The locust Camnula 
_ pellucida was fairly numerous in parts of the Dry Belt in 1904 and again 
~ in 1907, in which year it did considerable damage, but from this date until 
1914 no serious outbreaks of locusts were reported from the Province. 
ve In 1914 the locusts were again present in destructive numbers and 
> young orchards of apple and pear trees were damaged in the Okanagan 
Valley by M. atlanis. The Nicola Valley was again attacked by locusts, 


116 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


‘ 


M. affinis being the most numerous species present. An investigation of the 
conditions was made by Mr. R. C. Treherne at the request of the Dominion 
Entomologist and Provincial Government Forestry Branch, and extracts 
from his report are given below :— 

“Tt was reported from the Department at Ottawa that close upon 
200,000 acres of bunch-grass had been laid waste during the summer of 
1914 in the Nicola Valley owing to the outbreak of the locust M. affinis. 
The attacks from this insect had been increasing during the last three or 
four years. Mr. Cleasby, of Coutlee, near Merritt, Secretary of the Nicola 
Stock-breeders’ Association, said ‘ that in his recollection the years surround- 
ing the periods of 1898, 1907, and the past summer of 1914 were the most 
serious cases on record.’ I gathered from Mr. Ward, of the Douglas Lake 
Cattle Company, that the locusts began around the Minnie Lake District, 
a point 25 miles south of Quilchena, and passed through, investing Quilchena 
to the west and Douglas Lake to the east, going north nearly to Stump Lake. 
This area approximately involved land 40 miles by 20 miles and was the 
centre of the outbreak, while outlying points such as Merritt suffered to 
a lesser degree. On the afternoon of November 6th I made a detour of 
the hills on foot around the house and buildings at Quilchena. On one 
small hill immediately behind the house I found innumerable eggs. I took 
an area 3 feet by 1 foot and carefully sifted over the soil by means of a 
hand-trowel. I should judge that between 300 and 400 eggs existed to the 
square foot of soil, 3 inches deep. Eleven predatory larvee were taken in 
the area 3 feet by 1 foot; thus approximately four predatory larve demolish 
300 eggs. The hill in question was just a slight rise off the general level of 
the land, dry, practically devoid of vegetation, and the soil mostly clay, 
but very plentifully mixed with loose rock and fine shaly stones. The 
greatest number of eggs were found at the summit of the hill, but eggs 
could be found easily on the sides and at the base of the hill. On the open 
slopes and level places eggs could be found here and there, but were 
scattered and not together in restricted areas, which was the case on slightly 
rising ground and hill-tops where the soil was gravelly or clay well mixed 
with small stones, etc. Larve of predatory beetles were found freely where 
eggs were thickest, while with the isolated clusters no beetle larve were 
found. Mr. Guichon, of Quilchena, said that, of course, locusts were with 
them every year, but that for the years surrounding 1889, 1898, 1907, and 
1914, and for approximately three years surrounding these dates locusts 
did a great deal of damage. Probably the 1889 outbreak was the most 
serious. 

“Tn 1919 locust outbreaks occurred in four widely separated points in 
British Columbia. The first outbreak reported was between Bridesville 
and Rock Creek, in the Boundary country, where a large swarm of Camnula 


pellucida which had been working north through Washington State since | 
1914 crossed the Canadian boundary in this section. Considerable damage — 
was done to the grain-crops. An active campaign, however, was started 
in Washington in 1918 and continued in 1919, and the Canadian farmers © 


» 


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es 


Pe 


_—- var. ‘ 
er eee ee re 


1 ee 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921. 117 


were enabled to obtain the poison-bran bait for distribution from the Wash- 
ington authorities, with the result that this outbreak is, we believe, definitely 
checked. The next report was from Celista, on the Shuswap Lake. In 
this locality there was a clearing in the bush of 400 acres, and a large swarm 
of Melanoplus atlanis had been devouring everything that the settlers 
planted during the last three years. This year they were again bad, and 
when I visited the clearing in the middle of August I found that they had 
made a clear sweep of the vegetation in the clearing and were moving off 


into the bush on all sides in dense swarms. The third outbreak was 


reported from the Fraser Valley, between Huntingdon and Clayburn, where 

~Melanoplus femur-rubrum was numerous and was doing some damage to 
grain and truck crops. The last report was from the Chilcotin District 
at a point situated 150 miles north of Ashcroft. I was not able to visit 
this point until the frost had killed all the grasshoppers, but from the 
remains found I do not think that there is any doubt that Camnula 
pellucida was the species causing the damage. In this district the ranges 
had been eaten bare by the grasshoppers over an area of several hundred 
square miles, and was by far the most serious outbreak that has occurred 
in British Columbia for some years.” 


ContTroL MEASURES. 


Introduction.—There are several methods employed in controlling 
locusts which vary according to the stage the locusts have reached when 
the control is to be started. In some cases the eggs may be destroyed by 


_ ploughing the breeding-grounds in the fall, and thus exposing the eggs to 


the frost and enemies, such as birds, mice, etc. The eggs that are turned 
under by the plough will probably be buried deep enough to prevent the 


hoppers from reaching the surface in the spring when they hatch. This 
method is most often successful with the pellucid locust (Camnula 


Seen: al 


pellucida), as this species lays its eggs in concentrated.areas. With other 
species this method is often impossible owing to the fact that the eggs are 


~ jaid in an irregular manner over a large area, and not collected together 


2 
g 
; 


in certain definite breeding-grounds. In this case other methods have to 
be relied upon, such as poisoning the young adults or by the use of hopper- 
-dozers and other hopper-catching machines. In the United States, where 


- locust-control has been carried on for many years, a number of poison- 


_ bait formulas have been tried out with varying results. 


Baits—From the experiments conducted in Canada it has been found 


3 + . r 
_ that up to the present time the most successful formula is the Kansas 


formula, though in some localities where considerable moisture exists in 
the air during the day, and the bait does not dry out too rapidly, the 
_ Criddle mixture has proved equally efficient and less expensive. 


The Kansas formula consists of: Bran, 20 lb.; Paris green, 1 lb.; 
molasses, 2 quarts; oranges or lemons, 3 fruits; water, 3% gallons. 


The Criddle mixture is made by mixing: Horse-manure, 60 parts; 
Paris green, 1 part; salt, 2 parts. 


118 B.C. EnromMoioGicaL Society. 


In the dry climate existing throughout the Dry Belt of British Columbia 
the Criddle mixture would probably dry up too quickly to prove of much 
use, as the locusts will not eat it unless it is fairly fresh and moist. The 
Kansas formula, however, is eaten by them very readily when damp, and 
they will also continue to eat it dry, but not so readily. The substitution 
of sawdust in the place of bran has been tried and seems to have proved 
very successful. It is, however, harder to mix properly, as the sawdust 
does not absorb water so readily as bran, and in adding water the Paris 
green is apt to be washed off the sawdust. Some idea may be had of the 
effect of the poisoned formulas from the fact that in experiments conducted 
in Ontario and Quebec from 210 to 1,200 dead locusts were counted to the 
square yard. The count was made four days after the bait was spread, 
giving an average of 514.2 dead locusts to the square yard. - 

Preparation —In mixing the bran-mash the bran and Paris green should 
be mixed together dry. This is best done by adding the Paris green slowly 
as the bran is stirred around in a tub or box. In the States, where they have 
had large areas to treat, the mixing has been done on large cement floors of 
barns, using shovels to mix the bran and Paris green; or, if done in the 
open, a good way is to put tarpaulin wagon-covers or canvas sheets on the 
ground, spread the bran on these in a thin layers, and, after scattering the 
Paris green over the bran as evenly as possible, roll the ingredients together 
by lifting the sides of the wagon-cover alternately until they are thoroughly 
mixed. A tight wagon-box is a good place to mix a few hundred pounds of 
bait. The molasses and lemon-juice should be added to the water and 
thoroughly mixed, the rinds of the lemons being chopped up fine and added to 
the mixture. The lemons may be best cut up by passing them through a 
mincing-machine. When the liquid materials are well mixed, sprinkle them 
over the bran as evenly as possible, a watering can being found most useful 
for large quantities. Care should be taken that the mixture is not made 
into a sloppy mass, but that each flake of the bran is moistened by the 
liquid. If the bait is made too wet it will stick together in lumps when ~ 
spread on the fields. ; 

Distribution—This should be guarded against, as it is not nearly so 
efficient as a bait unless evenly distributed in flakes. When distributed in — 
flakes it would be found and eaten by a far larger percentage of the — 
locusts than it would if it were scattered in lumps here and there. Further, 
the risk of poultry or stock eating it and getting poisoned is obviated. The | 
best time to poison locusts is when they are still immature and have not | 
yet got their wings, the bait being spread broadcast over the areas most — 
frequented by them. This should be done either overnight or early in the © 
morning, so that it will be moist and most readily attract the locusts when ; 


they commence to feed in the morning. Where small quantities are to 
be used it may be broadcasted by hand, but where larger tracts are to be | 
treated it can be most conveniently carried in barrels in a wagon and 
spread as widely as possible with a trowel or a shingle. In parts of the 
United States (Montana, Utah) where it was necessary to treat a large 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921. 119 


tract of range land the farmers co-operate, and by meeting on a certain 
day they all help in mixing and spreading the bait. Boilers are used on 
such occasions to mix the liquids in; the hot water more readily mixing 
with the molasses and bringing out the full flavour from the chopped-up 
lemon-rinds. While the liquids are being prepared wagon-covers, sheets, 
etc., are spread on the ground and the bran and Paris green mixed ready 
tor the liquids to be added. Some mixing is also done in wagon-boxes in 
the field. Towards evening, when all the mixing has been done and the 
poison bait put into the wagons, the mixture is spread broadcast by men 
standing in the back of the wagons. ‘The wagons are lined up so that there 
would be no ground left uncovered and driven forward in line over the 
areas previously mapped out, spreading the bait at the same time. Men 
en horseback are employed to keep the wagons in line, and others to lead 
_ them through the places which had previously been located as the most 
frequented by the locusts. 
As night came on the bait kept moist, so that on the next day there 
~ were very few locusts throughout the region who did not find and devour a 
few flakes of bran. In this way a very efficient control was maintained and 
_ the cost sustained by the farmers was not great. The ingredients are 
usually bought in quantity and the results amply justify the time or money 
spent. The cost of this Kansas mixture as used in Canada in 1915 and 
1916 was found to be 21 cents per acre, including all labour, so that it will 
be seen that the expense is not great for the results obtained. It has been 
found that from 4 to 5 lb. of this mixture to the acre is sufficient, provided 
— it is properly prepared and distributed as evenly as possible over the ground. 
_ A larger quantity per acre or a larger percentage of Paris green will 
undoubtedly kill more locusts, but the cost is greater, and 4 to 5 lb. properly 
applied has given a thoroughly satisfactory control. Two applications of 
_ this standard formula would certainly give better results than one applica- 
_ tion of a stronger mixture. As a rule there is no need for more than 
one or two applications of bran mixture, but cases have been recorded 
in the United States where a big swarm of locusts on the range lands, having 
py reduced the food on the ranges, move down to the crops in the valleys. In 
3 such instances it is necessary to keep a constant supply of the bait spread in 
S: a narrow strip along the edge of the range lands adjoining the cultivated 
2 


crops in the valley. In this way all locusts crossing this control belt would 
come in contact with the bait and the majority would eat some of it. In 
spreading poisoned bait in a field it is not necessary to be very particular 
_ to cover every yard of ground, as the locusts, being very active insects, with 
a good sense of smell, will find it. They will come from 15 to 20 yards to 
bait placed in heaps, which shows that they can detect its presence from 
~ some way off. The effect of poison on the locusts is not observed at once, 
and it is usually from three to four days after they have eaten it before they 


VW 


die. This is with the Kansas formula as given; a stronger percentage of 
Paris green will act quicker, but is unnecessary, as the locusts eat little, 
if any at all, once they have the poison in their systems. 


120 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


Where cultivated crops are being attacked in scattered localities, and 
not by a general migration from the range lands, it is almost always due to 
the fact that there are favourable breeding-grounds for the locusts in the 
immediate vicinity. The places most often chosen for oviposition are — 
compact, firm lands, soft cultivated fields being avoided, as are also damp 
localities. The favourite places are rough, dry roadsides, dry banks, old 
dried-out pasture lands, and alfalfa-fields which have become hard and 
baked owing to the lack of proper attention. In these places the locusts 
will congregate for oviposition, and it will be from these places that the 
swarms will migrate to destroy the alfalfa and other cultivated crops in the 
immediate neighbourhood. 

Ploughing.—These fields if they are being used as breeding-grounds 
should be ploughed up in the fall after the eggs have been deposited. This 
will break the egg-capsules and bury them, so that very few locusts will 
hatch out in the spring. If these places cannot be ploughed, a careful 
watch should be kept on them in the spring, and as soon as the young 
hoppers are seen to be emerging in large numbers control measures should 
be started. Poison bait can be scattered, at any rate, along the side of the 
ground next to the crops. A stream of water in an irrigation-ditch forms | 
an effective barrier to the hoppers while they are small. Once the locusts 
become full-grown and are winged their control is more difficult. When 
the locusts are winged they may still be poisoned, but it is done more 
economically when they are younger and have not spread far from the 
grounds where they were hatched. 

Hopperdozers—Hopperdozers and hopper-catching machines are used 
extensively in many parts of the United States for controlling the locusts, 
both in the immature stages and also when they are winged adults. Hopper- 
dozers were the first form of hopper-catching machines used and were 
mostly home-made, and naturally varied considerably in structure, but the 
description of one will serve for them all, as the differences were only in 
size and material used, and the ultimate results were in most cases equally 
efficient. ; 

“The hopperdozer consists of a galvanized-iron pan mounted on low a 
runners and having a backstop of canvas or sheet tin. The pan was usually 
made about 12 feet long by 2 feet wide and about 4 inches deep. The back — 
and ends of the pan have a 2-inch flange, the front a 6-inch flange. This — 
pan is supported back and front by a 2- by 4-inch which is set into the 4 
runners at either end, which are made ofa 2- by 8-inch and are 4 feet long. — 
The flanges are nailed to this wooden frame. A runner in the centre helps — 
to strengthen the frame and support the pan. The hitch is made direct to — 
the runners. A backstop 30 inches high, with triangular pieces for the ends, ; 


| 
3 
d 


made of canvas or tin nailed on a frame, is held in position by allowing — 
cross-pieces of the frame to fit into bow-irons on the back of the pan-frame, — 
and this arrangement allows the backstop to be removed when not in use 
or if the machine is to be loaded into a wagon for removal from field to” 


be 


field. The pan when in use should have about 2 inches of water in it, — 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921. 121 


with a coating of coal-oil on the top. A movable frame forming partitions 
in the pan will greatly aid in keeping the liquid from slopping over too 
much. With machines of this sort catches of 8 to 10 bushels of hoppers 
have been collected in less than three hours. When the hoppers are too 
thick in the pan they may be removed with a tin scoop with holes in it, 
which will remove the hoppers and allow the water to drain back into the 
pan. From time to time the pan will want replenishing with water and 
oil. As this machine is drawn up and down the fields, the hoppers, jumping 
to avoid it, strike the backstop and fall into the water and oil, and those 
that succeed in jumping out again die, as the oil on their bodies is apparently 
fatal to them.” 
Hopper-catcher.—The most successful machine is the hopper-catching 
machine, which catches the hoppers alive, and has the advantage that it can 
‘be used on steep hillsides and rough ground where a hopperdozer with its 
pan of water and oil would be impossible, and the hoppers when caught 
form-excellent chicken-food. It is not so easily made as the -hopperdozer, 
but once made is far more economical to use. A description of this machine, 
which is given below, is taken from Bull No. 138 of the Utah pee Sus 
Station, by E. D. Ball, 1915. 
“This machine can be run over hay and grain crops, sugar-beets and 
potatoes; in fact, over practically everything except corn and ripening 
grain. The principle of the machine is very simple—a box about 2 feet 
square and 16 feet long on runners, a 2-foot by 4-inch extending out 4 
feet at each end, to which a horse is attached. The horses then travel 24 
feet apart, driving the grasshoppers in until most of them are in front of 
the 16-foot machine. A rope fastened to the hame on the inside of each 
horse and dragged just in front of the machine causes the hoppers to jump 
just as the machine gets to them. The front of the machine is made of 
tin and is about 2% feet high and slightly curved. This front does not 
extend quite down to the bottom, and about 2 inches in front of it and about 
4 inches high there is a false front, a second piece of tin, which curves 
back down and into the box. A grasshopper hitting the tin cannot get a 
foothold and is perfectly helpless and slides down between the two pieces 
of tin, strikes the curve, and is thrown well back into the box, far enough 
so that he cannot see the opening through which he entered. The top 
and back of the box are made of wire mosquito-netting and the hopper 
immediately jumps towards the light and clings to the netting, never seeking 
the hole through which he came in. Several bushels can be gathered in 
_this way before they will shake down into the bottom sufficiently to choke 
up the front opening. As soon as this happens the front opening should 
be closed with gunny-sacks or similar material, and the hoppers can be 
shovelled out into sacks and used to feed chickens or dumped imto a trench 
and buried. The material will cost between $8 and $9 and any one with a 
saw and hammer can make one in a very short time. The runners should 
be spaced to fit sugar-beet or potato-rows, if the machine is to be used on 
these crops. A machine if protected will last for years, and as it takes 24 


122 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. ~ 


feet at a sweep will cover 40 to 50 acres in a day, and will thus handle a 
large area. As there is no expense to the operation except a team and a 
man to drive, or preferably two small boys to ride the horses, the cost per 
acre is trifling. If the tin front is kept bright and shining the grasshoppers 
are apparently not able to see it at all and fly against it readily. From 6 to 
to bushels in an hour have been collected with one of these machines where 
the hoppers were numerous and conditions favourable, and 30 to 4o bushels 
per day taken from fields where they did not appear to be very abundant. 


Other Machines—Another form of hopper-catching device used in the” ~ 


States, principally against the migratory swarms of the pellucid locust 
(Camnula pellucida), is also described by E. D. Ball in the same bulletin, 
and as C. pellucida is one of the most destructive species which occurs in 
swarms from time to time in this Province, it may be of interest if I give 
Mr. Ball’s description of the contraption known as the balloon hopper- 
catcher. 

“The balloon consists of a light frame 12 feet long and 2 feet high, with 
two or three cross-bars to give it more rigidity. This frame has attached 
to it a bag, of which it forms the mouth and which tapers back to a point 
about to feet back of the frame. The point is open and when in use is 
fastened with a string tied round it like a sack is tied. In fact, a seamless 
sack makes a good point to this big bag. The bottom of the bag, which 
drags on the ground, is often made of heavy canvas, while the upper side 
is of ordinary sheeting. The frame is usually made of I-inch by 4-inch 
stuff and the whole thing is drawn by a single light rope, which forks 
to the two ends and forks again to each corner. This rope is either 
fastened to the pommel of a saddle or else to a light whiffletree of a light 
harness. The pony is started off ata fast trot. The air inflates the open- 
mouthed sack, which ‘ balloons’ up and draws along the ground, over the 
meadow-grass or grain-crop. The bottom of the frame draws along on 
the ground, and as a young hopper jumps to avoid it it slides under him, 
and as he jumps again and again each time he finds himself farther and 
farther back in the sack until he comes to rest with his fellows in the tip. 
The rider of the pony starts off at a good pace, swinging back and forth 
across the swarm until his sack has a bushel or so of grasshoppers in the 
apex. Then he dismounts and helps his partner to lift up the frame and 
shake all the hoppers back into the apex of the sack; then another sack is 
held over the end, the string untied, and the hoppers sacked. Where the 
ground is rough the lower side of the frame catches and the top flops over 
and closes the mouth. To obviate this a rope is fastened to the top of the 
frame and a small fence-post is drawn along back of the sack, thus serving 
to pull the top back and keep the mouth open. Practically all the wear 
comes on the bottom of the sack, so this is made of heavier material, or, 
better still, a second strip is fastened to the frame and draws underneath 
the sack and protects it from injury. Old binder-canvas and such material 
make excellent material for this use.” : 


eres te OL 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921. ~ 123 


In dealing with Camnula pellucida, which has the habit of congregating 
in a few concentrated areas for oviposition, although the adults may be 
scattered over large tracts of land, there are several methods of control 
which have been practised in the States. The limits of the breeding- 
grounds must be carefully ascertained during the egg-laying season, and this 
area may then be ploughed, if ploughing is possible. A trench may, further, 
be dug around the area, into which the tiny hoppers will fall when they 
begin to migrate, which they do as soon as hatched, hopping always towards 
the sun instead of remaining close to their egg-capsules, which is the case 
with most of the other species. If this trench can be flooded from some 
irrigation-ditch it will be still more effective. In some cases where the 
breeding-grounds are flat and hard, rollers have been employed and the 
ground gone over every two or three days during the period when the 
hoppers are hatching, as this species hatches in great numbers at one time, 
usually within a week or ten days. The young hoppers have also been 
sprayed at this time with oil. This proves a very expensive though effective 
method. Once> the hoppers have left the breeding-grounds and are 
advancing in swarms they may be caught with the balloon catchers. 
Camnula pellucida is not easy to poison, as it is on the move most of the 
time, swinging about on their course, although the general tendency is to 
travel in a south and south-westerly direction following the sun. During 
these migrations the locusts never turn aside on account of food, and will 
pass through a field of alfalfa or grain, eating the plants in their course 
completely off, even eating down to the roots below the level of the ground, 
but leaving the rest of the field untouched. According to E. D. Ball, “If 
a swarm comes to a body of water, or even an irrigation-ditch, they will 
pile up against the bank and stay there for a long time, travelling up and 
down the bank as the sun swings round, but not turning aside or going 
back.” 

This habit of Camnula pellucida of travelling in compact swarms and 
always toward the sun has been observed by many writers in the United 
States and described in their bulletins. From my limited observations and 
from accounts given to me by people who have observed Camnula pellucida 
in British Columbia, I do not think that this habit is at all common in this 
Province. While this species certainly seems to keep together in swarms, 
more than do the species of Melanoplus, and these swarms travel from 
place to place, the tendency is to travel from the hatching-grounds to lower 
levels, where the feed is greener, while immature, and to return to the 
highest hill-tops for oviposition. There is apparently no tendency to travel 
toward the sun in this Province rather than away from it, the direction of 
travel being determined mostly by the position of the available food and the 
slope of the ground. 


124 B.C. ENToMOLOGICAL Society. 


NATIVE FLOWERS FOR BEES. 


By J. Davipson, F.L.S., F.B.S.E., Borantst in CHARGE OF THE HERBARIUM 
AND BOTANICAL GARDENS, UNIVERSITY OF B.C. 


Numerous requests from residents in various parts of the Province for 
assistance in the identification of “ honey-yielding”’ plants, and for informa- 
tion regarding the native flora of regions where settlers proposed to 
establish apiaries, prompted me to select ‘‘ Native Flowers for Bees” as a 
subject for discussion before this Society, in response to the request of the 
Secretary. 

As the bee-keeping industry is a comparatively new one in this 
Province, bee-keepers here have to depend largely on the experience of 
apiarists in other Provinces or in the United States, and British Columbia 
apiarists are finding many interesting problems, due largely to the fact 
that our climatic conditions and native flora are quite different from those 
of the Eastern Provinces and for most of the States in America. Further,  -— 
in British Columbia we have such a variety of habitats, from the moist 
Coast area with luxuriant vegetation to the arid Interior with an almost 
desert flora, and again to the moist regions of the Interior and the foot-hills 
of the Rockies, in all of which the soil, the rainfall, the growing season, 
the extremes of temperature, and the resultant effect of these on the flora 
show corresponding differences which make it necessary for the prospective 
apiarist to study local conditions and be guided by his observations. 

The relationship between the local flora and the success or failure of 
apiarist cannot be disputed. You can have no more bees than the flora will 
support; apart from insect parasites, the flora is the limiting factor. Bees, 
being the only insects which feed their offspring with pollen, are wholly 
dependent upon flowers for their own food and that of their offspring. 

One need not here enter into the discussion of the relationship between 
the habits of bees and the structure of flowers, further than to mention that 
without our native bees this Province would be minus many of our showy 
wild flowers, for as pollinating agents the bees far surpass all other insects 
in importance. So dependent are many flowers on the visits of bees that 
in their absence they fail to produce seed, as is well known in the case of 
red clover, salvia, larkspur, and some orchids. You probably know that 
when the farmers of New Zealand first Srew red clover it failed to produce 
seed because there were no bumble-bees in New Zealand, and it was not 
until several species of these were introduced from Great Britain that the _ 
raising of clover-seed became commercially profitable. The bee-keeper is 
similarly indebted to many species of wild or native bees for the abundance 
of flowers which he depends upon to replenish his apiary from year to 
year. 
About fifteen years ago Lord Avebury advanced a theory that blue — 
flowers were mostly favoured by bees, and numerous examples given made 
the theory seem very plausible. It has since been shown that structure, 
and perhaps odour, is of greater importance than colour, because different 1 
coloured varieties of asters, zinnias, and centaureas are visited indiscrimi- — 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921. 12 


o1 


nately, whereas many of the best bee-flowers are not blue. For example, 
_ we find amongst the best native bee-plants of this Province, Salix (willows), 
Solidago (goldenrod), Cleome (Rocky Mountain bee-flower), Taraxacum 


(dandelion), Helianthus (Sunflowers), and Monarda (horsemint), none 
of which have blue flowers. 

Regarding the structure of flowers best suited for bees, one has to 
take into account the different species of bees in each region, as we find 
a great variation in the length of their tongues according to species and 
sex, varying from 6 or 7 mm. in the case of honey-bees to about 20 mm. in 
some species of bumble-bees. Flowers, therefore, with the nectar at a 


greater depth than 6 or 7 mm. are of little value to the apiarist, and very 


shallow flowers may be classed in the same category, because flies and other 
insects with very short tongues may reach the nectar and thus limit the 
supply available for bees. 

It has been calculated that about 37,000 loads of nectar are required 
for the production of 1 lb. of honey; it is therefore necessary for the bee to 
get as much as possible from each flower, and the flowers most favoured 
by honey-bees are those with a short narrow tube which will prevent smaller 
insects from reaching the nectar. 

We do occasionally find honey-bees visiting flowers with long spurs 
and obtaining nectar through holes made in the spurs by bumble-bees. This 
dishonest method of obtaining the nectar seems very prevalent not only on 
this continent, but also in Europe. In the north of Scotland I have 
examined hundreds of wild dog-violets and every one had its spur per- 
forated ; in other years on the same area I have scarcely found a damaged 
spur. In British Columbia one frequently finds the Columbine spurs 
similarly pierced, and it has been reported that about 300 different species 
of flowers are thus robbed. 

Though I have never seen a bumble-bee in the act of burglary, I learn 
from other observers that the punctures are made by laciniz, or lance-shaped 
ends of the maxilla. I am not aware of any authentic case of a honey-bee 
thus robbing the flower of its nectar where the flower has not previously 
been perforated by bumble-bees. 

Att BEE-FLOWERS DO NOT YIELD NECTAR. 

There are other native plants, however, which yield no nectar, yet are 
valuable to bees as sources of pollen to feed the young larve. Apiarists 
generally distinguish between the pollen-yielding and the nectar-yielding 
flowers, but many novices overlook the importance of this distinction, and 
one cannot always rely on what novices write in prose or poetry. For 


example, the wild roses, of which we have so many in British Columbia, 


are nectarless, but useful in providing an abundance of pollen which bees 
make free use of. A poet, observing the frequent visits of honey-bees to 


roses, bursts into song in the following words :-— 


He harries the ports of the hollyhocks 
And levies on poor sweetbrier; 

And drinks the whitest wine of phlox, 
And the rose is his desire. 


126 B.C. ENtomMoLocicaL Soctrety. 


“He” must refer to drones, and not to the undeveloped females or 
workers which visit the flowers. The tube of the phlox is too long for the 
tongues of honey-bees; the poet may have seen a long-tongued bumble-bee 
without knowing the difference, and phlox is generally regarded as a 
butterfly-flower; had the poet known the rose was nectarless we would have 
lost this gem of ignorance. 

In dealing with the different kinds of native plants for bees, it may 
be useful to indicate whether they yield nectar or pollen, or both. 

IVillows.—Probably the most valuable plants to the apiarist are the 
willows; they furnish the first nectar of the season, and honey-bees have 
been reported as storing from 8 to 15 lb. of honey per hive from this source 
alone. The honey has a.pleasant aromatic taste, not unlike that obtained 
from fruit-blossoms. Further, no other early blooming flowers yield so 
much pollen as the willows, as any one can prove by watching the myriads 
of bees returning with heavily laden pollen-baskets from almost any clump 
of willows in the early spring. 

The willows are well distributed over the Province, different species in 
different districts, but in the Coast region (i.e., west of the Coast Range) 
we have in succession Nuttall’s, Scouler’s, Sitka, Hooker’s, and the cracked- 
bark willow, the four former probably being the most productive. 

As willows are readily grown from twigs stuck into moist soil, they can 
be easily multiplied, or introduced into districts where they are scarce. It 
should be borne in mind, however, that in areas infested with tent- 
caterpillars willows are favourite food-plants of this pest. 

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale )—Though one cannot consider this _ 
a native plant, it is so closely associated with man that in practically every — 
little community it is found as an introduced weed which has come to stay 
and cause us endless trouble trying to eradicate it from our lawns and 
gardens. “It’s an ill wind that blaws naebody guid,’ and the wind that 
blows the dandelion fruits in the direction of an apiary should be appreciated 
by bee-keepers. The dandelion’s chief value lies in providing pollen and 
nectar for building up colonies in early spring just after the willows have 3 
passed their best. It is not relied on to provide a surplus of honey, though — 
in occasional years bees will store a surplus from this source. The honey 
is of an amber colour. 

Cleome serrulata, sometimes known as spider-flower, is known to bee- — 
keepers in Colorado as the Rocky Mountain bee-flower on account of the — 
abundance of nectar which it furnishes. This plant is found in the 
Okanagan and Chilcotin Districts, though not perhaps in such quantities — 
as to make its presence noticeable to bee-keepers. It should not be difficult, — 
however, to encourage, and as it is one of our showy species it will prove 
an acquisition to the flora of any district. Under favourable conditions it~ 
is reported a heavy yielder, two or three flowers giving a full load of nectar 


for honey-bees. 
Goldenrod (Solidago, various species) is a widely distributed plant in | 
British Columbia, some species being more common in the Coast area and | 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921. 127 


others more common in the Interior; the different species are so like each 
other that amateurs overlook their differences and regard them merely as 
goldenrods. It has been found, however, that bees prefer certain species, 
and will fly over several plants of one species to visit another one. I shall 
be glad at any time to receive specimens of the goldenrods most favoured 
by honey-bees, so that we can ascertain the species of most value to British 
Columbia apiarists. 

The honey from this source is described as of a golden-yellow, with 
heavy body, not of the finest favour, and the fall honey when freshly 
gathered is said to have such a pronounced odour that it can be detected a 
little distance from the hive. 

Asters (many species), like the goldenrods, are well distributed over 
the Province, and it is possible that much of the value credited to goldenrod 
belongs to the asters, because the former are most conspicuous. The later 
flowering species are considered of most value. 

Blooming, as they do, in the fall until frost cuts them down, asters 
are valuable in providing winter stores; though aster-honey is not considered 
good for this purpose it is in most localities mixed with dark fall honey, so 
that it is rarely stored separately. The honey is pale amber, with a mild 
flavour, is rather thin, and by itself does not thicken up readily. 

Horse-mint (Monarda fistulosa) is a plant which, like red-clover, 
varies in value according to the locality in which it grows. Of the ten 
species of Monarda, three are recommended to United States apiarists, the 
best of which is our native species common in some parts of the Okanagan 
Valley, but somewhat limited in its distribution. The corolla-tubes are 
sometimes very deep and one would scarcely think honey-bees could reach 
the nectar; nevertheless, in hot dry regions it is considered of major impor- 
tance and it is widely reported as a source of honey. 
| Milkweed (Asclepias) is to the botanist a plant of unusual interest 
on account of the peculiar adaptation it-has for insect pollination. The 
stamens are so placed and constructed that when an insect visits the flower 
the pollinia, or masses of pollen, adhere to its body and sometimes its feet, 
and lurid word pictures have been printed of bees becoming so entangled as 
‘to be unable to find their way home again, but these are probably exaggerated. 

In ‘“ Gleanings in Bee-culture” for July, 1912, an apiarist reports a 
yield of 1,320 lb. of honey from eleven colonies in eleven days from milk- 
weed. Any plant that will yield from 10 to 11 Ib. of honey per colony per 
day deserves encouragement. The honey is light in colour and of good 
quality. : 

3 Dogbane (Apocynum) is often erroneously called milkweed because, 
like many other plants, it exudes a milky juice when injured. This plant 
is found at the Coast and in the Interior, where it more abundant. (It 
was formerly of great value to the Indians for the production of fibre for 
lines.) It is very common in the Kootenay, Okanagan, and Thompson 
Valleys, but appears in many unexpected places in the Coast area and on 
the islands along the Coast, including Vancouver Island. Although not 
‘usually listed amongst honey-yielding plants, I was glad to learn from Mr. 


128 B.C. IEnromotoarcaL Soctrety. 


W. Sheppard, Provincial Apiarist for the Kootenay region, that this plant - 
was considered a valuable bee-plant in his district. 

In addition to the foregoing useful bee-plants, we have in some parts 
of the Province, particularly in the Lower Fraser Valley and on some parts 
of Vancouver Island, a plant which is considered an agricultural undesirable 
—namely, the bitterweed, or sneezeweed (Helenium). Though I have not 
heard of our native species affecting the quality of honey, I draw attention 
to it in the hope of eliciting information as to whether or not it is as 
harmful as its closely related species found in the United States. 

Regarding Helenium tenuifolium in Texas, it is reported that the 
“honey yield is good in favourable seasons; honey golden-yellow, heavy 
body, but very bitter, as if 50 per cent. quinine and some pepper were 
added.” Our native species flowers from June to August, and I have seen 
it in abundance around Langley Prairie and on Vancouver Island in the 
vicinity of Colwood. 

If apiarists have had experience with bitter honey, we would like to 
know in order to ascertain if other plants may be responsible for similar 
results. Good crops of white-clover honey are frequently spoiled in the 
United States by mixing with bitter honey. 

Pammel, in his huge work on poisonous plants, reports that the honey — 
from rhododendron and Kalmia latifolia is poisonous, and mentions our 
native species, Kalmia polifolia, as possessing similar properties. This is 
of interest to us, because in some districts we have large areas covered with ~ 
these plants. There are probably no apiarists within reach of our evergreen 
rhododendron region in the Skagit River basin, but we may have in the ~ 
regions of white rhododendrons, and there must be some within reach of | 
the bogs which are ablaze in spring with millions of our beautiful kalmia 
flowers. 

Conclusive evidence seems to be lacking as to the poisonous properties 
in the nectar of these plants, and it is hoped that by mentioning it here it. 
may lead to our being able to corroborate or contradict the statement with 
definite proof. 


As previously mentioned, this work in British Columbia is compara- 
tively new; there is much to be done in testing the value of our native 
flowers for bees. With keen and intelligent observers in various parts of the — 
Province co-operating in this work, we should be able to accumulate much 
valuable information for the benefit of the present and future generations. 
Entomologists can assist, if they will, by observing flowers that are visited 
by honey-bees, and having the flowers correctly identified so that definite : 
records can be made. 

It is impossible here to deal in detail with all the native plants known 
to yield nectar and pollen for bees. I have drawn up a list of over 100 
botanical and common names of the best known species, indicating their 
use for nectar or pollen, or both, and the periods of flowering. Be 


we oS 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921. 129 


_ The list is not by any means to be regarded as complete, but is sub- 
mitted as a nucleus to be revised or added to according to the experience 
of apiarists working under British Columbia conditions. 

It is quite likely that some species will be of value to apiarists at the 
Coast, though the same species may be unimportant in the Interior, and vice 
versa. 

I have referred chiefly to native plants; the value of fruit-trees, clover, 
alfalfa, and other introduced plants is well enough known, and the abundance 
of these depends on the number of farms and orchards in the district. 

The main point of economic importance is that this Province uses more 
honey than it produces; whereas, with the assistance of our native bee- 
flowers, we should be able to produce more than we use and have a surplus 
to export. If the study of our native flowers can assist the apiarists to 
attain this end, the Department of Botany of the University is ready to 
co-operate by assisting in the identification of likely bee-plants, so that our 
present information may be verified or added to, and the results made 
known to apiarists in other parts of the Province, and thus contribute to the 


future prosperity of British Columbia. 


(This address was illustrated by herbarium specimens of the plants 
mentioned. ) 


130 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
List oF PLANTS. 
UsE. PERIOD OF FLOWERING. 

Namie e z z : 3 Remarks, 
Sleleltlelslelalele 
= Fe Gi 3 | = = 
Allele tele isa iesal eel hetelhes 

SUMLCRI Ee onatasaiy aaa) aia) Mare toereoniets eyavelore X | X xX) X x aiieys 
2. Alder (see No. 3).. ... Bema: xX |X x ate , 
Dy AUTNVIS feats ee snes ls SE e-% Ry |X x Sita 
4. Amelanchier. Seah | erested| eleroneHl foesersd| aloes x BY on 
6. Apocynum...... D. ao x 
6. Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi ....... 20) || asa aad hodal sae x ates 45 
7. Arctostaphylos tomentosa ......| X Kea OX . | Honey, ainber ; excellent 
flavour. 
SSA NUTS ype tafers ete tan a fove aac mal eresaletets Te > GIRS she 
Ob Asclepias saci se econ eats x Beare | i>. < ..|Very valuable in some 
‘| loealities. 
OPAC CL te ace lye iatenici ni startialentaerals xX Rona| Paballoaea xX) X-| X 
11. Barberry (see No. 14). xX DG lap. n>. G es) yes [event , 
12. Bearberry (see No. 6).. x aS imceea be < : 
13. Beggarticks (see No. 1 38 nee, Honey, amber; heavy 
body; granulatesslowly, 
MASMBErWeriS ft sicigayerieh lore Dveiickleoen oe ORs rents BX, jj] eX 3 aR r. 
15. Betula ars Kae >. Gri Pa). al age A Sat 
16. Bidens Dau ar sok lel [recente X | X |Honey, amber; heavy < 
body; granulatesslowly. 
17. Birch (see No: 15)..........-225. Sie |), ook Dal >. 
18. Bird-cherry (see No. 81). ido] Scar leone Sei hee < Sats 
19. Blackberry (see No. 90).......... xX PGi ae. € .|Honey similar to that 
from raspberry. Fs 
20. Blueberry (see No. 107).........- xX | x D604 Bi? Be PD. Ge [rer : 
21, Buckbush (see No. 27) . coats | PAS oft OR a(t, Ca into a P< SaNe 3 
22. Buckthorn (see No. 85).......... PRO veces >. | epee Wace ..|Honey, dark; does not E: 
granulate. ree 
23. Cactus (see No 76) ........2..08 #238 x Sie 4 
24. Canada thistle (see No. 31)......| X x ...|Gives good honey. “Z 
25. Cascara (see No. 85)...... ...... ax: S500 .|Honey, dark; does not i 
granulate. = 
26. Catnip (see No. 74). x CUS a .| Not important. 
27. Ceanothus spp...... XxX Dol Free 
28. Choke-cherry (see 81). > Cece Cet! {= qeeae-t | recoteie 
29. Chicory (see No. 30)........:... See ees Kew | 
BO; ‘Cichorivmess sce sceneries © pO ea Da eae. Call .< 
31. Cirsium spp. 2 Sal Bess 2 OBE coc 
32. Cleome. . Dil ts x . | Heavy yielder. . 
33. Clematis Roda bens x 
34. Cockle-bur (see No. 113). |S D.¢ 
BDz OORNUS ei lecsneelsa ce ete Ge odes aoe ae 
36. Crab-apple (see No. 82).........- xX ek 
Qien@ratBpus” sess ascites ce (ee: xX Aa 
88. Dandelion (see No. 106).. ».¢ mowsltaace 2 . |Honey, amber, 
39. Dogbane (see No. 5)..... x xX |-X . 
40. Dogwood (see No. 35)... . Pc & Dh IRE ; - oR 
41. Epilobium........ ... xX xX x X |... |A heavy, reliable vielder. 
42. Figwort (see No, 95).. mee Kee aerey| rant ..|Nectar abundant. 
43, Firewood (see No. 41). >. x Deol be. & 
44 Gaultheria. =. 2.25... as x Xt | i Need later earaieye 
45. Goldenrod (sce No. 93). xX Apps (is >. imp. @ 
46. Gooseberry (see No. 88). X Tete || feletet |e ofr 
47. Hawthorn (see No. 37).. x xn ete ee 
AS IELELIATLURUSi it 1).20n sine ek tne al) oe Aes) ...|Nectar often abundant. ~ 
49. Honeysuckle (see No. 57)........ xX ORNs Te ./Short-tubed species 
locally important. < 
50. Horehound (see No. 63)........- x xX XxX .|Honey, dark amber; 
strong flavour. 
51. Horse-mint (see No. 70)........- Xe | 2.8 .|Toney, amber; flavour 
somewhat strong. 
52. Huckleberry (see No. 109)....... xX x 
53. June-berry San) oe.« wae s 
54. Kalmia x xX) xX 
55. Kinnikinnik (see No. 6). ne 6 Se 3 a 
56. Locust (see No. 91)............-- xX .|Honey, white; fine 
flavour. = 
BY MEONICEL Ata desis ssa remelncr isis x >. Fo. Gal >, Ge ne ae .|Short-tubed species 
locally important. 
58. Lupine (see No. 59)........-..... Br eee ee Xe ex 2 Calas soles e 
DO UUPIN Sse wry ails dees ee ie DG >, Gal nap. < 5 
60. Madrona (see No. 8). ... pee nets || eroret lett Parti Percy | thie: a Peel oe, c 
61. Manzanita (see No. 7). ........: XxX D-H fe. Gal etapa asl Poms ..|Honey, amber; excellent 
flavour. 
62. Maples (see No. 1) ¢.......2...+- xX | X RS sae | RAL [ate atet| (ras fel] erates 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921. 131 
J List oF PLANTS—Continued. 
USE. PERIOD OF FLOWERING. 
Name. aes # ; 5 Remarks, 
oJ ov - o = ie o Ss ja ey 
Sal Fa |i seared Hea ge iiss cere | eee fea 
ea Pa hee Pee al Cay) eral sels prs I eta 
CEMMALKUDIUM), mice cay ve + ee at ves x Dy - -|Honey, dark amber; 
strong flavour. 
64. Meadow-rue (see No. 107)........ eaiieses, Rte Se hich rood (ese DEH lye. Cal | sree Pets hee 2 y 
65. Mellilotus alba... ..........5.... 2 ASE fmtssl toncal ree lfenod X | X | X | X /Honey, slightly green; 
cinnamon flavour, 
WGme MONG: wets sc. cheeses taciccs ss we x ...| X | X ]....]Honey, amber. 
67. Michaelmas daisy (see No. 10)...| X TS 1. CD. Call 1. 
68. Milkweed (see No. 9)............ ene ot Gee aaa (ecoe X |....]....]....) Very valuable in some 
districts. 
~ 69. Mint (see No. 66)....... . Bisa eveselsd| Passel | potas =4] “erent x | X - | Honey, amber. 
WOSEMODAYOR.2 oe cuc nic cate 3s Ke || Save vega leetaaliceee 9, eel tacere Honey, amber; flavour 
somewhat strong. 
- Mountain-laurel (see No. 54) ....| X |... >. Get Pe. Go (>. Co) (AS Va bee 
. Muillein (see No. 110)............ Base) 2- Sl dood eoeee Iocee ray | Narateved |e oad | oS 
RLY TICR, selan aee seis 3 x >. Sal (>. € sFito | Bess) BASS (Pec 
. Nepeta Cataria. . 4 Bae |St.cc Sayer) eo | -|Not important. 
. Oak (see No. 83).. aN |e. e lie). 22) Pee Prd et 
POMOPUNtIAM. viaje cersricinae seis « de leas Ro, | ere xX | X 
. Oregon grape (see No. 14).. Ro an Seo) Wen 
ae OLY OMIM) rare eis! s,s ats =,olre = Re | ent oe X 
. Poplar (see No. 80)... . eae. | ok Secon horian 
. Populus...... Frcs |W ese ase 
. Prunus spp .. BS 5 x 
EP PYruss.: «cane Xen lhe Se >.¢ 
fe DUET CUS He. arene » caeure oie ator eae, 5 he 
. Raspberry (see No. 90) .. aa] 2.4 Paes x ...|Flavour unsurpassed. 
RLDAMINUS avis oe oeein ce ne toensts XxX .|Honey, dark; does not 


Sees 
beil3, 


. Rubus spp. é 
SLLODIN Wriecee al ice viafe cbs eee er 


Pupalal. ><... é6 
PESALIXSSDPse Ueisinren ay sia ene eee 
MSCEOPNULATIO.. «2s cee snc nes 

. Smartweed (see Nos. 7, 8)...... |...- 
Snowberry (see No. 105).... .... 
SOAS O/SPPst mw arses hye hewn 


. Sunflower (see No. 48) 
. Sweet clover (see No. 65)....... 


. Sweet gale (see No. 73)... 
. Symphoricarpus......... 
. Taraxacum....... 
. Thistles (see No, 31) 


. Verbascun. 
. Willow-herb (see No. 41)... 


PE OCEN ALON: sicivic 5i<.-h,2 ole as hisiale 
. Rhus glabra........ 
. Ribes spp... 200 
. Rocky Mountain Bee- 


INOwS2)\ eter ee 


MES OUCTUG Ae traces ass bateh ant 
. Sow-thistle (see No. 99). . 4 
- Sumac (see No. 87)..:.....-...5- 


Thalictrum 


Vaccinium spp..... 


Willows (see No. 94) 
Santhiumee cs s.ts. 


».¢ 


in: 


alas 


babe: 


nA: 


x 


laid 


14 


a 


Meo: 


A: 


Ann 


ial 


granulate. 


:..|Reliable when abundant. 
.|Honey, white; fine 


flavour. 


. | Nectar abundant. 


eat Honey, golden-yellow ; 


not finest favour. 


-|Honey, amber; fine 


flavour. 


. | Nectar often abundant. 


Honey, slightly green; 
cinnamon flavour, 


132 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


THE IMPORTANCE OF MOSQUITOES, WITH NOTES ON 
SOME BRITISH COLUMBIA SPECIES. 


By E. HEarte. 


Mosquitoes are responsible for half the entire mortality of the human 
race. This is due to their position as the transmitters of malaria alone, 
according to Dr. Creighton, the noted authority on that disease. The 
mosquitoes of the tropics “ have their spears poisoned with death-dealing 
disease-germs”’ and do not fight a clean warfare as do their northern 
relations. They and their accomplices have played a great part in moulding 
the destiny of the world. The fertile plains of Africa might have been the 
centre of the world’s civilization; but, instead, the deadly swarms of 
mosquitoes and the malaria carried by them have shut off Africa more 
effectively than the greatest natural barriers could have done. When one 
realizes the terrible proportions assumed by malaria, yellow fever, dengue, 
and filariasis in many parts of the tropical world, and that these diseases 
are transmitted solely by mosquitoes, it is evident that Dr. Creighton’s 
statement is by no means extravagant. India alone lost 5,000,000 people 
in one year from malaria. 

In temperate and northern countries mosquitoes exert a very important 
economic influence in many districts. They do not, it is true, invoke the aid 
of that dread ally, disease ; but their own spears are weapons enough with 
which to wage a terrible warfare. In some areas the bloodthirsty hordes 
occur in such enormous numbers that progress and development are retarded 
and life is made intolerable for man and beast. Much of New Jersey was 
thus effected, and in the 1917 Report of the Department of Conservation 
and Development the Board states that it “is convinced that the salt-marsh 
mosquitoes, more than anything or than all else, are responsible for the 
backwardness of the eastern and southern sections of the State. They have 
depopulated farms, prevented the growth of towns, hampered the 
development of shore resorts, and restricted the extension of suburban 
communities.” 

A most exhaustive study of the mosquitoes of New Jersey has resulted 
in the adoption of control measures which, wherever thoroughly carried out, 
have greatly relieved the situation. Every district has its own particular 
problem, usually intimately associated with peculiarities of topography and 
special advantages offered to one cr more species in the mosquito fauna. 


In New Jersey the big problem lay in the salt marshes. At the high tides 
the flooding of these resulted in the formation of shallow pools where the 
salt marsh mosquitoes, Aides sollicitans, 4Xdes cantator, and Aides teenior- 
hynchus, could develop unmolested by their natural enemies, mainly certain 
fishes. By drainage the conditions so favourable to mosquito-development 
were eliminated. Where complete drainage was not practicable, ditching 
was undertaken in such a way that the controlling fishes could penetrate to 
all breeding-places. ‘ 


“SLQSIApIS Sopy Jo v WOISST]Y JR MO 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921. 133 


In various parts of Canada we have mosquito problems which in some 
cases are almost as serious as that of New Jersey. In Northern Quebec 
and Ontario, in areas on the East Coast, on the Prairies, in parts of British 
Columbia and in the North-west Territories mosquitoes at times assume 
considerable economic importance. 

The mosquito problem of the Fraser Valley, British Columbia, is one 
of the most serious economic factors presented in that district. Agriculture 
is seriously affected; at times much of the small fruit is lost owing to the 
difficulty of obtaining pickers: cattle become very emaciated, and on dairy- 
farms the drop in milk production is marked during years when mosquitoes 
are troublesome; while calves have actually been killed by them. In 
exceptionally bad seasons lumber camps and mills have been obliged to 
close down. 

The Dominion Government is undertaking an investigation of the 
problem, and the writer, under the direction of Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt, the 
Dominion Entomologist, was engaged during the past summer as a student 
of the Honorary Research Council in making a preliminary survey of the 
district and-of the species involved. The following notes are taken from a 
report to the Dominion Research Council: Nineteen species were taken in 
the Lower Fraser Valley ; but only two, Ades aldrichi and Ades sylvestris, 
were found to be of any great importance. During years when weather 
conditions cause the rapid and extended melting of the snow on the 
mountains the Fraser River overflows its banks and floods the surrounding 
alder bottoms and open flats. This provides ideal conditions for the 
extensive development of the two species which are responsible for nearly 
all the mosquito trouble of the district. 


Some Mosourroks oF THE LOWER FRASER VALLEY, B.C. 


fEdes aldrichi Dyar and Knab.° This, the dominant Fraser Delta 
mosquito, breeds extensively along the river wherever alder bottoms are 
flooded. This is the first record for Canada, although the species has 
previously recorded from Idaho and Montana. 

fEdes sylvestris (Theobald) Dyar and Knab. A very common Fraser 
Valley mosquito. It occurs in great numbers wherever the river floods open 
flats and meadows. 

fEdes varipalpus Coquillett. A very beautiful black-and-white 
mosquito which is fairly common in wooded areas. It is a tree-hole breeder, 
although occasionally larvae may be taken in artificial receptacles. The 
males as well as the females are attracted to the person, although they 
cannot bite. 

fEdes punctor Kirby. This is a fairly common but very localized 
species. It is restricted to woods, especially those that are dark and gloomy. 
The larve breed in shallow temporary woodland pools. 

fEdes cinereus Meigen. This small red-brown species occurs generally 
throughout the Fraser Valley. Although at times they bite viciously, they 
are seldom troublesome and never leave the vicinity of their breeding-places. 
The larve are found in shallow, protected surface pools and alder-swamps. 


134 B.C. EntromMoiocrcat Society. 


fAdes curriei Coquillett. This species was found only along the Coast 
and on the outlying islands. It breeds in rock pools filled with brackish 
water and on salt-marshes. Although a bad biter, it is seldom sufficiently 
abundant to be troublesome. 

fEdes canadensis (Theobald) Dyar and Knab. This is essentially a 
woodland species, and, although only one specimen was taken during the 
past season, it may be fairly prevalent in certain localities when the climatic 
conditions are satisfactory. 

Culex saxitilis Grossbeck. This small, dark, inoffensive mosquito is 
found very generally throughout the district. The larve are found mainly 
in surface pools and ditches, especially those protected by willow or other 
growth. The adults are not known to attack warm-blooded animals. 

Culex tarsalis Coquillett. This species is found in small numbers 
through the Fraser Valley. It is fortunate that it does not occur more 
abundantly, as it is one of the worst biters and is very insistent in its efforts 
to enter houses. The larve are found in roadside ditches, surface pools, 
and alder and open swamps. 

Culex pipiens Linneus. In spite of the fact that conditions very 
favourable to the development of C. pipiens occur throughout the valley, 
specimens were taken only in Vancouver. This limited distribution indicates 
a very recent introduction, and it will be interesting to follow the spread 
from this point. Culex pipiens is one of those domesticated mosquitoes 
which have managed to spread far and wide through shipping. Like the 
English sparrow, they thrive exceedingly wherever introduced. 

Culiseta incidens (Thompson) Felt. This is one of the largest of 
British Columbian mosquitoes and one of the most inoffensive, as it is so 
timid that it will seldom bite. It is the most generally distributed species 
in the district—almost every rain-water barrel is teeming with larve 
throughout the summer. Although rain-water barrels provide the main 
breeding-places, the larvae are by no means particular, and were taken in 
alder-swamps, ditches, and roadside pools, and even in brackish water in 
company with A€des curriei. 

Culiseta impatiens (Walker). This is another very large mosquito. 
It is found mainly in thinly wooded areas and on mountain-slopes. Usually 
it is too timid to be troublesome, but at times it will attack with some deétermi- 
nation. This species is the one commonly known as the snow-mosquito, 
from its habit of leaving hibernation quarters on warm days during the 
winter. 

Culiseta alaskeensis (Ludlow). Only one specimen was taken. This 
was obtained on May 2oth at Hope. 

Mansonia perturbans Walker. This is a very interesting species. 
The larve and pup do not come to the surface, but attach themselves to 
the submerged stems of water-plants, from which they will obtain the 
necessary oxygen. As the bite of this species is more painful than that of 
any other North American mosquito, it is fortunate that it is comparatively 
rare. Specimens were taken in numbers only in certain areas in Stanley 
Park, Vancouver. 


i ~ 


aldrichi Dyar & Knab. 


Ses 


1 


by C. W. Young. 


Original drawings 


stris Dyar & Knah. 


Ire 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921. 135 


Anopheles punctipennis Say. Although not common during 19109, this 
species may be fairly abundant during wet seasons. The larve occur almost 
everywhere throughout the district in roadside ditches, surface pools, and 
alder swamps. 

Anopheles occidentalis Dyar and Knab. This anopheline is found 
sparsely throughout the district. The larve occur mainly in roadside 
ditches and alder-swamps. 

Several species of Aides were also taken in the Fraser Valley, the 
identity of which could not be determined with certainty on account of the 
scantiness -and condition of the material obtained. Dr. Dyar kindly 
examined these and reported on them as follows: Ades fletcheri or ripar- 
ius ; Z7Edes excrucians or fitchii. 

The writer desires to express his thanks to Dr. H. G. Dyar for his 
kindness in verifying his findings and for determining the identity of A&des 
punctor and Culiseta impatiens. 


A FURTHER REVIEW OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY IN 
BRITISH COLUMBIA. ~ 


By R. C. TREHERNE, ENTOMOLOGIST IN CHARGE FoR B.C. DomINION 
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 


Notable progress has been made in applied entomology during the 
past six years. The disastrous war in Europe between 1914 and 1918 
undoubtedly checked progress to a marked extent, and many entomologists 
who assisted so materially in establishing our science during its early years 
in British Columbia will not return. Some lost their lives in France; others 
who enlisted for the Empire’s service, but who survived, have found their 
billets in other industries in other parts of the world. The campaign for 
greater production which was carried on industriously during the middle 
years of the war undoubtedly proved a leading string to foster the develop- 
ment of economic entomology. The closing of the avenues of loss on the 
farm proved a great incentive to popularize entomology. Farmers, some 
for the first time, have learnt to realize the serious inroads insect pests are 
capable of causing in their financial returns. The improved prices for 
agricultural commodities of recent years also has acted as an impetus towards 
providing better equipment for fighting agricultural pests, and this same 
feature has induced growers to take a wider interest in life-histories and 
modes of combat of our injurious insects. 

During the years 1914 and 1915 the names of those engaged in 
economic-insect investigations numbered three or four. To-day, or rather 
during the season of 1920, there were twelve individuals who have been 
actively engaged in solving economic-insect problems. It is true that the 
majority of these investigators commenced their work in the last two years 
or since the termination of the European war, and it is pleasing to note that 


130 B.C. EntToMoLocicaLt Society. 


fully half the number are men who have seen active service at the Front. 

If the progress shown during the past two years is continued, the outlook for 
our science is bright indeed. I propose mentioning briefly the progress of — - 
entomology in the Province for the past few years on the supposition that 
our historical notes may become confused with the wealth of data we expect 

to appear in the near future. 

During 1914 the writer, who had charge of the Dominion Entomo- 

logical Laboratory and Field Station at Agassiz, published Bulletin No. 8° 
of the Dominion series on the strawberry-root weevil. This publication 
was based on studies carried on at Hatzic during 19:2 and 1913. It is 
interesting to note that this bulletin was the last to appear as an Entomo- 
logical Division bulletin of the Experimental Farm system. The formation 
of the Dominion Entomological Branch as a separate Department under the 
Dominion Department of Agriculture took place under the egis of Dr. 
C. Gordon Hewitt on February 26th, 1914. During the summers of 1914 
and 1915 the writer was engaged in a study of the cabbage-root maggot, the 
wheat-midge, and other insects of local interest in the Lower Fraser 
Valley. 

All entomological investigation up until the close of 1915 under the 
auspices of the Dominion entomological service took place in the Lower | 
Mainland and Island.+ It will be recalled that Mr. W. H. Brittain, who — 
entered the Province in the spring of 1912 as Provincial Entomologist and 
Plant Pathologist, established his headquarters at Vernon, in the Okanagan 
Valley. The interior sections of the Province were thus under his care, 
and it may be stated that Mr. Brittain and the writer agreed to this tentative 
division of territory so as to avoid all possibility of conflict in the matter 
of investigating insect problems. Unfortunately, Mr. Brittain left the 
Province in 1913 to return to Nova Scotia. Mr. J. W. Eastham succeeded 
him at Vernon in the spring of 1914. Mr. Eastham, being a plant patholo- 
gist in leanings, delegated Mr. M. H. Ruhmann, his assistant, to conduct 
such studies as were necessary in entomology. Mr. W. H. Lyne, operating : 
under Mr. Thomas Cunningham's division of Provincial fruit inspection, 
conducted certain field-work operations, assisted by his staff of local field 
inspectors, against the codling-moth. In the New Year of 1915 the new 
Provincial Court-house at Vernon was completed and the Provincial Ento- 
mological Branch took up its quarters in this building under the direction 
of Mr. J. W. Eastham. During the summer of 1915 Mr. Eastham decided 
to move to Vancouver, where he establisheed pathological headquarters in 
the Vancouver Court-house, the Vernon office being maintained under the 
direction of Mr. M. H. Ruhmann. 

The only other publications of note during the years of 1914 and 1915 
were those by Dr. Seymour Hadwen, Animal Pathologist at Agassiz, on 
tick paralysis, anaphylaxis of cattle, sheep and horses, and the warble-flies. 

During 1914 no new serious insect pests were recorded, and with the 
exception of certain outbreaks of codling-moth and a severe infestation, of 
locusts in the Nicola Valley little of interest occurred. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921. 137 


In 1915 two new insects of importance made their appearance, and both 
on Vancouver Island. In April, through the courtesy of Mr. Glendenning, 
the writer became aware of the presence of the black-currant bud-mite at 
Duncan. This mite had evidently been imported by a nurseryman at 
Somenos some three years previous from England or Scotland on currants, 
and the record of its appearance on Vancouver Island constituted an original 
record for the American continent, and, so far as I am aware, no other 
centre of infestation occurred in Canada or the United States until the close 
of this year 1920. During 1915 and 1916 steps were taken to eradicate 
the mite from British Columbia, and while great progress was made it is 
questionable whether the mite is exterminated. 

Towards the latter part of April of 1915 a still more serious insect 
pest made its appearance, although it doubtless had been present in the 
locality for a great many years. I refer to the pear-thrips found on the 
Saanich Peninsula. It was too late in the year to take any material action 


‘against this insect, but full plans were laid down for the 1916 season in 


co-operation with Mr. R. M. Winslow, Provincial Horticulturist, to combat 
the pest in the orchards. 

As a matter of history, not for personal reasons, I would like to point 
out that, with the exception of the field-work against codling-moth carried 
on by the Provincial Fruit Inspection and Horticultural Branches, I believe 
I was the only professional economic entomologist at work in the Province. 
Mr. M. H. Ruhmann was at Vernon, but he was so busily engaged in 
correspondence-work and field-control measures that he had little time 
for investigational work. The bulk of my work had been carried on at 
Coast points, and it was not until 1916 that the Okanagan Valley received 
any attention of an investigational nature. In this year the study of the 
life-history and habits of the codling-moth was commenced at Vernon, the 
work being undertaken by Mr. Ruhmann and myself. This was in July of 
1916, but I have neglected to mention that previous to my visit to the 
Okanagan in midsummer we had to welcome Dr. A. E. Cameron, who came 
direct from Manchester University to British Columbia in March, 1916, 
as an officer of the Dominion Entomological Branch and as an associate 
of my own in the pear-thrips campaign which opened early in the spring. 
We were all very glad indeed to welcome Dr. Cameron to British Columbia, 
as it marked a very important step in the progress of economic entomology 
in the Province, as is evidenced by the’ amount of information on British 
Columbia insects collected and published by him during his stay in the 
Province. Unfortunately, he found his billet in Saskatchewan in the 
summer of 1917 after having remained in British Columbia for about 
eighteen months. In February of 1916 British Columbia lost one of its 
most active entomological members, a man who really bears the credit for 
having established British Columbia as a pest-free Province. I think it is 
safe to say that the Province until this time may be considered pest-free, 
inasmuch as it was a fact that while we had a number of insect pests of 
importance there was none that had so great a hold on the agricultural 
interests as to cause untold loss or worry. I refer to Mr. Thomas 


138 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SocreEty. 


Cunningham, who died in Vancouver in February of this year, and he took 
with him, in addition to the respect of all his associates, the main credit 
from an entomological standpoint of having established a world-wide 
reputation for the Province in the matter of its freedom from the codling- 
moth. I think there is no question about this and it is right to give honour 
where honour is due. Mr. Cunningham by his foresight and will-power laid 
the foundation-stones upon which we as officers of the Department who 
followed him have built. 

In 1916, again several new insect pests not previously recorded for 
the Province were reported and determined by officers of the Entomological 
Branch. It may almost appear that the number of insect pests were 
increasing in due proportion to the increase of the entomological staff, but, 
of course, these insect pests doubtless had been present for several years 
and their identity had lain dormant until discovered by entomologists whose 
duty it was to inyestigate insect conditions. ‘The pests that I have noted for 
this year are the chrysanthemum-midge, which was reported to me by Mr. 
R. M. Winslow and E. W. White, of the Provincial Horticultural Branch 
from Victoria; the mangel-root or sugar-beet aphis (Pemphigus bete), 
reported to me by W. T. McDonald, Provincial Live Stock Commissioner 
from Victoria; and the apple-maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella), taken by 
myself at Penticton on July 26th, 1916, and identified by Dr. J. M. Aldrich, 
‘of Washington, D.C. The identity of the sugar-beet aphis was proved by 
Mr. W. A. Ross, of the Entomological Branch, Ottawa. 

During 1916 the Bulletin No. 12 of the Dominion series appeared 
from Ottawa detailing the habits of the cabbage-root maggot. During 1917 
the study of the pear-thrips on the Saanich Peninsula continued, with Dr. 
A. E. Cameron and the writer in charge. The results of this work were 
summarized into bulletin form during the winter of 1917 and appeared as 
Bulletin No. 15 of the Dominion series in January, 1918, in time for the 
opening of the spring campaign of that year. 

Mr. W. Downes was engaged as temporary field assistant in the spring 
of 1917 to carry on the field data on the pear-thrips in the neighbourhood 
of Victoria. Mr. J. D. Tothill also visited the Province this year and opened 
up a field laboratory at Royal Oak, on Vancouver Island, to commence the 
study of tent-caterpillars, spruce-budworm, and fall web-worm. Mr. Tothill 
had charge of the natural-control features of Dominion Entomological 
Branch studies, and it was under the auspices of the Federal Government 
that he commenced work in this Province. His studies carried him far and 
wide throughout the Province, but Lillooet, the Lower Fraser Valley, and 
Vancouver Island claimed his attention to the greatest extent. 

The most noteworthy economic insects discovered this year were the — 
pea-weevil at Penticton and Summerland, reported to me by the Provincial 
Field Inspectors, and the apple-maggot at Victoria, discovered by Mr. 
Downes. The writer also undertook this year to investigate certain stored- 
product insects, and heat was used for the first time in the Province to” 
control such insects. Calandra oryza, Lemophleus ferrugineus, Tribo- 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921. 139 


lium ferrugineum, Plodia interpunctella, Dermestes vulpinus and 
lardarius, Necrobia rufipes, and Tenebrioides mauritanicus were found in 
cargoes of transpacific vessels. Plodia interpunctella, Ephestia kuehniella, 
Tinea granella, Pyralis farinalis, Calandra oryza, and Tyroglyphus farine 
were found in local mills and warehouses. 

At this point I would like to diverge for a moment to another phase of 
entomological progress. It has been pointed out at various times that 
economic entomology in the Province has received its incentive for further 
action through the medium of the British Columbia Fruit-growers’ Associa- 
tion and the Horticultural Branch of the Province. This is as much true 
to-day as in the years gone by, and in passing IJ feel it only right that we 
should mention the excellent work of Mr. R. M. Winslow, who officiated as 
Provincial Horticulturist between the years of 1909 and 1917. The 
establishing of known measures of insect-control as regular orchard pro- 
cedures was very largely due to Mr. Winslow, and his sympathy for the 
solving of measures improperly known and the force he exerted to obtain 
results against new and imperfectly known insect pests was very great 
indeed. British Columbia suffered a very material loss in his resignation 
in July, 1917. 

Mr. M. S. Middleton succeeded -Mr. Winslow later in 1917, and 
through him a new series*of horticultural bulletins, of which many were 
entomological in nature, was inaugurated. Mr. Middleton saw fit to resign 
his position in 1918, since when the office has been vacant. 

During 1918 some changes in the organization of the entomological 
work took place which are worthy of mention. Agassiz, on the Experimental 
Farm, had been the headquarters of the Dominion Entomological Branch in 
the Province since 1912 and up until the close of 1917. It has been pointed 
out already in this paper that the Provincial headquarters had been main- 
tained at Vernon from 1912 until 1918, at which time Mr. Eastham moved 
his headquarters to Vancouver. Mr. Ruhmann was left in Vernon. under- 
taking such entomological werk that required attention, but he found that 
pressure of other duties interfered so materially with his insect-work that 
he was unable to accomplish very much. Furthermore, the development of 
the Federal work showed prospects of enlargement to such an extent that 
the quarters at Agassiz would shortly become too small. Furthermore, 
again, it happened that the greatest number of inquiries of an 
entomological nature were emanating from the Okanagan Valley, where 
it appeared the most serious insect problems were pending. It was decided, 
therefore, to transfer the Dominion headquarters from Agassiz to Vernon. 
This was done during the spring of 1918, and although the writer had spent 
the greater part of the two previcus summers in the Okanagan Valley, this 
spring of 1918 was the first spring spent in the Interior. 

It may also be worthy of mention, as a matter of history, that. by 
request of the Provincial Department of Agriculture the direction of the 
Provincial entomological activities was turned over to the writer. In this 


~ way Mr. Ruhmann was relieved of a great deal of his executive work, which 


enabled him to undertake more insect-investigation studies. 


140 B.C. ENToMoOLoGicaL Socrety. 


Mr. W. Downes undertook the work necessary under the Dominion 
Entomological Branch on Vencouver Island, undertaking in particular the 
studies necessary on the strawherry-root weevil and pear-thrips. He was 
also able to prove the existence of the apple-zmaggot and its food-plant, 
showing that the species in British Columbia was a “ biological species ”’ 
not connected with the apple at all, but with the Symphoricarpus or 
snowberry. It was, however, in all other particulars identical with the 
typical apple-maggot of the East. Mr. Downes also received this year an 
impression of the parthenogenetic nature of the strawberry-root weevil 
adults, an impression which he verified the succeeding year. 

The writer was able this year to bring to light in the Upper Country 
several insect pests which had not been noted previously. Chief among 
these was the alfalfa-seed chalcid, which was found wherever alfalfa was 
grown between the Lower Similkameen and Lillooet and causing a loss 
which varied from 25 to 75 per cent. in the sced-crop; the clover-seed midge 
at Victoria; the greater w are stem maggot (Meromyza americana) in the 
neighbourhood between Salmon Arm and Chase; and.the pear-psyllia at 
Nelson. All of these insects rank in the forefront as economic pests and 
doubtless will need consideration at some time in the future. Hemerocampa 
vetusta form gulosa (the tussock-moth of the fir) was also reported from 
Armstrong, Chase, Salmon Arm, and Hedley during this year, and its 
presence has been noted every year until the present at the same points, 
with the addition of Vernon and Okanagan Centre. A species of Lach- 
nosterna which was believed to be referable to the species (dubia) anxia 
was received from Blind Bay in the Shuswap area and Vernon. Mr. 
Downes also added Synanthedon rutilans and Aristotelia fragariz among 
the injurious small-fruit insects of the Island. 

In the spring of 1918 Mr. Tothill,.as a result of his preliminary inquiries 
of the year previous, instructed his assistant, Mr. A. B. Baird, to repair to 
British Columbia for the purpose of undertaking a systematic study into 
the parasitism of the tent-caterpillars, the spruce-bud worm, and fall web- 
worm. Mr. Baird made Agassiz his headquarters and he remained in 
British Columbia until the close of this present year 1920, when he returned — 
to his headquarters at Fredericton, New Brunswick. ei 

British Columbia was honoured in the autumn of 1918 by a visit from 

C. Gordon Hewitt, Dominion Entomologist. Dr. Hewitt, of course, , 
was not a stranger to British Columbia, inasmuch as he had visited the — 
Province on the average of every other year since his appointment in Ottawa _ 
in 1909. However, on this occasion his visit was noteworthy because it 
added just one more milestone to the progress of entomology in the Prov- — 
ince. The Lower Fraser Valley has always contended against the mosquito B 
plague, and public opinion was aroused to such a pitch that the writer was_ 
enabled to arrange a meeting with the Vancouver Board of Trade, the Reeves 
of the Fraser Valley municipalities, and Dr. Hewitt this autumn. The 
meeting was held at Mission, with Mr. C. E. Tisdall in the chair, on— 
September roth. Dr. Hewitt promised to appoint an officer from his 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921. 141 


Branch to investigate and report on the biology and species of the mosqui- 
toes present in the valley and to assist the municipalities by general advice 
and suggestion. The Vancouver Board of Trade undertook to draft a 
“ Mosquito-control Act’ which could be submitted to the Provincial House 
for discussion. and endorsation. Unfortunately, the endeavours came to 
naught owing, I believe, to lack of co-operation among the municipalities, 
but Dr. Hewitt fulflled his part of the bargain, and next spring we 
welcomed Mr. Eric Hearle to. British Columbia with special instructions to 
investigate the mosquito problem. 

In 1917 Mr. R. N. Chrystal, of Dr. Swaine’s Federal Division of Forest 
Insects, left the Province this year to undertake certain work elsewhere in 
the Dominion. Mr. Chrystal had been engaged in preliminary studies of 
forest insects in British Columbia for two years and his major inquiries 
centred in Stanley Park at Vancouver. A laboratory was established in 
Stanley Park for the purposes of close investigation, but this was abandoned 
when Mr. Chrystal left for the East. 

So far as the Provincial entomological service is concerned, in addition 
to the services of Mr. M. H. Ruhmann at Vernon, we have to record the 
entrance of Mr. E. R. Buckell to the field insect-work. Mr. Buckell was 
attached during 1918 to the Horticultural Branch of the Province and was 
engaged in codling-moth eradication at Walhachin. In rgr9 he joined the 
entomological service proper and was placed at Penticton to investigate 
the peach-twig borer and the locust situation in the Lower Oka- 
nagan Valley. Mr. Buckell found his special field of - investigation 
in insects affecting the range and cereals, so that during 1920 
he made the Chilcotin District his headquarters. It is interesting to 
note that, so far as I am aware, this was the first time the Chilcotins 
have been visited to investigate any special insect problem. The sad 
depletion of the range from overgrazing and from the influence of locusts 
necessitated some action, and it is hoped that as a result of Mr. Buckell’s 
investigations some measures will be adopted, in co-operation with the 
Provincial Range Commissioner, to better the conditions. Mr. Buckell 
intends continuing his investigations in the same area next year, 1921. 

A matter of some importance which I have neglected to mention thus 
far in this paper in reviewing entomological progress in British Columbia 
is the school educational work under the auspices of the Provincial Depart- 
ment of Education. Mr. J. W. Gibson was appointed as Provincial 
Director of Agricultural Education during the winter of 1r9t4-15 under 
the Federal grant used for that purpose. In 1915 he held his first short 
course for teachers at Victoria, and the writer had the honour of presenting 
the course in entomology. It is felt that this work may have a very direct 
bearing on the future of entomology, as the teachers who were thus 
instructed undoubtedly obtained a wider knowledge on insect-life which they 
could impart to their students in all parts of the Province. A similar course 

-has been held in Victoria during July of 1916, 1917, 1919, and 1920. The 
writer has conducted this course each year under Mr. Gibson’s direction, 


142 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. é 


ably assisted in 1917 and 1919 by Mr. E. H. Blackmore, who undertook to 
give instructions in the determination of the important families of the 
Lepidoptera. : 

With the opening of the 1919 season the following officers were actively 
engaged in economic-insect investigations: Mr. W. Downes, who during 
1918 and 1919 had been on temporary employ of the Dominion Entomo- 
logical Branch, was appointed as permanent officer of the Dominion Branch 
on September tst, 1919; Mr. E. P. Venables, who had recently returned 
from active military service in Palestine, was placed on temporary employ 
on the Dominion Branch for six months dating from May 15th until 
November 15th; Messrs. M. H. Ruhmann and E.R. Buckell under the 
Provincial Service; and the writer, who assumed general direction of the 
work. It will be seen that the Dominion and Provincial services are now 
co-ordinated so as to prevent overlapping of industry. The necessary 
projects are now grouped under crop insects: Mr. Downes, located at 
Victoria, was placed in charge of small-fruit investigations; Mr. Venables, 
at Vernon, on tree-fruit studies; Mr. Ruhmann, on vegetables; and Mr. 
Buckell, on range and cereal insects. In addition, Mr. Hearle, at Mission, 
is continuing his studies on the mosquitoes, and Mr. Baird, at Agassiz, on 
natural-control features of certain insect pests. Furthermore, the field NS 
officers of the Provincial Horticultural Branch were engaged in collecting 
data and reporting the existence of insect troubles in their respective 
districts, and the quarantine and inspection work under the direction of Mr. 3 
W. H. Lyne in Vancouver was productive of many notes of entomological 
interest. Thus the work was planned for 1919. 

The year 1919 was productive in the following notes of special "i 
entomological interest: The writer received the work of Marmara 
pomonella, a lepidopterous fruit-miner, from Sorrento on October 25th. 
This same insect was noted by Mr. M. H. Ruhmann in 1917 in apples 
received from Creston on October 25th. The identification was made by 4 
Mr. Quaintance, of the United States Federal Entomological Bureau, i 
Washington, D.C. In midsummer larve of Mineola tricolorella were 
taken at Okanagan Landing and bred through to the adult, the deter- 
mination being made by Dr. J. McDonough, of Ottawa. Argyroploce 
consanguiniana was also reared from apple-foliage at Vernon. This 


insect had previously been noted from the Province in 1914, when it 
was bred from larve taken on apple at Hatzic, in the Lower Fraser 
Valley. Mr. Downes, in addition to establishing the identity of many 
small-fruit insects from Island districts, this year reported Apateticus 

crocatus, a pentatomid bug predaceous on the caterpillars of the tent- 

caterpillar and oak-looper at Victoria. During May Mr. Buckell, in| 
association with the writer, was able to establish the very interesting — 
and doubtless important note on the existence of Entgmophthora (Tari- — 
chium) megaspermum, an entomophilous fungous disease on noctuid — . 
larve attacking the Chrysothamnus bushes at Keremeos. The deter- e 
mination was made by Mr. Speare, Mycoentomologist of the United — 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921. 143 


States Bureau of Entomology, who remarked “that as near as can be 
determined the fungus is E. Megaspermum Cohn, which was described 
in 1873 and has never Leen recorded since as far as I am aware.” 

~ There is another phase of entomological endeavour which I have not 
mentioned thus far in this review, for the reason that it constitutes a 
separate branch of work. I refer to the Indian-orchard work. In 1911 
the writer entered upon his duties in British Columbia to relieve our 
late lamented associate, Mr. Tom Wilson, of his duties as Dominion 
Inspector of Nursery Stock. Mr. Wilson previous to 191t combined the 
duties at the Vancouver Fumigation Station with those essential to the 
establishment and safe-keeping of Indian orchards. He found the work 
necessary on the many Indian reserves in the Province so important that 
in 1911 he was enabled to spend his whole time superintending Indian 
orchards and agriculture in general. His work in this connection took 
him to all parts of the Province, and his astonishing knowledge of botany, 
zoology, and entomology made him an invaluable collector of insects and 
insect records. Mr. Wilson carried on his duties until March 6th, 1917, 
when he met an untimely death in a disastrous fire at the Coquihalla 
Hotel, Hope, B.C. His loss was felt most severely in a personal and 
professional way. The writer had the honour of writing his obituary 
notice in our Bulletin No. 10, 1917, but this only half expressed the high 
regard in which he was held. With Tom Wilson went a great mass of 
information on insect-life which never now can be published. His death 
was so sudden and unexpected that it was hard to realize the loss 
entomology suffered. Ifa moral could be pointed, it should be impressed 
upon us all that for the sake of the future we should make an endeavour 
to cover by writing the important established data which our experience 
produces. Mr. Wilson was succeeded by Mr. Walter B. Anderson in 
the spring of 1918, who has carried on,similar duties that Mr. Wilson 
was performing at the time of his death. Mr. Anderson proved an 
inveterate collector and the National Museum in Ottawa has been 
enriched to a very considerable extent as a result of his labours. 

The year 1919, as may be seen, proved an auspicious year for British 
Columbia: It remained for this last year, 1920, to show the greatest 
degree of development yet experienced in the Province. The progress 
made in British Columbia has been due to the foresight of the late 
Dominion Entomologist, Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt. I think it should be 
clearly borne in mind that while the local officials of both Federal and 
Provincial Departments of Agriculture-have done all in their power to 
further the interests of entomology in the Province, nothing like the 
progress shown would have been possible without the support and 
endorsation of Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt. It was with feelings of deep 
regret that we heard of his untimely death by pneumonia in February 
of this year. The studies planned for 1920 were planned at a time 
previous to his death, and so I think we may still give Dr. Hewitt credit 
forthe developments shown during this past year. 


144 B.C. EnxtomMoLocrcaL’ Society. 


The first new face that we welcomed was Mr. Ralph Hopping, who 
was appointed under Dr. Swaine’s Forest Insect Division, and who arrived - 
in December, 1919, to take charge of special forest-insect investigations 
in this Province. Mr. Hopping came direct from California, and he 
brought with him not only the best private collection of beetles on the 
West Coast, but also a standard of knowledge on beetle-life which has 
been gained as a result of twenty years’ experience in this group. He 
is regarded as one of the leading students on forest-insect life on the 
West Coast, and his allocation to British Columbia was not only a direct 
loss to the United States, but a most decided acquisition to Canada and 
to the Province of British Columbia in particular. The next most 
important item in this year’s history is the advent for the first time 
into the field of entomology of students from the University of British 
Columbia. Three were employed this year. Mr. Alphonse Crawford, 
undergraduate in medicine, was delegated to assist Mr. Eric Hearle in 
his mosquito studies on the Lower Fraser; Mr. N. L. Cutler, biology 
student, was posted to the entomological laboratory at Vernon to under- 
take the collecting of insect specimens for the University collection, the 
specimens to be collected individually and in bulk for the use of the 
students at the University during this present winter; Miss A. C. Healey, 
art student, as laboratory assistant at the Vernon Laboratory. All of 
these students were on temporary employ for the summer months, ter- 
minating their services in time to return to Vancouver to continue their 
graduate studies. 

Mr. A. B. Baird received temporary assistance this year in the person 
of Mr. R. Glendenning, and on the termination of the special natural- 
control investigations and the return of Mr. Baird to the East, Mr. Glen- 
denning was enlisted for temporary service as assistant to Mr. Downes 
at Victoria. Mr. Buckell, as previously mentioned, went north this year 
to the Chilcotins on special range-work, and Mr. Ruhmann continued 
his studies of vegetable insects at Vernon, as did Mr. Venables on tree- 
fruit insects. Another innovation instituted at the Vernon Laboratory 
this year for the first time in the Province was the employment, under 
the Provincial Department of Agriculture, of two laboratory boys—boys ‘ 
who by reason of the fact that they showed unmistakable ability in y 
natural-history studies were thought fit to pin, mount, collect, and take 
simple field-notes on insect-life in the field. It is hoped that if this idea 
is persevered in we may be able to build up entomologists for the future. 

During this year, and commencing with the autumn sessions of the 
University, Dr. C. McLean Fraser, of the Marine Biological Station at 
Nanaimo, was appointed as Zoologist. Dr. Fraser lectured to the 
students during the 1919 sessions at the University, dealing with insects 
as a phase of the zoological science, and to him and to Dr. A. H. 
Hutchinson, Biologist, we are indebted for available students for field~ — 
work in the Province during the past year. Similar courses are again 
being held this year, but, I believe, for the first time, will a course be — 


- 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921. 145 


held in economic entomology in the regular session at the University. 
The writer has the honour at this time to be giving this course. 
~During 1920 the following insects have been reported of economic 
interest: The Hessian fly was sent in to the Vernon Laboratory by the 
Superintendent of the Sidney Experimental Farm. This is a new record 
for the Province, although, judging from the present known area of 
infestation, it has been present for many years. Our information until 
1918 was to the effect that while this insect was widely distributed west 
of the Cascades in both Washington and Oregon States, it was not known 
to occur north of Seattle. It is probable that this insect will cause very 
considerable trouble to fall wheat on the Island and measures for its 
control will have to be figured out. ‘The satin-moth was reported by 
Dr. J. McDonough, of Ottawa, who determined this insect for Mr. A. B. 
Baird, who collected it. This moth is now only known to occur in British 
Columbia in the City of New Westminster, and the only other point at 
present infested in the North American Continent is Massachusetts. 
Hence it is believed to be an imported pest of recent standing, as it is 
common, I believe, both in Europe and Siberia. It is impossible at this 
time to state how important this insect may become during the next few 
years, but there is no question but that it will require careful watching. 
The Colorado potato-beetle, reported last year by Mr. W. H. Lyne for 
Gateway, in the Lower Kootenay country, was this year noted by 
Mr. W. B. Anderson at Waldo, a spread of 40 miles in a year. The 
currant elm-aphis, reported by Mr. Downes from Chilliwack and 
identified by Mr. W. A. Ross, of the Dominion Entomological Branch, 
Vineland, Ontario, as Eriosoma ulmi, is noted for the first time. Anis- 
andrus pyri (the shot-hole borer of the West) was, I believe, introduced 
to our notice by Mr. J. W. Eastham, who obtained identification through 
Dr. J. M. Swaine in Ottawa. This insect was taken in the neighbourhood 
of South Vancouver. Mineola tricolorella was again reported from 
Vernon, while the studies of Mr. Venables have brought to light the 
following list from the apple: Bruce’s measuring-worm, Rachela 
bruceata, Epicallima dimidiella, Peronea maximana, together with the 
established identity of other common fruit-infesting larvae, such as the 
lesser apple-worm, bud-moth, and the dock false worm. Several other 


_ insects attacking fruit have been found, but their identity is not yet ° 


3 
4 
J 
? 


disclosed. Peronea maximana may be further mentioned for the reason 
that it is closely related to Alceris (Teras) minuta, an insect which is 
noted by Mr. J. R. Anderson in his Bulletin No. 12 of Provincial Depart- 
ment of Agriculture, and as long as I can remember this insect has been 
mentioned to me as being present in British Columbia, but no specimens 
had been received. It is just possible that T. minuta may have been 


~ confused with P. maximana, but of this we have no definite information. 
Of those insects Mr. Buckell has found infesting the range lands of the 


_ Province I cannot make mention at this time. Suffice it to say that he 


. enriched our locust knowledge by establishing the presence of about 
tA 


146 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


sixty species of locusts and has obtained ecological notes and life-history 
data on the majority of these. Diplotaxis tenebrosus Fall was noted 
this spring injuring young apricot seedlings at Osoyoos. 

This review has taken longer than I intended it should, and on 
reading it over it appears as though it were a diatribe on the features 
of professional entomologists and a history of the Branch development. 
I really do not intend that it should be such and must apologize if it 
appears so. I have not touched upon the very excellent systematic work 
that has been accomplished during the past few years by professional 
and private members of our Society, and the non-inclusion of these 
records in this paper is no reflection. I had intended only dealing with 
the economic history, and in order to do this effectively I must of 
necessity mention personal data. In closing, I merely wish to say that 
it is my hope that the same progress be shown in the next few years 
as I am sure you will all agree has been the history of the past few years. 


A TALK ON INSECTS IMPORTED FROM THE ORIENT. 
By W. H. Lyne, Inspector or Imported FRuIt AND NURSERY STOCK. 


It is not my intention to discuss the point as to whether or not the 
San Jose scale was first introduced to this continent on nursery stock 
imported from Japan. The fact that it was discovered on shrubbery 
imported from Japan to San Jose, Santa Clara County, Cal., and thus 
established its name, I have no wish to dispute. 

What I do know is that on more than one occasion San Jose 
scale has been found on nursery stock imported from Japan to British 
Columbia, and that within the last month several apple, pear, and peach 
trees from Japan were condemned here in Vancouver owing to their 
being infested with that particular pest. 

The San Jose scale (Aspidiotus perniciosus) is not the only scale- 
insect imported from Japan. We occasionally come in contact with 
other species, such as the cherry-scale (Aspidiotus forbesi, A. nerii, and 
A. hedera), infesting ornamental trees and shrubs. There are often 
other subfamilies of Coccidz, such as Chionaspis, Mytilaspis, Diaspis, — 
and Lecanium, represented ty several of their relative species. 

On one occasion several egg-masses of the gipsy moth (Porthetria — 
dispar) were found on the bark of Arbor vite trees. 

Other interesting species of insects imported are the larve of several 4 
beetles, boring into the heart-wood or feeding on the roots of trees or 
plants. The giant borer, a species of the Prionine, has occasionally — 
been found in roots or just above the crown of Wistaria, walnut, and 
other trees from Japan. = 

Probably the beetle attracting the most attention at the present 
time is the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica, owing to its having become 
established in certain sections of the Eastern United States. It is’ 
supposed to have been imported in iris-roots from Japan. On a few 
occasions and very recently we have found several larva closely resem- 


a 


3 
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B 


a 


3 
ey 


‘ 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921. 147 


bling that of this particular beetle; some were taken from around the 
roots of Thuja and maple trees and others from the roots or iris-plants. 
They have been submitted to Ottawa for identification. Some have been 
identified as being closely allied to our native Anomolas, and others are 
in process of breeding to adults in order to determine their species. 
There have also been other insects of minor importance. 

Insects infesting Stored Products.—Besides the insects that accompany 
nursery stock from Japan and a few other parts of the Orient, there are 
many species that infest the miscellaneous stored products imported to 
this country. 

Some few years ago one might often notice along the wharves 
products such as rice, corn, beans, peanuts, etc., just landed from Japan, 
China, Malaya Straits, or Australia, simply smothered with insects. 

It was a sickly sight sometimes to see a large consignment of rice 
with thousands of larve of the Plodia interpunctella moth crawling over 
the sacks or mats. A closer inspection of this writhing mass of larve 
might also disclose the presence of the Mediterranean flour-moth 
(Ephestia kuehniella) or the meal snout-moth (Pyralis farinalis). Then 
by way oi a little seasoning might be added the rice-weevil (Calandra 
oryze) and the flour-beetle (Tribolium confusum). Prowling among 
these like a tiger in search of his prey would perhaps be seen the cadelle 
(Tenebriodes mauritanicus), not very particular whether he dines on a 
good fat weevil or a grain of rice. There may still be other insects in 
this miscellaneous assembly. Sometimes we notice the frivolous little 
chalcid or other parasitic flies, and even the little flour-mites, Tyfogly- 
phus. Consignments of the other products referred to, including wheat, 
are liable to be infested with any or all of the insects mentioned. 

One other lepidopter not referred to, is the Angoumois grain-moth, 
which on some occasions has accompanied maize from Australia and 
Manchuria, also peanuts from Japan. 

On one occasion a large consignment of maize arrived from the 
Orient badly infested with weevil, Calandra oryza and granaria. The 
little pests were so anxious to see Vancouver they climbed over each 
other until they formed pyramids 6 inches high on top of the sacks. It 
was very amusing to hear the remarks passed by the longshoremen 
watching them. 

Within twelve hours after the maize had been landed on the dock 

very few of the weevil were to be seen outside of the sacks. It is perhaps 
needless to add the whole of this particular shipment was fumigated 
shortly after with carbon bisulphide, which ended the career of these 
objectionable little immigrants. 
_ Pea and Bean Weevil—Other weevil of perhaps still more economic 
importance are those of the Bruchus family, commonly referred to as pea 
or bean weevil. It has been necessary to fumigate large quantities of peas 
and beans from the Orient infested with those particular insects, Bruchus 
pisorum and obtectus. 


148 B.C. EntomorocicaL Society. 


Nutmeg weevil—Another species of the Bruchus family play sad 
havoe with nutmegs. Shipments have arrived at Vancouver simply riddled 
and pulverized, and the excavated nuts filled with castings of the insects are 
not very nice when ground and so!d as powdered nutmeg. Such offal has 
been refused entry into the Province. 

Sweet-potato Wecvil——Another so-called weevil, but more resembling 
an ant, is the sweet-potato weevil (Cylas formicarius). Both sweet 
potatoes and yams from the Orient have been condemned at Vancouver 
owing to being infested with this insect. 

Potato-tuber Moth.—Shipments of the common Irish potato from 
Australia and New Zealand have been condemned for tuber-moth 
(Phthorimea operculella). 

The commercial world is just beginning to realize the tremendous waste 
resulting from the many insects that infest stored products, and fumigation 
and other methods of combating them are becoming very popular. 
Thousands of tons of the imported store products referred to have been 
fumigated at Vancouver during the last fifteen years. 


MAN’S INFLUENCE ON THE NATIVE FLORA, WITH SPECIAL 
REFERENCE TO INSECT PESTS. 


By J. Davinson, F.L.S., F-B.S.E. 


For many years I have been observing man’s influence in changing 
the local flora from the natural evergreen formation of cedar and Douglas 
fir to one in which deciduous trees predominate. My attention was first 
drawn to this about eight years ago during a botanicai visit to the district 
between Crescent and White Rock. About that time an accidental fire had 
spread through a large area of evergreen forest on the bench land along the 
Coast where maples formed the fringe of the forest. The conifers and 
many of the maples succumbed to the effects, and the whole area was left 
a bleak waste of charred logs and burnt soil. The fire occurred when the 
fruits of the maples were reaching maturity, and though many trees were 
fatally injured at the crown of the root they were able to ripen and disperse 
their seeds. Being on the windward side, the seeds were freely distributed 
over the burnt area, and in the following season millions of maple seedlings 
gave promise of a change to a deciduous forest. 

A similar change was found on logged-over land between Point 
Roberts and the Indian reserve, where maples, dogwood, and other 
deciduous trees form a large proportion of the second-growth forest. The 
change of soil by the additional humus formed by fallen leaves, and the 
fact that light reaches the forest floor in spring, favoured the increase of 


flowering plants formerly unable to exist in the darkness of the evergreen 


forest. 
As is well known, there is a distinct relation between the flora and the 
fauna. Many of the new plants are food-plants of insects, which in turn 


- ee 
provide part of the food of birds. Such areas naturally become breeding- ; 


\ 


3 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921. 149 


grounds and distributing centres for insects which may become garden or 
orchard pests. 

In studying man’s influence on the flora of the Vancouver District, 
one has to obtain a glimpse of the original forest formation as a basis 
for comparison. Unfortunately, this cannot be seen in any part of Greater 
Vancouver, not even in Stanley Park, which bears abundant evidences of 
the logger’s axe. We can tell, however, that the forest was predominantly 
evergreen, with alder and elder, willows and crab-apple, fringing the forest 
on boggy lands, and where the soil was too wet for Douglas fir to encroach; 
and maples, cherry, and dogwood along the slopes near the Coast. 

In those days it was absolutely impossible to have a tent-caterpillar 
plague such as we have experienced during the past few years; there were 
not sufficient food-plants to support it; the coniferous trees limited the 
distribution of deciduous species and caused the starvation of millions of 
seedlings which germinated in the darkness of the evergreen forest. 

With the advent of the logger, open spaces in the forest provided the 
necessary light for the success of deciduous trees whose seeds were dis- 
tributed by wind or by birds, and some of those early intruders may be 
found in various parts of Greater Vancouver as fairly large trees. 

With the establishment and development of the City of Vancouver, 
and subsequently of the adjacent municipalities, the wholesale clearing of 
property opened up large areas for the increase of deciduous trees, notably 
alders and willows, whose seeds are adapted for distribution by wind. The 
result is to be seen to-day in most parts of Greater Vancouver—and in other 
Coast districts—where, on much of the “wild land” and some of the 
“improygd land,” we see young forests of food-plants for insect pests, 
replacing the forests which so long served as a natural protection against 
their invasion. : 

Man has thus upset the balance of nature, and if left to herself Nature 
will gradually restore the former order of things and evergreen trees will 
again become dominant, because in this locality they constitute what is 
termed the climax flora. 


As a step towards the rehabilitation of the normal forest, Nature must 
control the abnormal growth which followed man’s overthrow of natural 
conditions; the tent-caterpillar is but one of Nature’s agents in this work, 
and, judging by the results of the past few years, it has proved a very 
effective one. 

It will therefore be seen that anything done to encourage the growth 
of certain species of deciduous trees will also encourage the increase of tent- 
caterpillars; and conversely, by encouraging evergreen trees and such 
species of deciduous trees as are not food-plants of the tent-caterpillar, we 
lessen the risk of future plagues. 

To directly attack the tent-caterpillar by spraying vegetation on vacant 
lots is contrary to nature and tends to prolong the duration of the plague; 
by adopting this method we protect unnatural vegetation to increase the 
menace every succeeding year. It is better to assist in restoring the balance 


150 B.C. ENtomoLocicaL Socrety. 


of nature by demolishing the abnormal conditions which we have created, 
and by destroying only those species which are food-plants of the tent- 
caterpillar we remove the cause of the outbreak and prevent its recurrence. 

For the past three years I have advocated this method of combating 
the tent-caterpillar plague, and last year the City of Vancouver took steps 
to carry this method into effect by having vacant lots cleared. But the 
clearing has been overdone, and on that account may have to be repeated 
in a year or two. Instead of destroying only food-plants, every tree and 
shrub was cut to the ground, piled into heaps and burned, with the result 
that a greater area is available for the growth of food-plants than existed 
before the ground was cleared, and much unnecessary expenditure was 
incurred in cutting down trees which were not only harmless, but were 
actually beneficial in hindering or limiting the establishment of food- 
plants. 

Man’s influence on the flora is therefore well illustrated in Van- 
couver; instead of vacant lots covered with various evergreen trees, vine- 
maple, cascara, dogwood, and other beautiful and harmless species, we have 
waste ground for the reception of wind-borne seeds of alder, willow, fire- 
weed, thistles, dandelions, and other weeds, and the prospect of a con-_ 
tinuance of the tent-caterpillar pest until a new growth of immune trees 
takes possession of such areas. 

It should be emphasized that all deciduous trees are not food-plants of 
the tent-caterpillar, and those entrusted with clearing operations should be 
able to distinguish the harmful species from the useful. This can be done 
as easily in winter as in summer, and arrangements should be made to give 
the men sufficient instruction in the identification of trees as would enable 
the work to be done more effectively and more economically. 

Last summer on a small area comprising almost one-quarter of a block, 
several men worked for the greater part of a week clearing off the vegeta- 
tion; it so happened that on this particular area there were comparatively 
few food-plants of the tent-caterpillar, but there were many deciduous trees, 
including maples and cascara-trees; of the latter 1 counted ninety-four 
specimens of average size, besides a number of saplings; all were cut and 
burned. One man could have cut all the food-plants in one afternoon; 
approximately $80 worth of cascara-bark would have been saved from the 
flames, and the remaining cedars, Douglas firs, and maples would have 
provided shelter, protection, and nesting-places for birds, many of which 
assist in controlling insect pests. 


TREES WHICH SHOULD BE CUT, 


Amongst the local trees which are food-plants of the tent-caterpillar, 
and which alone should be destroyed on vacant lots, are alder, various — 
species of willow, two species of poplar known as cottonwood and aspen, 
wild cherry, crab-apple, and hawthorn; the latter, though not in evidence 
in Vancouver, is very common in one or two municipalities in this region. 
The following shrubs are also food-plants: Flowering currant, wild roses, — 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921. I5I 


and June-berry or saskatoon. In some localities these are so abundant as 
to constitute a menace to adjacent gardens and orchards, but unless the 
plants are actually attacked by the pest, isolated patches of these shrubs 
may be spared for the beauty of their flowers. 


TREES WHICH SHOULD BE SPARED. 


Amongst the trees which are immune to the attacks of tent-caterpillars 
are the conifers, including giant fir, cedar, hemlock, yew, Douglas fir, and 
pine. Spruce-trees attacked by the spruce-gall aphis may be destroyed. 
Maples, cascara, arbutus, Osier dogwood, and Nuttall’s dogwood are all 
useful species and should be spared. Nuttall’s dogwood is our famous large- 
flowered species and is practically immune to all insect and fungus pests. 
It is rapidly becoming extinct in Vancouver except as a garden plant, but 


is still found in abundance outside the city boundaries. If vacant areas 


were replanted with this tree it would add much to the beauty of the city 
and help to prevent the establishment of undesirable species. 

I have endeavoured to show that the tent-caterpillar plague here is 
due to man’s influence on the local flora, and that by using his influence in 
the right direction and in accordance with natural laws he may not only 
counteract the present outbreak, but will save future generations from a 
recurrence of the pestilential conditions we have had to endure for the 
past three or four years. , 


VICTORIA, B.C.: 
Printed by Witt1aAm H. CuLiin, Printer to the King’s Most Excellent Majesty. 
1921, 


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TABLE OF CONTENTS 


Proceedings 

Report of the Secretary-Treasurer 

The Lycenine of British Columbia—E. H. Blackmore 

Notes on the Mycetophilide of British Columbia—R. S. Sherman 
Notes on Oporinia Autumna Gu—G. O. Day 

The Tree-hoppers of British Columbia—W. Downes 


A Swarm of Vanessa Californica and Some Notes on a Swarm of 
Plusia Californica—J. W. Cockle . 


20 


BRITISH COLUMBIA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


PROCEEDINGS, 1919 


The Eighteenth Annual Meeting of the British Columbia Entomo- 
logical Society was. held in Vancouver in the Biological Lecture Room 
at the University of British Columbia on March 15th, 1919. 

The President, Mr. R. S. Sherman, being absent owing to illness, 
the chair was taken by the Vice-President for the Coast, Mr. E. H. 
Blackmore, and the meeting was called to order at 10 a.m. 

The report of the Secretary-Treasurer, Mr. Williams Hugh, was 
read and adopted, after which the reading of papers was proceeded with. 
Thirteen papers were presented, six of which were on economic entomo- 
logy, four systematic, and the remainder of general interest. 

The following resolutions were proposed and carried: 

Moved by E. H. Blackmore, seconded by R. C. Treherne, that in 
view of the fact that numbers of students are interested in entomology 
but not in research work, the constitution be changed to admit associate 
members; that the fee for said members be 50 cents per annum. 

Moved by R. C. Treherne, seconded by E. H. Blackmore, that the 
offer of Prizes for the Best Collection of Insects be renewed to the 
Vancouver Exhibition, and the same offer be made to the New West- 
minster Exhibition Association. 

Moved by R. C. Treherne, seconded by W. J. Winson, that a sum 
of $100.00 be set aside for the purpose of providing prizes at Fall Fairs 
for the best exhibits of insects, made by students attending public 
schools (subject to approval of Advisory Board). 

Moved by W. Downes, seconded by W. J. Winson, that the Com- 
mittee formed for the purpose of publishing Bulletins Nos. 8 and 10 be 
sustained, and the Committee be instructed to proceed with the work of 
publishing Bulletin No. 11, Economic Series. 

The following officers were elected for the year 1919: 

Hon. President—Francis Kermode, Prov. Museum, Victoria, B.C. 

President—E. H. Blackmore. 

Vice-President (Coast)—R. S. Sherman. 

Vice-President (Interior)—J. W. Cockle. 

Hon. Secretary-Treasurer—W. Downes. 

Advisory Board—Messrs. W. H. Lyne, R. C. Treherne, G. 0. Day, 
John Davidson, and L,. A. Breun. 


4 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-TREASURER 


I beg to present a report of the work of the British Columbia 
Entomological Society for the year 1918. 

In spite of war conditions the Society added a few names to the 
membership roll. The parent Society credits this branch with having 
thirty-seven members, but our paid up membership is only twenty-five ; 
all are actively engaged in some branch of Entomological Science. 

In accordance with our usual custom, I have presented to the parent 
Society a report of the proceedings of the 17th Annual Meeting, held in 
the City of Victoria, February 23rd, 1918. 

The question of Mosquito control was discussed by several govern- 
ing bodies, Farmers’ Institutes, and other organizations interested in 
the development of rural life on the Lower Mainland of British Columbia 
during June, 1918, the Vancouver Board of Trade being prominent in 
the work. ‘The attention of the Board was drawn by this Society to 
the work of the Field Entomologists in the employ of the Dominion 
Government, and suggested the Board get in touch with Dr. Gordon 
Hewitt, in charge of the work. Mr. C. E. Tisdall immediately took up 
the question through the Board, with the Dominion Government, result- 
ing in a visit being made by Dr. Hewitt and his British Columbia assist- 
ant in charge—our valued member, R. C. Treherne. A meeting was 
held in the Mission district, and a representative body of men appointed 
to further the work throughout the Fraser Valley. Further measures 
are being taken to bring the work to fruition. Mr. Tisdall commended 
the work of this Society. 

There were no entries for the prizes offered by this Society at the 
Vancouver Exhibition for types of beneficial and injurious insects. 
If it is the pleasure of the Advisory Board to renew the offer, I feel sure 
eventually sufficient interest will be created to warrant the Society 
renewing the offer, in view of the fact that school children are now 
taking up the question of nature study seriously. 

The Committee appointed by the Advisory Board to produce 
Bulletins Nos. 8 and 10, Systematic Series, completed their work, and 
Messrs. E. H. Blackmore, Wm. Downes and R. C. Treherne are to be 
congratulated on the result. The Bulletins have been distributed to all 
members and the several learned Societies on our mailing list, and 
letters of commendation have been received, and several requests have 
been received for copies from Entomologists in the United States. 

Copies of the Bulletins were sent to all members of the Nova Scotia 
Entomological Society and a consignment sent to the parent Society at 
Guelph, and to members on the staff of the Dominion Entomologist. 


WILLIAMS HUGH, Hon. Secretary. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1919 5 


THE LYCANINZ OF BRITISH COLUMBIA 
By E. H. Blackmore, Victoria, B.C. 


At our annual meetings during the past five years I have given 
either one or two papers each year, relating to the Geometridae of this 
Province. During that time I have been quietly but effectively work- 
ing on a new Check List of British Columbia Lepidoptera. Up to the 
present time I have worked out 95 per cent. of the Rhopalocera, 75 per 
cent. of the Noctuide, and 90 per cent. of the Geometride. 

In the course of my studies I have found a great many errors which 
have existed for a number of years. Some of them very palpable, others 
which could not be avoided, as later research work by specialists has 
only recently given us a proper understanding of some of our species, 
and even now many of the names are really only tentative, as much 
work still remains to be done in completing the life-histories of many 
of our species and geographical races. Long series of adults from 
certain localities are necessary for purposes of comparison—certain 
species and forms must be bred from the egg, and larval notes taken at 
each successive moult, before we can really determine the status of all 
of our species. 

The butterflies of British Columbia comprise six different families, 
in none of which are the misidentifications more numerous than the one 
I have chosen as the title of this paper. 

Before taking up the different species, I think that it would be as 
well to give a few general characteristics of this family in its different 
stages. 

Egg. The eggs are for the most part flattened or turban shaped, 
curiously and beautifully adorned with ridges and reticulations. 

Larva. The caterpillars present a very unusual form, being more 
or less slug-shaped. ‘The body is short and broad; the legs and pro-legs 
are short and small, allowing the body to be closely pressed to the 
object upon which it is moving; in fact, some of the species glide rather 
than creep. They are vegetable feeders, with the exception of one 
species, viz., Feniseca tarquinius Fabr. This species occurs in the 
Atlantic States and is aphidivorous, feeding on the woolly lice of the 
alder. One or two of the species are remarkable for having honey tubes 
which can be pushed out from the seventh and eighth abdominal seg- 
ments and through which honey dew is extracted for the use of ants. 

Chrysalis. The chrysalids are short, compressed and without 
angulations, attached at the caudal extremity and having a loop of silk 
passing round the body near its middle. They are generally closely 
fastened to the surface upon which pupation takes place. 

Imago. All the butterflies of this family are small and are of deli- 
cate structure. The antenne are nearly always ringed with white and 
a conspicuous rim of white scales encircle the eyes. ‘There is exceeding 


6 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


diversity of form in the various genera comprising this family, and they 
have been divided into three sub-families, viz.: 

(1). The Theclinze or Hair Streaks, whose wings on the upper 
side are generally some shade of brown and which very often have 
on the underside some narrow white zigzag lines, also very fre- 
quently having the hind wings adorned with one or more slender 
tails. 

(2). The Chrysophanine or Coppers, so called as in nearly all 
the species, shades of coppery-red predominate. 

(3). The Lycenine or Blues. This sub-family contains by 
far the largest number of species and is characterized by the 
gorgeous blue of the most varying shades on the upper side of the 
wings, especially in the males. It is the species of this latter sub- 
family that I propose to deal with in this paper. ; 
The Lycanine of Boreal North America comprise ten different 

genera, six of which are represented in British Columbia. Up to date 
there have been described thirty-eight distinct species with thirty-five 
geographical races and seasonal yarieties, making a total of seventy- 
three different forms listed as occurring in North America. In British 
Columbia we have nine species and nine geographical races, making a 
total of eighteen distinct forms, which is about one-fourth of the total 
number of “Blues” found in North America. 

We have had two Check Lists of British Columbia Lepidoptera 
published, one was compiled by Mr. E. M. Anderson and published by 
the Provincial Museum in 1904, and the other one published by the 
Provincial Department of Agriculture in 1906, and compiled by some of 
the officers of this Society. I have never been able to find out just who 
assisted in this latter compilation, which was certainly an improvement 
on the previous one, as many of the most glaring errors and misidenti- 
fications were left out. I presume, however, that Mr. J. W. Cockle, of 
Kaslo, was responsible for most of the “Micros,” and no doubt the late 
Rev. G. W. Taylor compiled the whole of the Geometride, while the late 
Capt. R. V. Harvey most likely listed the Diurnals. Looking back over 
these lists, I find that in this sub-family, the Lyczninz, there were 
twenty-one forms listed in the 1904 Check List, of which one belonged 
to the Chrysophaninz, and ten were misidentified; of these, seven do not 
occur in the Province, and in one case, one species was represented by 
three different names, none of which were right. In the 1906 List, there 
were fourteen forms recorded, of which eight were misidentifications, five 
of them not occurring in the Province. 

I will now treat of them specifically in the sequence in which they 
are placed in Barnes and McDunnough’s Check List, commencing with: 

No. 1. Everes amyntuia Bdyv. ‘This is commonly called the 
Western Tailed Blue, as it has a very minute tail at the anal angle of 


PROCEEDINGS, 1919 ” 


each hind-wing. In both the previous B.C. Check Lists its Eastern 
congener comyntas Godt. has been listed from the Interior, but this is 
an error, as comyntas does not occur in Canada any further west than 
about Winnipeg. It is a debatable question, however, whether they are 
two distinct species or merely geographical races of each other. ‘The 
mistake in our local lists probably arises from the fact that Vancouver 
Island specimens show a greater paucity of spotting on the under side 
than do those from the Okanagan district. The latter is more nearly 
typical and some day our Vancouver Island form may need a racial 
name. ‘The most distinguishing characteristics of comyntas is the red 
lunules near the anal angle on secondaries on the upper side, which are 
not met with in amyntula. 

No. 2. Plebeius scudderi Edw. or Scudder’s Blue. The genus 
Plebeius is the largest in this sub-family and comprises thirty-one forms, 
of which ten are taken in British Columbia. Scudderi was not listed in 
the 1906 List but was recorded from Osoyoos in the 1904 List. This 
latter was an error of misidentification and was really P. melissa Edw., 
which occurs throughout that district. Scudderi was described from 
Lake Winnipeg, and the only specimens of this species taken in B.C. 
are from the Atlin district. They are much closer to the typical form 
than eastern specimens going under the same name. 

No. 3. Plebeius melissa Edw. or the Orange-margined Blue. 
Through some reason or other this was omitted from the 1906 Check 
List. ‘This was rather strange as it occurs right through southern B.C. 
from Vancouver Island to the Rocky Mountains. It is not nearly as 
common as many of the other “Blues,” and on Vancouver Island seems 
rather scarce. I do not think that I have taken a dozen specimens in 
the ten years I have been collecting here. 

No. 4. Plebeius anna Edw. This is probably one of the most 
local of our “blue” butterflies as so far I have only seen specimens from 
the Hope Mountains. It is recognized by its nearly white under side 
and the diminution of the black spots, also the orange sub-marginal 
band is reduced to a series of yellowish brown spots. ‘There is a smaller 
form occurring at Kaslo and in the Similkameen district that may be a 
dwarf form of this species or a race of scudderi. Unfortunately the 
specimens I have been able to obtain so far have been too worn to make 
definite determination possible. 

No. 5. Plebeius aquilo Bdv. This is commonly called the Alpine 
Blue on account of its only being taken at high altitudes. Atlin seems 
to be the only locality in B.C. from which aquilo is recorded. It is one 
of the smallest of our “blue” butterflies, and in the male is of a bluish- 
grey colour on the upper side. 

No. 6. Plebeius aquilo race rustica Edw. ‘This is the form which 
is wrongly listed in both of our Check Lists as podarce Feld., which 


8 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


latter inhabits the Sierras of Central California. Podarce is also pro- 
fusely spotted with black dots ringed with white on the under side, while 
in rustica the spots are reduced and on the secondaries are largely 
suffused with whitish. Rustica occurs on mountains of 6,000 to 8,000 
feet altitude and has been taken on Mt. Cheam, Mt. McLean and Mt. 
Arrowsmith. 

No. 7. Plebeius sepiolus Bdy. ‘This is really a mountain species 
and was described from the high mountains of California. The males 
of this species are of a silvery blue tinted with a violaceous sheen in 
certain lights, differing in colour from any other species that we have. 
The females are brown, heavily shot with blue, especially on the prim- 
aries. The specimens taken at Atlin are the only ones that can be 
considered as approaching typical szpiolus. 

No. 8. Plebeius sepiolus form rufescens Bdv. ‘This is a form 
occurring in northern and middle California and which extends into 
southern British Columbia. It is generally of larger size and has more 
or less obsolete reddish marginal lunules on the secondaries. It has 
been taken at Kaslo and Cranbrook. 

No. 9. Plebeius szpiolus race nov. ‘This is the form which occurs 
commonly on Vancouver Island and goes under the name of szpiolus. 
It differs from typical szepiolus in the following particulars, which appear 
fairly constant: in the male the blue is much brighter on the upper side 
and does not show the same violaceous sheen. On the under side the 
ground colour is considerably lighter, being a bluish white, whereas in 
typical seepiolus it is a brownish white; also the marginal row of black 
dots on the under side of the secondaries have a tendency to become 
obsolete. The females are entirely brown with a few blue scales basally. 
I have listed them in my own collection under the name of insulanus. 

No. 10. Plebeius icarioides race pembina Edw. ‘This is the insect 
that has been listed in B.C. collections under six different names, viz.: 
phileros Bdv., fulla Edw., icarioides Bdy., ardea Edw., lycea Edw., and 
pheres Bdy. Phileros and fulla are pure synonyms of icarioides, which 
latter is now restricted to the mountains of California. Ardea is a 
geographical race of icarioides inhabiting the Great Basin region, and 
lycea is another geographical race from the mountains of Colorado. 
Pheres is a distinct species and is only known from the San Francisco 
Bay region. The race pembina that we have in B.C. and the identifica- 
tion of which is correct, was described from Lake Winnipeg, and also 
occurs at Calgary and Yellowstone Park. ‘The specific localities I have 
it from in British Columbia are the Hope Mountains, Princeton, Simil- 
kameen, Vernon, Armstrong, Kaslo and Rossland. ; 

No. 11. Plebeius lupini Bdv. ‘This is the species that is listed in 
our Check List as acmon Dbldy. & Hew. In Dr. Dyar’s list (Bull. 52 
U.S. N. M. 1902) lupini is listed as a synonym of shasta Edw., but they 


PROCEEDINGS, 1919 9 


have been proved to be two distinct species, typical shasta occurring 
throughout the Sierra Nevada range as far north as Oregon. Lupini 
does not have a wide range in this Province, the only known localities 
being Kaslo and the Okanagan district. 

No. 12. Philotes battoides Behr. or Behr’s Blue. This, like the 
preceding, is not at all a common species with us, and is taken in the 
same general localities as lupini. Apart from generic structure, they are 
very much alike superficially, but may be distinguished by the following 
differential characters; in lupini the males have an orange band on the 
outer margin of the hind wings on the upper side, while in battoides the 
orange only shows through at the anal angle. Underneath in battoides 
the ground colour is of a darker gray with the spots, especially on the 
primaries, being more or less quadrate. The easiest recognized point 
of difference, however, lies in the presence of a marginal row of metallic 
bluish green scales on the under side of the hind wings of lupini which 
is absent in battoides. 

No. 13. Phedrotes piasus Bdy. or the Arrowhead Blue. ‘This is 
better known under the name of sagittigera Feld., which name is now 
placed in the synonymy. It was so named in reference to the white 
sagittate or spear-head marks which show so prominently on the under 
side of the secondaries. Our records show at present only a limited 
distribution, the specific localities being Armstrong, Vernon, Penticton 
and Osoyoos. 

No. 14. Glaucopsyche lygdamus race oro Scud. This and the 
following race have been going under various names in collections in 
this Province for a number of years, such as antiacis, antiacis var. behri, 
lygdamus, and couperi. Moreover, these names have been applied indis- 
criminately to each of these two forms. ‘The race oro, of which 1] have 
a long series from Lillooet, Okanagan Landing, Armstrong, Penticton 
and Kaslo, is differentiated from columbia by the much paler blue on the 
upper side of the male. The females show a greater degree of differ- 
entiation, oro being of a uniform smoky brown with a few blue scales 
basally, while columbia is almost black, heavily shot with blue, giving it 
the appearance of being bright blue with a wide black border. ‘The two 
races differ in the ground colour of the under side, oro being of a 
brownish-drab colour, while the majority of the specimens of columbia 
are of a light stone colour. 

No. 15. Glaucopsyche lygdamus race columbia Skin. This form 
was described by Dr. H. Skinner in the Ent. News, May, 1917. The 
type and paratypes are from Port Columbia, Wash. Amongst other 
localities mentioned are Corfield, Vancouver, which, I imagine, is meant 
for Corfield near Duncan, on Vancouver Island. ‘This race of lygdamus 
occurs and is fairly common on Vancouver Island about May, and is 
also taken in the Lower Fraser Valley, which in the main has a similar 
fauna to Vancouver Island. 


10 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


No. 16. Lycanopsis pseudargiolus race nigrescens Fletcher. This 
butterfly is interesting from the fact that more varieties of it have 
been described than of any other butterfly on the North American con- 
tinent. "Today there are no fewer than fourteen recognized races and 
seasonal forms distributed from the Atlantic to the Pacific. In our 
Check Lists nigrescens is given as “generally distributed,” but this is an 
error as it does not occur on Vancouver Island. It was described from 
specimens taken by Mr. J. W. Cockle at Kaslo, and as its name implies, 
it is a much darker form than the one on Vancouver Island, especially 
on the under side. I also have it from Lillooet, Penticton and Rossland. 

No. 17. Lycznopsis pseudargiolus race nigrescens form quesnelli 
Cockle. This form was tentatively named by Mr. Cockle, which name 
has been accepted for the present and is listed in Barnes and McDun- 
nough’s Check List (1917). The only specimens known are two worn 
ones taken at Bala Lake near Quesnel. 

No. 18. Lycznopsis pseudargiolus race echo Edw. ‘This form is 
very common on Vancouver Island in the early Spring, and has been 
listed in all local collections under the name of nigrescens. Echo was 
described from California and is very common in its nimotypical locality. 


AUTHOR’S NOTE (October, 1920): 

Nos. 5 and 6. Plebeius aquilo and its race rustica. Since the above 
paper was written I have received additional material in this group from 
Lillooet and Chilcotin. I have given this species considerable study 
and have come to the conclusion that all of the forms from the various 
localities in British Columbia are conspecific. I have compared them 
with aquilo from Labrador and with rustica from Colorado, and although 
they bear certain characters of each, they do not exactly correspond in 
all particulars with either. ‘They are probably nearer to the race rustica 
than to aquilo, but until I can procure further material, especially 
females, it will be best to call them rustica for the present. 

In the Can. Ent., April, 1919, p. 92, Drs. Barnes and MacDunnough 
have described a new race of Plebeius icarioides under the name of 
blackmorei, from a long series of both sexes taken by the writer at 
Goldstream in May, 1918. Excellent figures of the male, female, and 
the under side of this new race, with notes thereon, are contained in the 
Annual Report of the Provincial Museum for 1919. 

As there seems considerable difficulty amongst collectors in 
identifying their specimens in this sub-family, I have prepared a plate 
illustrating the under sides of sixteen forms occurring in British Col- 
umbia. It is to be hoped that this will prove to be of some benefit to 
our B.C. collectors in enabling them to determine their “Blues” more 
readily than they have been able to do in the past. 


] 
— 


ct 
& 
< 
=| 
Ay 


PROCEEDINGS, 1919 11 


EXPLANATION OF PLATE 


1. Under side of Everes amyntula Bdv. 
2 a “ Plebeius scudderi Edw. 
3 i K melissa Edw. 
4 ss os sf anna Edw. 
5 Z fs it aquilo rustica Edw. 
6 +3 a i sepiolus Bdv. 
7 M a ty < insulanus Blackm. 
8. = *: fe icarioides pembina Edw. 
iQ: 3 ie Hq blackmorei B. & McD. 
10 pd ; a lupini Bdy. 
11 4 “ Philotes battoides Behr. 
12 i “ Phaedrotes piasus Bdv. 
13 : “ Glaucopsyche lygdamus oro Scud. 
14 4 “ Ee iv columbia Skin. 
5 LD: a “ Lyceenopsis pseudargiolus nigrescens Fletch. 
Sails: a % c = echo Edw. 


12 B, C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


NOTES ON THE MYCETOPHILIDA OF BRITISH COLUMBIA 
By R. 8. Sherman. 

From a common Agaricus, or gill-bearing fungus, gathered on Nov. 
4th, there emerged on Nov. 24th over fifty specimens of Mycetophila 
monocheta. From similar fungi gathered on Nov. 18th there emerged 
on Dec. 12th, a numerous brood of Bolitophila cinerea Meig. From 
fungi gathered on Dec. 16th, there emerged on Jan. 3rd to Jan. 5th, a 
large brood of Exechias. From another fungus gathered on the same 
date I obtained a few specimens of Rhymosia- sp., on Jan. 17th. 

The pupal stage of the Exechias emerging on Jan. 3rd lasted fifteen 
days. ‘The larvae of these Exechias excavated a cell about two inches 
below the surface and after weaving a delicate white cocoon soon 
assumed the pupal form, which could be seen quite plainly through the 
gauzy covering. It was evident that the mature fly made good use 
of the strong setae, spines, and spurs, with which its legs are armed, in 
forcing an outlet to the surface of the soil. 

I herewith submit a tentative list of the species of Mycetophilidz 
found in the Province of British Columbia: 

Bolitophila hybrida Meig. Selkirk Mts.; Stanley Park. 
Bolitophila disjuncta Lw. Vancouver; Caulfields. 
Bolitophila montana Coq. Vancouver. 

Bolitophila cinerea Meig. Vancouver. 

Mycetobia divergens Walk. Victoria. 

Palaeoplatyura sp. Savary Island. 

Ditomyia sp. Savary Island. 

Symmerus annulata Meig. Savary Island. 

Diadocidia borealis Cog. Commonly distributed. 

10. Diadocidia ferruginosa Meig. Vancouver. 

11. Ceroplatus erminalis Cog. Kaslo; Royal Oak. 

12. Apemon nigriventris Jn. Prairie Hill, alt. 5,800 feet. 
13. Platyura mendica Lw. Savary Island. 

14. Platyura mendosa Lw. Savary Island. 

15. Platyura moerens Jn. Savary Island. 

16. Platyura fascipennis var. sagax Jn. Savary Island. 

17. Platyura intermedia sp. nov. Savary Island. 

18. Macrocera clara Lw. Savary Island. 

19. Macrocera sp. nov. Savary Island; Caulfields. 

20. Macrocera sp. nov. Savary Island. 

21. Monoclona elegantula Jn. Capilano. 

22. Monoclona furcata Jn. 

23. Monoclona sp. nov. Capilano. 

24. Tetragoneura pimpla Coq. Vancouver; Savary Island. 
25. Tetragoneura arcuata sp. nov. Caulfields; Stanley Park. 
26. Tetragoneura marceda sp. nov. Savary Island. 


OCHNAMURWNE 


PROCEEDINGS, 1919 


13 


Tetragoneura fallax sp. nov. Commonly distributed. 
Tetragoneura atra sp. nov. 
Paratinia vancouverensis sp. nov. Vancouver. 


Polylepta obediens Jn. 


Polylepta sp. nov. 
Dziedzickia fuscipennis Coq. Kaslo. 
Dziedzickia columbiana sp. nov. Vancouver. 
Dziedzickia johannseni sp. nov. Savary Island. 
Dziedzickia rutila sp. nov. 
Dziedzickia occidentalis sp. nov. Savary Island. 
Dziedzickia vernalis sp. nov. Vancouver. 
Mycomya maxima Johan. 
Mycomya mendax Johan. 
Mycomya brevitittata Coq. 
Mycomya marginalis Jn. 
Mycomya imitans Jn. Selkirk Mts. 
Mycomya biseriata Lw. Selkirk Mts. 
Mycomya incompta Jn. Selkirk Mts. 


Mycomya simplex Coq. V 


Vancouver; Seymour Creek. 


Savary Island. 


Vancouver. 


Vancouver. 
Selkirk Mts.; Vancouver. 

“Originally recorded from B.C.”— 
Selkirk Mts. [ Johan. 


ancouver. 


Mycomya calcarata Coq. Savary Island. 


Mycomya 
Acnemia psylla Lw. 


(near) littoralis Say. Lynn Creek. 
Vancouver. 


Rondaniella abbreviata Lw. Selkirk Mts. 


Neuratelia coxalis Coq. 
Neuratelia nemoralis Meig. 


Savary Island. 


Selkirk Mts. 


Neuratelia johannseni sp. nov. Agassiz. 
imitator Jn. Vancouver. 


Boletina 
Boletina 


. Boletina 


Boletina 
Boletina 
Boletina 
Boletina 
Boletina 
Boletina 


Coelosia 
Coelosia 


melancholica Jn. 


Vancouver. 


notescens Jn. Lynn Creek. 
inops Coq. Vancouver. 


sobria Jn. Vanco 
auricoma sp. nov. 
tenebrosa sp. nov. 
noctivaga sp. nov. 


majuscula sp. nov. 
Leia sublunata Lw. 
Leia winthemi Leh. 
Leia cernua sp. nov. 
Phthinia curta Jn. 

Phthinia tanypus Lw. 

Phthinia seorsa sp. nov. 
Phthinia vittata sp. nov. 


uver. 

Savary Island; Stanley Park. 
Savary Island; Vancouver. 
Savary Island. 

Caulfields. 


aba, 
Agassiz. 
Agassiz. 
Vancouver. 
Vancouver. 
Vancouver. 
Vancouver. 


gracilis Jn. Agassiz. 


univittata sp. nov. 


Savary Island. 


96. 


100. 
101. 
102. 
103. 
104. 
105. 
106. 
107. 
108. 
109. 
110. 
TE 
2: 
113. 
114. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


Megophthalmidia occidentalis Jn. Savary Island. 
Docosia nigella (?) Jn. Vancouver. 

Anatella silvestris Jn. Vancouver. 

Trichonta dawsoni (fossil). 

Trichonta nigrina sp. nov. Caulfields. 

Cordyla manca Jn. Vancouver. 

Cordyla neglecta Jn. Vancouver. 

Cordyla scita Jn. 

Cordyla sp. (?) 

Rhymosia sp. b Jn. Selkirk Mts. 

Rhymosia filipes Lw. Vancouver. 

Rhymosia imitator Jn. Vancouver. 

Rhymosia pectinata sp. nov. Savary Island. 
Rhymosia brevicornis sp. nov. Vancouver. 
Rhymosia prolixa sp. nov. Vancouver. 

Rhymosia faceta sp. nov. Savary Island. 
Rhymosia seminigra sp. nov. Vancouver. 
Allodia falcata Jn. Stanley Park. 

Allodia bella Jn. Selkirk Mts. 

Allodia auratilis sp. nov. Savary Island. 

Allodia protenta sp. nov. Vancouver. 

Allodia maxima sp. nov. Vancouver. 

Allodia quadrangula sp. nov. Savary Island. 
Phronia incerta Adams. Selkirk Mts. 

Phronia venusta Jn. Caulfields. 

Phronia insulsa Jn. Savary Island. 

Telmaphilus nebulosa Jn. Stanley Park. 
Telmaphilus tenebrosus Coq. Savary Island. 
Telmaphilus sp. nov. 

Exechia perspicua Jn. Vancouver. 

Exechia palmata Jn. Selkirk Mts.; Vancouver. 
Exechia umbratica Ald. Vancouver. 

Exechia nugax Jn. Vancouver. 

Exechia bellula Jn. Vancouver. 

Dynatosoma fulvida Coq. Selkirk Mts.; Vancouver; Wellington. 
Dynatosoma nigrina Jn. Vancouver Island. 
Dynatosoma placida Jn. Capilano. 

Mycothera impellans Jn. Vancouver. 

Mycothera paula Lw. Columbia River, B.C.; Common on the 
Mycothera fenestrata Coq. Generally distributed. [ Coast. 
Mycothera sp. Caulfields. 

Mycetophila mutica Lw. Selkirk Mts.; Vancouver. 
Mycetophila vitrea Coq. “B.C.” 

Mycetophila scalaris Lw. Selkirk Mts. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1919 


115. Mycetophila pectita Jn. Selkirk Mts. 

116. Mycetophila edentula Jn. Rogers’ Pass; Vancouver; Agassiz. 
117. Mycetophila monochaeta Lw. Vancouver. 

118. Mycetophila lassata Jn. Vancouver. 

119. Mycetophila imitator Jn. Vancouver. 

120. Mycetophila extenta Jn. Vancouver. 

121. Mycetophila punctata Jn. Vancouver; Victoria. 
122. Mycetophila jugata Jn. Vancouver. 

123. Mycetophila falcata Jn. Savary Island; Vancouver. 
124. Mycetophila fatua Jn. Caulfields; Stanley Park. 
125. Mycetophila foecunda Jn. Seymour Creek. 

126. Mycetophila bipunctata Lw. ‘Vancouver. 

127. Mycetophila (near) edura Jn. Caulfields. 

128. Mycetophila socia Jn. (var.) Lynn Creek. 

129. Mycetophila perlonga Jn. Caulfields. 

130. Mycetophila polita Lw. Caulfields. 

131, Mycetophila exusta Jn. Vancouver. 

132. Sceptonia nigra Meig. Selkirk Mts.; Rogers’ Pass; Caulfields. 
133. Sciara pauciseta Felt. Grand Forks. 

134. Sciara tridentata Rub. Lowe Inlet. 

135. Sciara prolifica Felt. Selkirk Mts. 

136. Sciara munda Jn. Vancouver; Vancouver Island. 
137. Sciara acuta Jn. Vancouver. 

138. Manota sp. Savary Island; Stanley Park. 

139. Opisthlolaba ocellata Jn. Caulfields; Lynn Creek. 


16 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


NOTES ON OPORINIA AUTUMNATA Gn. 
By G. O. Day 


Any information that serves to identify or determine some of our B.C. 
Lepidoptera that are doubtfully named, is so much to the good; there- 
fore the following notes on the above named species may be of interest. 

I have long been of the opinion that the moth recorded in our 
Check List of B.C. Lepidoptera as Asthena dilutata Denis & Schiff, was 
not that species. (I may mention in passing that in Barnes & McDun- 
nough’s recently published Check List the family name is changed to 
Oporinia Hbn., which name we may now accept.) In order to find out 
if my doubts were correct, I obtained in 1913 some ova from the only 
representative of the genus Oporinia I have taken in this district 
(Duncan) and I bred the insect through to the perfect state in 1914. 
I found that the larvae differed sufficiently from those of genuine 
dilutata, as figured in Buckler’s Larvae of British Lepidoptera, to justify 
my suspicions. Last August I received a letter from Dr. Harrison, of 
the Zoological Department of the University of Durham, England, ask- 
ing me if I could let him have ova of O. dilutata from British Columbia 
for the purpose of experimenting in the crossing of that species with 
the closely allied species O. autumnata. Fortunately, I was able to 
supply him with ova of the Oporinia occurring here, and in his letter 
of acknowledgment he wrote as follows: “The eggs are those of 
O. autumnata, not dilutata. Dilutata has a small egg, polished and 
markingless, about one-third the size of these. Autumnata differs in 
nowise from yours.” 

When I was in England I was well acquainted with both dilutata 
and autumnata in the perfect state, and the two were accepted by all 
entomologists there as distinct species. 

As Drs. Barnes & McDunnough in their Check List make autumnata 
only a form of O. dilutata and not a separate species, I wrote to the 
authors and enclosed Dr. Harrison’s letter, calling their attention to 
the information contained therein. In reply Dr. McDunnough stated 
that the matter had been cleared up in 1917, by Mr. Swett, who gave 
the new name autumnata var. henshawi to our North American form. 

It is satisfactory to feel that progress is being made in the identi- 
fication of our B.C. insects. 

I assume from Barnes & McDunnough’s list that O. dilutata also is 
found in North America, but I have failed to find the species in the 
Cowichan district so far. 


PLATE II. 


EXPLANATION OF PLATE II. 
(All Figures * 4) 
Fig. 1. Ceresa basalis Walk., female. 
Fig. 2. Ceresa bubalus Fab., female (ovipositor protruding). 
Big: 3: 
Fig. 4. Platycotis quadrivittata Say., female. 
‘ig. 5 


Fig. 
Fig. 6. Campylenchia latipes Say., female. 


Stictocephala pacifica Van D., female. 


Glossonotus univittatus Harr., female. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1919 17 


THE TREE-HOPPERS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA 
By W. Downes 


The present account embodies the results of collections made by 
the writer during the years 1917 and 1918, principally in the neighbour- 
hood of Victoria and a few specimens taken in the Fall of 1918 at 
Vernon, but as the area covered has been so restricted, this report 
cannot be considered as other than a preliminary outline, but it may 
serve as an indication of the extent of our Membracid fauna. 

The number of species taken has been disappointingly few, only 
five having so far been found, but possibly this number may be added 
to when opportunity occurs to collect further afield, particularly along 
the southern boundary of the Province and especially in that region 
south of Okanagan Lake, where a streak of the Upper Austral Zone 
crosses the International boundary. 

The Pacific Coast is, compared with the East, not by any means 
rich in Membracid ‘species, only thirty-five being recorded from Cali- 
fornia, while in New York State seventy-six species are recorded and 
over sixty in New Jersey. In an account of the Membracidae of Nova 
Scotia by Prof. Brittain (N.S. Ent. Soc. Proc. No. 3) thirteen species 
are described, while Ontario is credited in Van Duzee’s recent list 
with thirty-six. 

The Membracidae are primarily a tropical and sub-tropical family 
and their stronghold is South America, where they are abundantly repre- 
sented. Perhaps their scarcity on the Pacific Slope may be explained 
in part by the presence of geographical barriers in ancient times. The 
Palearctic region is very poorly represented, there being only two or 
three genera on the entire continent of Europe. Only two species are 
known in Great Britain and two in Russia. The further north the 
fewer the species, consequently it will be in the southern portion of our 
territory that we must look for fresh accessions to our list. 

Ceresa basalis, Walk. This is the commonest Membracid found in 
British Columbia. The usual colour is pale green, fading to a greenish 
yellow when dried, or occasionally live adults are seen which are yellow. 
Length of males 7 m.m. Length of females 8 m.m. The pronotum is 
furnished with two short lateral horns which are usually tipped with 
red. The pronotum is densely punctate and bears numerous short 
hairs. The ventral surface in the males is nearly always black, the 
black colour often extending to the head and dorsal surface, so that 
the whole insect has a dingy appearance, but in the females the black 
colour is confined to the ventral surface of the abdomen, and many 
females are entirely free from black. Usually this species has been 
swept from willow bushes, but I have found it also on Goldenrod and 
several herbaceous plants. 

Stictocephala pacifica, Van. D. This species is fairly common at 
Victoria, but I have not yet taken it in the Interior. It is about equal 


18 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


in size with the foregoing and may easily be distinguished by the absence 
of the pronotal horns. The colour is also a more decided green. The 
males are smaller than the females and the ventral surface of the 
abdomen of the male is black, the females being entirely green. The 
most decided specific character is the outline of the terminal abdominal 
segment, which is deeply notched to receive the styles of the ovipositor. 
So far I have only taken Stictocephala pacifica on willow. 

Platycotis quadrivittata (Say.) is common on oaks in the neighbour- 
hood of Victoria. In general appearance the species is greenish brown 
above, dotted with red. The pronotum is densely punctate, smooth, 
and bears a short pronotal horn projecting slightly forward and two 
short lateral horns. ‘The length of the pronotal horn varies greatly and 
both it and the lateral horns may be absent. ‘The amount of red on 
the pronotum and costal margins of the tegmina varies greatly and is 
more usually present in the females than the males, which are darker 
and frequently blotched with black. A beautiful form which is occa- 
sionally taken has the ground colour a dull greenish white with the 
edges of the pronotum bordered with red, and two parallel red stripes 
one on each side of the median carina. It would seem that the name 
quadrivittata would be more applicable to this variety than the com- 
moner type. Length 10 m.m. Adults of this species have been taken 
early in the Spring, so it is probable that it winters over in the adult 
form. 

Glossonotus univittatus, Harr. Very few of this species have 
been taken and it does not appear to be anywhere very common. 
It has been only taken on willow (Salix scouleriana). Two or three 
specimens have been obtained near Victoria and a dead one was taken 
from a spider’s web at Vancouver. It will easily be known by the 
pronotum being raised into a prominent hump and by the broad white 
stripe extending nearly to the tip of the pronotum. Nothing is known 
of the life-history. Length 9.5 m.m. 

Campylenchia latipes, Say. One specimen only has been taken. 
This one was swept from willow at Swan Lake near Vernon. It is 
usually a grass-inhabiting species and common in the east on alfalfa 
and sweet clover, and its occurrence on willow may have been accidental, 
as it was on the edge of an alfalfa field. It will easily be recognized by 
the forward-projecting pronotal horn which is deeply keeled and bears 
two lateral ridges. Colour cinnamon brown, pronotum densely punc- 
tate and hairy. Length 6 m.m. 

ADDITIONAL NOTES (Dec., 1920): 

Since the above was written I have been able to record another 
species for British Columbia. This is Ceresa bubalus Fabr. It was 
taken at Agassiz on Aug. 29th, 1920. Its occurrence was not unexpected, 
since it is a common species in most parts of North America and has 


PROCEEDINGS, 1919 19 


been recorded from California, and its range might be expected to extend 
northwards. It is easily distinguished from Ceresa basalis, which it 
resembles in form, by its larger size and longer lateral horns. Its 
length is 9 m.m., colour bright green, fading in cabinet specimens to 
dull yellow. 

Ceresa bubalus is of considerable economic importance where it is 
abundant, on account of the injuries done to young orchard trees and 
nursery stock by the female when ovipositing. The eggs are inserted 
in a slit in the bark and the scars thus caused enlarge with the growth 
of the tree, forming dead areas of bark which are a starting point for 
fungous growths and boring insects. Ceresa basalis oviposits. in a 
similar way but the wounds heal over and are not so serious. 

Glossonotus univittatus. Further examples of this species have 
been taken, two by me at Enderby on Aug. 22nd, and one by Mr. 
Buckell at Chilcotin on July 23rd. The Okanagan specimens were 
taken on willow, and I found it, as elsewhere, very scarce. 

Stictocephala pacifica. A few specimens have been received from 
Vernon (July 29th, M. H. R.), thus extending the known range of this 
species to the Interior of British Columbia. 

Campylenchia latipes. On Aug. 16th I took a number of these at 
Penticton on Goldenrod. They were in little parties of four or five 
and were attended by ants who were evidently herding them, as they 
do with other species of Membracidae elsewhere. So long as the ants 
were undisturbed the tree-hoppers made no attempt to move away, but 
whenever the ants were driven off the tree-hoppers seemed to take 
fright and decamped in all directions. 


CORRECTIONS TO PROCEEDINGS No. 12 


Page 13, line 34, for astulatus read ustulatus. 
Page 15, line 19, for Eucanthus read Evacanthus. 
Page 16, line 13, for commisuralis read commissuralis. 


20 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


A SWARM OF VANESSA CALIFORNICA 
AND SOME NOTES ON A SWARM OF PLUSIA CALIFORNICA 


By J. W. Cockle 


Commencing on June 17th of this year a very large number of 
V. californica were to be seen on the lower slopes of the mountains 
round Kootenay Lake. It is usual to see a few hibernated specimens 
of this butterfly in the early spring, just as soon as the weather is warm 
enough to permit them to emerge from their winter quarters, but what 
amounted to a large swarm in the middle of June was most unusual. 
All of the specimens were very fresh and looked as if they might be 
freshly emerged, but my supposition was that they were part of a brood 
that had hibernated at a very high altitude and consequently did not 
leave their winter quarters until the snows had melted in the neighbour- 
hood in which they had hibernated. This supposition is backed up by 
the fact that the mountains round Kootenay Lake rise to an altitude of 
over 9,000 feet and their only known food plant, Ceanothus sanguineus, 
grows most abundantly up to near the summits. 

About the first week in August the new brood began to make their 
appearance and in a few days they were to be seen in countless thou- 
sands, not alone round Kootenay Lake but eastward across the mountain 
range in the valley of the Columbia and westward into the valley of 
the Arrow Lakes district. "The emergence seemed to reach its zenith 
about the 15th of August, at which time they were everywhere; along 
the roads in the afternoon they were to be seen settled on the roadbed 
in sufficient numbers to almost obscure the ground. 

I kept a good lookout for any aberrations but none were seen, 
whereas in the swarm that was here in the summer of 1890 several 
dimorphic specimens were captured by a collector here; these are, I 
believe, now in the Cambridge Museum in England. 

The time of their arrival and subsequent emergence shows that 
their entire larval and pupal stages were completed in five weeks; this 
is remarkable as those that occur here ordinarily will take from the 
beginning of May until August to complete their life-history. 

I have also to record a swarm of Plusia californica which emerged 
at the end of September. They were much in evidence in the afternoon 
and early evening flying over the clover, as many as twenty or thirty 
might be taken on the clover blossoms within a space of a square yard. 
Though they were so plentiful in the fields, they were very scarce at 
light, which is quite the reverse of their usual habit. - It was curious 
that P. californica was so numerous, when the scarcity of all other 
varieties of Plusias was so marked, the only other species of this genus 
that occurred sparingly here last summer was viridisignata, all other 
members of this family were conspicuous by their absence, not a single 
specimen was taken here by either of the collectors. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1919 21 


As P. californica when numerous has proved a bad pest amongst 
the alfalfa fields, it remains to be seen if they will pass the winter in 
sufficient numbers to make them a bad pest in the coming summer. 
Regarding the economic value of records of swarms of insects, it may 
be well to conclude this article with a few notes. V. californica feeds 
only on the Ceanothus which, when attacked by a swarm, is completely 
defoliated, areas of many acres have been observed which had been 
entirely stripped of every vestige of foliage, and it is not unusual to 
find the pupz suspended from the leafless branches. I have seen 
instances where the pupe hung in rows (with an intervening space in 
some cases not exceeding one inch) right along the branches. The fact 
that V. californica only feeds on the Ceanothus forms an exception to 
the many insects which favour this shrub as a food plant, most of the 
other insects which feed on it will attack the foliage of the apple trees 
which have superseded the wild brush on the cleared land. 

Another fact that was observed after the swarm of 1890 was the 
almost entire absence of the insect for several years following. This 
year swarms of them are hibernating. During January I had occasion 
to remove some lumber which had been piled in the roof of the barn 
and found thousands of them packed in between the stacks of boards; 
it would have been easy to fill a quart measure with them. 

As regards P. californica I have reason to believe that all the 
Plusias that occur in this section of British Columbia are single brooded.. 
Californica hibernates and in the spring of 1914 was greatly in evidence 
flying round the fruit tree bloom, to which I believe they acted as 
good pollinators. 

I would like to refer to a pamphlet issued by the Entomological 
Department, being a re-print of an article by Mr. Arthur Gibson which 
was published in the Agricultural Gazette, entitled “The Alfalfa Looper,” 
in which the statement is made that-there are probably two distinct 
broods each year; this statement I believe to be incorrect. It is a fact 
that freshly emerged specimens may be found during July, but it is 
also very probable that some specimens may have been confused with 
Pseudogamma. ‘These two species are so much alike that a correct 
identification is sometimes difficult. 

Pseudogamma flies during July, August and September and passes 
the winter in the larval stage. I have never seen a hibernated specimen 
of it. I have records of Californica from July to the following June, 
but all those taken in the spring are hibernated; the records of Pseudo- 
gamma run from July to October, with no record of any hibernated 
specimens in the following spring. 

I have no records of the capture of hibernated specimens of any 
of the fifteen species of Plusia that occur here, except as stated in the 
case of Californica. 


PROCEEDINGS 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


LOR 


BRITISH COLUMBIA 


Arar 
i 


hi 


FEBRUARY, 1920 
NUMBER: 16 
SYSTEMATIC SERIES 


Wi 


VICTORIA, B.C.: 
PRINTED BY THE COLONIST PRINTING AND PuBLISHING Co., Lrp. 


1921 


PROCEEDINGS 


OF THE 


Entomological Society 


—— Oh 


onal 


TA 


BRITISH COLU 


FEBRUARY, 1920 
NUMBER 16 
SYSEEMATIC. SERIES 


ofl 


VICTORIA, B.C.: 
PRINTED BY THE COLONIST PRINTING AND PUBLISHING Co., LTD. 


1921 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 


Minutes of Nineteenth Annual Meeting 

Report of Secretary-Treasurer 

Notes on the Aeolothripidae (2)—R. C. Treherne 

New Species of Mycetophilidae—R. S$. Sherman 

The Life History of Apateticus crocatus Uhl—W. Downes 
The Genus Argynnis in British Columbia—E. H. Blackmore . 


Vitula Serratilineella Rag., A Honey Feeding Larva—J. Wm. Cockle 


PAGE 


5 


sf 


3 


: 


BRITISH COLUMBIA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


MINUTES OF NINETEENTH ANNUAL MEETING 


The Nineteenth Annual Meeting of the B. C. Entomological Society 
was held in the I. O. D. E. Rooms, No. 401 Jones Building, Fort Street, 
Victoria, on Saturday, February 21st, 1920. The President, Mr. E. H. 
Blackmore, was in the chair. Seventeen members were present and 
several visitors. 

The minutes of the last year’s meeting having been read by the 
Secretary, it was moved by Mr. ‘Treherne, seconded by Mr. Winson, 
“That the minutes be adopted.” Carried. 

The Secretary-Treasurer then presented his annual report. 

It was moved by Mr. Day, seconded by Mr. Winson, “That the 
Secretary’s report be adopted.” Carried. 

It was moved by Mr. Treherne, seconded by Mr. Davidson, “That 
Mr. Sherman and Mr. Day be appointed auditors to verify the accounts.” 
Carried. 

The programme of the meeting was then proceeded with. 

In the afternoon the following resolutions were passed: 

Moved by Mr. Treherne, seconded by Mr. Lyne, “That this Society, 
the Entomological Society of British Columbia, being the far western 
Branch of the old Canadian Entomological Society, represented, in being 
at present, by the Entomological Society of Ontario, place themselves 
on record at this their annual meeting held in Victoria, B. C., on Feb- 
ruary 21st, 1920, as being in favour of establishing National Journals 
of Entomology and of abolishing our local publication called the ‘Pro- 
ceedings of the Entomological Society of B. C.,’ in its present form, 
provided the articles which normally would appear in these Proceedings 
appear in the Canadian National Journals, in being or to be formed, 
should the question arise within the next few years that the construction 
of such National Journals be considered by all concerned both practical 
and desirable. 

“That we as a Society approve of the principle of co-ordinating 
entomological work throughout the Dominion, and that we feel that this 
may be assisted very materially by our supporting the principle of estab- 
lishing two journals of entomology, one for systematic entomologists 
(The Canadian Entomologist) and one for economic entomologists (the 
name to be chosen later), and signifying our willingness to regard our 

own Proceedings as secondary to the National Journals. 
“That this resolution be forwarded to the Secretaries of the Nova 
Scotia Entomological Society, the Ontario Entomological Society, the 


~ Quebec Society for the Protection of Plants, and all other societies inter- 


ested in entomology in Canada, with the suggestion that they also place 
before their members the advisability of abolishing their Reports in 


a 


= 7 = > 2 ie 


4 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY - baad gi 


their present form and place their papers before a central editorial ~ 
Committee for inclusion in Canadian National Journals, and that these ~ 
secretaries be asked to forward the results of their deliberations to the 
President of the Ontario Entomological Society. 

“That the President of the Ontario Entomological Society— ibe 
requested to submit the resolutions on this matter received from the 
Secretaries of the various Branch Societies and other Societies, and that 
he be empowered to place the matter before the Dominion Entomologist 
with a request that action be taken to submit the question before the 
Federal Parliament to acquire a yearly Federal Grant for the DHTpORE 
of maintaining the National Journal. 

“That this Society stands willing to commit ourselves to this course 
of action for a period of three years from this the annual meeting of 
1920.” Carried. 

Moved by Mr. Sherman, seconded by Mr. Winson, “That the 
Dominion Government be asked to publish a handbook on the Birds of 
Canada west of the Rocky Mountains, similar to the one recently pub- 
lished on the Birds east of the Rockies.” Carried. % 

Moved by Mr. Treherne, seconded by Mr. Winson, “That a Com-) 
mittee be formed to interview Mr. Kermode and discuss this SSeclhe om 
with him.” Carried. 

Messrs. Anderson, Winson and Carter were appointed a Committee. © 

Following a discussion on the best methods of combating the Tent 
Caterpillar, it was moved by Mr. Treherne, seconded by Mr. Davidson, 
“That the Secretary write to the Natural History Societiés of Victoria ~ 
and Vancouver asking them to co-operate with the B. C. Entomological 
Society in bringing the matter to the notice of the civic authorities.” 
Carried. / : 

Moved by Mr. Sherman, seconded by Mr. Day, ““That the giving of— 
prizes to school children at the Fall Fairs for the best collection of 
insects be left to the discretion of the Advisory Board.” Carried. é 

Moved by Mr. Winson, seconded by-Mr. Davidson, “That the sub- 
scriptions of new members joining later than August in any year shall - 
be good for the whole of the following year.’ Carried. 

Moved by Mr. Treherne, seconded by Mr. Winson, ‘That the 
Victoria representatives of the Advisory Board arrange with a dealer ~ 
in the city to act as agent for entomological supplies.”. Carried. Be 

The following officers were elected: a 

Hon. President—Francis Kermode. 

President—E. H. Blackmore. 

Vice-Presidents—Coast, R. S. Sherman; Interior, R. C. Trehennest 

Advisory Board—Messrs. J. Davidson, J. W. Gibson, ae E. Breun, 
Ek. W. White, L. E. Marmont. 

Hon. Secretary-Treasurer—W. Downes. 


eR PROCEEDINGS, 1920 


Or 


3 REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER 


I beg to submit the report of the work done by the B. C. Entomo- 
logical Society during the year 1919. 

The membership of the Society has increased during the past year 
-and a number af new members have joined. We have now forty-two 

members in good standing, as compared with twenty-five reported as 
paid up the previous year, which is a gratifying increase and indicates 
that renewed, interest is being taken in our work, and that the Society 
is recovering from the setback it received during the years of the war. 

In respect to membership, ours is the strongest branch of the 
Ontario Entomological Society. 

In accordance with a resolution passed at last year’s meeting, I duly 
communicated with the Secretary of the Parent Society regarding the 
possibility of our receiving associate members to our branch. His reply 
was to the effect that there was apparently nothing in the constitution of 
the Parent Society to prevent this, though such associate members 
would not be entitled to the Canadian Entomologist or the Proceedings 
of the Ontario Society unless the full fee was paid. 

The sum of $100.00 was offered last year by the Society to provide 
prizes at the Fall Fairs for the best collections of insects made by 
_ school children. By the advice of Mr. J. W. Gibson, Director of Agri- 

“cultural Instruction, the following Fairs were selected: New West- 
Renster, Vancouver, Kelowna, Armstrong, Trail, Kamloops, Nelson, 
~Penticton, Chilliwack, North and South Saanich, Cowichan, Nanaimo, - 
Surrey, Langley. Mr. Gibson was also kind enough to communicate 
with the teachers at these points, asking them to draw the attention 
_of the pupils to this competition. Probably owing to the fact that it 
was rather late in the season before the matter was brought to the 
attention of the schools, less interest was taken than would otherwise 
_ have been the case, but the prizes were competed for at Nelson, Kelowna, 
- Cowichan and Langley, and the sum of $27.50 was distributed in prize 
money. In view of the increased attention paid to the teaching of 
_ Entomology in the schools, it is hoped that the Society will be able to 
continue to offer these prizes. 
S During the year the library has been increased by the purchase of 
a number of works on Entomology. The sum of $150.00 was voted 
last year for the purchase of books, but by the President’s suggestion, 
4 it was decided to expend $100.00 at first. A list of desirable works 
_ was drawn up and submitted to the President and: members of the 
_ Advisory Board for consideration, and was+approved by them after 
peome alterations and reductions in the list had been made. ‘The sum 
4 _ expended has been $101.86, on which $11.86 is still owing. In all, 33 
works were purchased, and the majority of these are bound volumes, 
“and with the exception of one or two smaller papers, are standard works 


- ye 


6 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


and monographical in their scope. With regard to the unexpended. — 
balance we recommend that this be kept in hand and no further pur-— 


chases of books made until the Society has published the last year’s 
Proceedings and Bulletin No. 11, as the cost of publishing has so greatly 
increased that when these are paid for we shall only have a small 
balance left. 

During the winter the Society published Bulletin No. 12, being 
the Proceedings of the Society for 1918. The editing was kindly under- 
taken by Mr. Blackmore, and the Bulletin may be considered to be 
fully equal to its predecessors. Copies have been sent to all the British 
Columbia members and to all names on our complimentary mailing list, 
and in due course will also be sent to each member of the Ontario 
Society and affiliated branches. 


REPORT OF THE TREASURER 
The Society has a cash balance in hand of $282.42. Against this 
there is the balance, $11.86, due on library books purchased and the 
unexpended balance of library vote—$48.14. The cost of printing the 


- Society’s Proceedings this year was greater than previously, and 
amounted to $208.25. Of the amount voted for prize money, $27.50 has © 


been disbursed, and as the vote was for one season only, the balance 
accrues to the funds of the Society. 

Although the Society has a fair cash balance in hand and our 
financial position may be regarded as satisfactory, nevertheless it should 
be remembered that we have greater calls upon our resources than 
hitherto. Having once launched upon the policy of encouraging the 


study of Entomology in the schools by offering prizes for collections 


at the Fall Fairs, and if it is desirable that we should continue to offer 
these prizes, we will require to set aside a yearly sum for that purpose. 
Also we are still behind in the publication of our Bulletin, there being 


a number of economic papers to publish and the Proceedings for 1919. 


Thus, we shall hardly be able, with the balance we have in hand, to 
publish more than one Bulletin this year, and pass a reduced vote for 


prizes at the Fairs. 
W. DOWNES, Hon. Secretary-Treasurer. 


“PROCEEDINGS, 1920 


~J 


NOTES ON THE AEOLOTHRIPIDAE (2) 


By R. C. Treherne, Entomologist in Charge for British Columbia 
Dominion Department of Agriculture 


le In a previous issue of our Proceedings (No. 12, February, 1918) 
gave the Society certain suggestions on this group of Thysanoptera 
_. which were intended to assist beginners meeting with members of this 
group for the first time. In this present paper I wish to extend the 
information further by dwelling on certain life history and habit notes 
and by presenting a catalogue on certain of the genera and species. 


: It would appear that the life histories and habits of the several 
species of Aeolothripidae are not known with a great degree of exacti- 
E, tude. Adults are recorded to be “on the foliage of,” “on” or “in the flowers 
of” certain plants, with little to indicate their feeding habits. C. B. 
: Williams, in the Annals of Applied Biology 1:240:1915, reports fasciatus 
* the type of the genus Aeolothrips, common in England on peas and 
4 ‘beans, as “partly carnivorous but also feeds on pollen and plant juices.” 
It is my belief that Thysanopterists regard the Aeolothrips as predacious 
in their primary functions, but concede that they are also phytophagus. 
J. R. Watson in Florida, referring to the “black and white” cereal thrips 
(Acolothrips bicolor), states that this species is “often abundant on 
- oats in spring and damages them materially.” With my own species, 
Ae. auricestus, I have failed to determine its exact feeding habits but 
from its numbers in clumps of Elymus condensatus and from certain 
peculiar decolored areas in the leaves, I am inclined to think it is 
pers tophagus, 


- The mouth parts of thrips have been discussed on many occasions 
. by many writers, and several authors have used Aeolothrips upon which 

to base their discussions. Garman, Uzel and Comstock have contri- 
_ buted in this connection, and from what I can gather, while there has 
been a slight difference of opinions in the placing and naming of certain 
organs of the mouth, the view is generally held that “the mouth parts 
are chiefly used for sucking but intermediate in form between those 
of the sucking and those of the biting insects.” 

‘The predacious habits of several members of this family are 
undoubted, in view of more recent observations. In British Columbia 
i Ae. fasciatus may be frequently found in association with swarms of 
Frankliniella tritici in the flower heads of plants; Ae. annectans has 
also occurred in sufficient numbers with Thrips tabaci on onion foliage 
E> to leave little doubt, although, unfortunately, it has not as yet been 
a proven, that they are carnivorous. Watson, in Florida, has observed 
_ that Ae. floridensis is invariably found in association with other species, 
although he draws no conclusions from this occurrence. C. B. Williams, 
¥ vin “The Entomologist” 49:277:1916, has the following to say on the 


go> B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


situation relating to the association between the pea thrips and Ae. 
fasciatus: 


“T was able to feed larvae of the predaceous thrips, Ae. fasciatus, on 
the larvae of the pea thrips in captivity. One larva of Ae. fasciatus 
sucked and killed three larvae of K. pisivora in about three hours.” 

He “found adults (commonly) and larvae (occasionally) in 
Dea omer but has not actually seen them feeding on the pea thrips in 
the wild state. There is little doubt, however, that they do so, as the 


species is invariably predaceous and is indeed the chief enemy of 


Limothrips cerealium.” 

Kurdjumoy in a Report from the Poltava Agricultural Experi- 
mental Station, Russia, 18:1913, records the fact that the larvae of 
Ae. fasciatus are enemies of Haplothrips aculeatus and H. tritici. 
According to the same authority, 


“this predacious thrips, according to Uzel, winters in the larval and egg 
stage; both adults and larvae being found on various plants and the 
larvae have been found feeding on Aphis crataegi and A. rumicis” 


and on the eggs and larvae of several other insects. ~ ; 
With these few words I would leave with you a catalogue on this 
family as a supplementary index to my first paper in our Proceedings 
on this subject in 1918. I would draw your attention to the fact that 
a great deal is yet to be learnt on the habits and life histories of the 
members of this family, and would urge that an endeavour be made 
to make a-closer study of this group. It would appear to me quite 
clearly from my brief acquaintance with this group of insects that 
nearly all the energy thus far expended, has been spent on devising new 
genera and establishing new species. I do not know how this applies 
to other groups of insects, but it is my belief that in many ways what 
is true in the Thysanoptera is also true in many other Orders. Not 
enough time has been spent on the bionomics of the species; species 
which are often easily determined and readily available for study. The 
dread of the junior entomologist may easily be removed if he realizes 


this situation within the science, which at once enables him to take ~ 


almost any insect in hand and record by actual and accurate personal 
observation its habits and life history under strictly natural conditions. 
The charm of such a field of study should draw and attract a large num- 
ber of students, and we as a Society should lend our influence towards 
developing the love for natural objects that usually abides in the mind 
of most boys and girls, by training their powers of observation. 


MELANOTHRIPS Haliday 
1836. Haliday. Entom. Mag. 450. 


“Antennae distincte 9-articulatae: os breve: palporum maxillarium 


articuli subaequales: alae anticae costa pubescentes, nervis transversis 
tribus: tibiae anticae apicae productae: terebra a basi parum recurva.” 
1880. Taschenberg. Prak. Insek-Kunde. 4:212. 
1895: Beach. Proc. Iowa. Acad. Sci. 3:215. 
1907. Buffa. Processi verb. della Soc. Tose. d. Sci. Nat. 4. 
1907. Buffa. Atti d. Soc. Tose. d. Sci: Nat. 23. , 


1875, 


1907. 
1907. 
IO KS: 
1913. 
1913. 


1776. 
1788. 
1836. 
1836. 
1843. 
1852. 
1852. 
1895. 
1907. 
1907. 
1911. 
1912. 
1913, 
1913. 
1913. 
915: 
1915. 


1913. 


1915. 


1914, 
1915. 
1916. 


1907. 


1907. 
1911. 
1918. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1920 


, extincta Scudder 
Melanothrips. Scudder. Bull. Geol. Survey 2. 


ficalbii Buffa 
Melanothrips. Buffa. Atti. Soc. Tosc. Pro. verb. 16:58. 
Melanothrips. Buffa. Atti, d. Soc. Tose. d. Sci. Nat. 23. 
Melanothrips. Bagnall. Ent. Mon. Mag. 24. 
Melanothrips. Bagnall. Jr. Econ, Biol. 8:2 
Melanothrips. Bagnall. Jr. Econ. Biol. 8:1 
Hasitat—italy; England. 


31. 
55. 


fuscus Sulzer 
Thrips fuscus. Sulzer. Abg. Gesch. d. Ins. 112. 
Thrips fusca. Gmelin. C. Linne. Syst. Nat. 2223. 
Melanothrips obesa. Halliday. Ent. Mag. 450. Type. 
Melanothrips obesa. Burmeister. Hand. d. Ent. 2:417. 
Melanothrips obesa. Amyot et Serville. Ins. Hemip. 645. 


Melanothrips obesa. Haliday. Walk. Homop. Ins. Brit. Mus. 1116. 


Melanothrips obesa. Heeger Sitzb. Ahad. Wiss. Wien. 8:133. 
Melanothrips fusca. Uzel. Mon. d. Ord. Thys. 

Melanothrips fusca. Buffa. Atti. d. Soc. Tose. d. Sci. Nat. 23. 
Melanothrips fusca. Proces. verb. d. Soc. Tosc. d. Sci. Nat. 
Melanothrips fuscus. Bagnall. Jr. Econ. Biol. 6:10. 
Melanothrips fuscus. Bagnall. Jr. Econ. Biol. 7. 
Melanothrips fuscus. Bagnall. Ent. Mon. Mag. 24. 
Melanothrips fuscus. Bagnall. Jr. Econ. Biol. 8:155. 
Melanothrips fuscus. Williams. Jr. Econ. Biol. 8:218. 
Melanothrips fuscus. Williams. Ann. App. Biol. 1:240. 
Melanothrips fuscus. Bagnall. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. 15. 


oOo 


Hasirat—QOn Sinapis arvensis and in various flowers in England; Austria; 


Bohemia; on Brassica rapae in Italy; Tunis. 


nigricornis Bagnall 
Melanothrips. Bagnall. Ent. Mon. Mag. 24. 
Hasirat—In flowers of Convolvulus. Tunis. 


DESMOTHRIPS Hood 
Hood. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 28:57. 


australis Bagnall 
Orothrips. Bagnall. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. 13:287. Type. 
=Desmothrips. Hood. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 28:57. 
Orothrips. Bagnall. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. 17. 


Hapitat—In flowers of Xanthorrhoea australis in Victoria, Australia.. 


OROTHRIPS Moulton 
Moulton. U.S. Dept. Agr. Bur. Ent. Tech. Ser. 12:45. 


kelloggii Moulton 


Orothrips. Moulton U.S. Dept. Agr. Bur. Ent. Tech. Ser. 12:46. 
Orothrips. Moulton. U. S. Dept. Agr. Bur. Ent. Tech. Ser. 21:21. 


Orothrips. Treherne. Proc. B. C. Ent. Soc. 12:29. 


TYPE. 


Hagitat—In blossoms of Manzanita manzanita and Arbutus menziesii in 


California, U. S. A. 


10 


1911. 
1918. 
1919. 


1916. 


1916. 


1912: 


1912. 


1912. 


1913. 


1912. 
1912. 
1915. 
1915. 


1915. 


1909, 
1915. 
1918. 


1909. 


1911. 


1911. 
1918. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


kelloggii yosemitii Moulton i 
Orothrips. Moulton. U.S. Dept. Agr. Bur. Ent. Tech. Ser. 21:2. 
Orothrips. Treherne. Proc. B. C. Ent. Soc. 12:29. 
Orothrips. Treherne, Can. Ent. 51:181. : 
Hasitat—w. S. A.: in blossoms of Ceanothus in California; 
Canada: off Amelanchier in British Columbia. 


propinuus Bagnall 
Orothrips. Bagnall. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. 17. 
HaBirat—QOn sweet pea, Victoria, Australia. 

tenuicornis Bagnall 


Orothrips. Bagnall. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. 17. 
Hapbitat—From flowers of Erythroea australis, Australia. 


STOMATOTHRIPS Hood 
Hood. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 25:63. 


flavus Hood 
Stomatothrips. Hood. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 25:64. ‘TYPE. 


Hapitat—Mexico; Texas; Illinois, U.S. A.; on cotton, grasses and weeds. 


MITOTHRIPS Trybom. 


Trybom. Ent. Tidskr. 33:146. 
Bagnall. Jr. Econ. Biol. 8:157. 


megalops Trybom. 
Mitothrips. 'Trybom. Ent. Tidskr. 33:147. Type. 
=Franklinothrips. Bagnall. 2nd Ent. Congress. 397. 
—Mitothrips. Hood. Ent. News. 26:162. 
Mitothrips. Bagnall. Jr. Linn. Soc. Zool. 32:496. 
Hasitat—British East Africa. 


petulans Bagnall 
Mitothrips. Bagnall. Journ. Linn. Soc. Zool. 32:496. 
Hapirat—On cacao leaves in Trinidad, B. W. I. 


ANKOTHRIPS Crawford 


Crawford. Pom, Col. Jr. Ent. 1:109. 
Bagnall. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. 15. 
Treherne. Proc. B. C. Ent. Soc. 12:30. 


robustus Crawford 


Ankothrips. Crawford. Pom. Col. Jr. Ent. 1:109, Type. 
Hasitat—On Umbellularia and Ceanothus in California, U. S. A. 


ERYTHROTHRIPS Moulton 
Moulton. U.S. Dept. Agr. Bur. Ent. Tech. Ser. 21.34. 


arizonae Moulton 
Erythrothrips. Moulton. U.S. Dept. Agr. Bur. Ent. Tech. Ser. 21:34. Type. 
Erythrothrips. Treherne. Proc. B. C. Ent. Soc. 12:29. 
Hapbirat—On Orange and Olive blossoms in Arizona; on Rhamaus pur- 
shiana in California, U. S. A. 


1914, 
1915. 


1914. 


1895. 


1913. 
1916. 


1895. 
1912. 
1913. 
1913. 


1901. 
1909. 
1912. 
1913. 
1916. 


1761. 
1901. 


1912. 
1912. 
1913. 


1915. 
1918. 
1918. 


1909. 
HOI. 
. 1912. 
1912. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1920 11 


DESMOTHRIPS Hood 


Orothrips. Bagnall. Ann. Mag: Nat. Hist. 13:287. 
—=Desmothrips. Hood. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 28:57. 


australis Bagnall 
Orothrips. Bagnall. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. 13:287, TYPE. 
Hasirat—In flowers of Xanthorrhoea australis, Victoria, Australia. 


RHIPIDOTHRIPS Uzel 
Uzel. Mon: d. Ord. Thys. 67. 


brunneus Williams 
Rhipidothrips. Williams. Jr. Econ. Biol. 8:216. 
Rhipidothrips. Williams. Entomologist. 49:221. 
Hapbirat—From grass, Sussex, England. 


gratiosus Uzel 
Rhipidothrips gratiosa. Uzel. Mon. d. Ord. Thys. 66. 
Rhipidothrips gratiosa, Bagnall. Jr. Econ. Biol. 7:191. 
Rhipidothrips gratiosa. Williams. Jr. Econ. Biol. 8:217. 
Rhipidothrips gratiosus. Bagnall. Jr. Econ. Biol. 8:232. 
Hapirat—Cereal fields in England; Bohemia. 


niveipennis Reuter 
Rhipidothrips. Reuter. Acta. Soc. Faun. Fenn. 17:30. 
Rhipidothrips. Bagnall. Jr. Econ. Biol. 4. 
Rhipidothrips. Bagnall. Jr. Econ. Biol. 7:190. 
Rhipidothrips. Williams. Jr. Econ. Biol. 8:218. 
Rhipidothrips. Williams. Entomologist. 49:221. 
Hagirat—On Abies and Convallaria in Finland. 


juniperina Linnaeus 
Thrips. Winnaeus. Fauna Svecica. 265. 
—Rhipidothrips niveipennis? Reuter. Acta. Soc. pro. Faun. Flora Fenn. 17. 


FRANKLINOTHRIPS Back 
Back. Ent. News. 23:75. 
Bagnall. Trans. 2nd Ent. Congress. 397. 
Bagnall. Jr. Econ. Biol. 8:157. 
' insularis 

(In the Review of Applied Entomology, London, Vol. 3, page 468, 1915, 
reference is made to Franklinothrips insularis. It is possible that this 
refers to Frankliniella insularis. Franklin.) 


tenuicornis Hood 
Franklinothrips. Hood. Can. Ent. 26:164. 
Franklinothrips. Williams. Trin. & Tob. Bull. 17:144. 
Franklinothrips. Treherne. Proc. B. C. Ent. Soc. 12:30. 
Hapirat—QOn leaves on Inga, cacao, Hibiscus rosa sinensis, Ipomoea in 
Trinidad; Panama. 


vespiformis Crawford 
Aeolothrips. Crawford. Pom. Col. Jr. Ent. 1:109, Type. 
Aeolothrips. Moulton. U. S. Dept. Agr. Bur. Ent. Tech. Ser. 21:21. 
=Franklinothrips (Aeolothrips). Back. Ent. News. 23:74, 75. 
Franklinothrips (Aeolothrips). Hood. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 25:62. 


1919, 


1902. 
1907. 
1911. 
1912: 
1912. 
1912. 
1913. 
1915. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY a 


Franklinothrips. Hood. Psyche. 20:119. 

Franklinothrips: Bagnall. Linn. Soc. Jr. Zool. 32:498. 

Franklinothrips. HHood.~ Ent. News. _26:163. 

Franklinothrips. Bagnall. Jr. Zool. Res. 2:21, 

Franklinothrips. Watson. Florida Buggist. 2:66. 

Franklinothrips. Williams. Trin. & Tob. Bull. 17:143. 

Franklinothrips. Treherne. Proc. B. C. Ent. Soc. 12:30. 

Hasirat—U, §. A.: Florida on Citrus foliage; Nicaragua; Texas, Panama 
Canal; West Indies: Trinidad; St. Vincent; Central America, 


AEOLOTHRIPS Haliday 


albicinctus Haliday 
Ae. albicincta. Haliday. Ent. Mag. 3:451. 
“Atra, abdominis apice ferrugineo; antennis basi et abdominis antici 
annulo albis.” 
Ae. albicincta. Burmeister. Handb. d. Ent. Bd. 2:418. 
Ae. albocincta. Amyot et Serville.‘ Ins. Hemip. 646. 
Ae. albicincta. Haliday, Walker. Homop. Ins, Brit. Museum. 1118. 
Ae. albicincta. Reuter. Diagn. ofv. nya. Thys. f. Finland. 7. 
Ae. albocincta. Uzel. Mon. Ord. Thys. 75. 
Ae. albicincta. Reuter. Acta. Soc. Fauna. Flora. Fennica. 17:33. 
Ae. albocincta. Buffa. Atti. Soc. Tosc. Sci. Nat. Mem. 23:57. 
Ae. albocincta. Buffa. Processi verbali d. Soc. Tose. Sci. Nat. 
Ae. albocinctus. Buffa. Redia. 5:134. 
Ae. albocinctus. Bagnall. Jr. Econ. Biol. 6:10. 
Ae. albocinctus. Bagnall. Trans. 2nd Ent. Congress. 397. 
Ae. albicinctus. Karny. Verh. k. k. zool-bot. Gesellsch. Wien. 64:51. 
Ae. albicinctus. Hood. Ent. News. 26:165. = 
Hanitat—England; Finland; Sweden; Austria; on Aster sinensis in Italy; 
Portugal; Sardinia; on corn leaves and on onion in New York 
State, U. S. A. 
annectans Hood 
Aeolothrips. Hood. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 29:109. 
Aeolothrips. Hood. Ins. Ins. Men. 5:55. 
Aeolothrips. Treherne. Can. Ent. 51:182. 
Haxzitat—On foliage of Robinia pseudo-acacia, pear, in flower of Erigeron 
annuus in Maryland; Virginia; New York State, U. S. A.: on 
foliage of a variety of plants at Victoria, B. C., and in the 
Okanagan Valley in British Columbia (Canada). 


\ 


auricestus ‘I'reherne 
Acolothrips. Treherne. Can. Ent. 51:184. 


Hasrrat—On foliage of Elymus condensatus in the Okanagan Valley, 


British Columbia (Canada). 


bicolor Hinds 
Aeolothrips. Hinds. Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. 26:130. 
Aecolothrips. Hooker. U.S. Dept. Agr. Bur. Ent. Tech. Ser. 65:13. 
Aeolothrips. Moulton. U.S. Dept. Agr. Bur. Ent. Tech. Ser. 23:21. 
Aeolothrips. Jones. U.S. Dept. Agr. Bur. Ent. Tech. Ser. 23:1. 
Aeolothrips. Bagnall. Trans. 2nd Ent. Congress. 397. 
Aeolothrips. Back. Ent. News. 23:74. 
Aeolothrips. Morgan. U.S. Nat. Mus. 46:42. 
Aeolothrips. Ent. Rept. Univ. Florida. 64. 


1915. 


1912. 


1758. 
1761. 


1767. 
1775. 
1781. 
1781. 
1781. 
- 1788. 
1789. 
1802. 
1803. 
1806. 
1836. 
1838. 
1843. 
1852. 
1852. 
1855. 
1857. 
1871. 
1879. 
1882. 
1886. 
1889. 
1891. 
1892. 
~ 1893. 
1893. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1920 13 


Aeolothrips. Watson. Ent. News. 27:127. 

Aeolothrips. Hood. Ins. Ins. Men. 5:55. 

Aeolothrips. Watson. Florida Buggist. 2:65. 

Aeolothrips. Treherne. Proc. B. C. Ent. Soc. 12:30. 

Habirat—On oats and wheat in Southern United States; on various 
plants and grasses at Amherst, Massachusetts; on Plantago 
virginica, citrus, corn, strawberry, grain, onion, oats, rutabaga 
in Florida; in sod in Tennessee; in Indiana; Virginia; Mary- 
land; Illinois; Minnesota; Kansas; Texas (U. S. A.). 


brevicornis Bagnall 
Aeolothrips. Bagnall. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. 15. 
Havsirat—In flowers, Cape Town, South Africa. 


crassus Hood 
Aeolothrips. Hood. Proc. Ent. Soc. Wash. 14:130. 
Hapsirat—In flower of Hydrophyllum virginicum and on wild grape in 
Maryland, U. S.A. 


fasciatus Linnaeus 
Thrips fasciata. Linnaeus. Syst. Naturae. 10:457. Tyre. 
Thrips fasciata. Linnaeus. Fauna Svecica. 266, 

“Thrips elytris -albis nigrisque fasciatus, corpore atro. Habitat in 
floribus, uti praecedentes, sed rarior aliis. Desc: Omnia, ut in praece- 
denti, (T. juniperina) sed fasciae transversae albae et nigrae alas 
distinguunt; animal totum atrum, praesedenti majus, elytra nigra fasciae 
tres niveae secant, quarum una in apicae, altera in medio, tertia versus 
basi elytrorum.” 

Thrips fasciata. Linnaeus. Syst. Naturae. 12 & 13:743. 

Thrips fasciata. Fabricius. Systema Ent. 745. 
Thrips fasciata. Schrank. Enum. Insect. Aust. 297. 
Thrips fasciata. Fabricius. Species Insectorum. 2 
Thrips fasciata. Fabricius. Mantissa Insectorum. 
Thrips fasciata. Gmelin. Linn. Syst. Nat. 13:2223. 

Thrips fasciata. Berkenhout. Syn. Nat. Hist. Gt. Br. & Ire. 123, 

Thrips fasciata. Stew. Elem. of Nat. Hist. 2:114. 

Thrips fasciata, Fabricius. Systema Rhyngotorum. 314. 

Thrips fasciata.. Turton. Gen. Syst. of Nat. 2:717. 

Aeolothrips (Coleothrips) fasciata. Haliday. Ent. Mag. 3:451. 

Acolothrips fasciata. Burmeister. Hundb. d. Entom. 2:417. 

Aeolothrips fasciata. Amyot et Serville. Hist, nat. d. Ins. Hemip. 646. 
Acolothrips (Coleothrips) fasciata. Haliday, Walk. Homop. Br. Mus. 4:1117. 
Aecolothrips fasciata. Heeger. Sitz. d. Acad. d. Wiss. Wien. 8:135. 
Coleoihrips trifasciata. Fitch. Count. Gent. 6:385. 

Coleothrips trifasciata. Fitch. 2nd Rept. Nox. Ins. N. Y. 308. 
Thrips fasciata. de Man. Tijdschr. v. Entom. 147. 

Aeolothrips (Coleothrips) fasciata. Reuter. Ofy. Fin. Soc. 21:214. 
Coleothrips fasciata. Pergande. Entomologist. 95. 

Coleothrips trifasctata. Webster. Rept. Dept. Agr. 577. 
Coleothrips trifasciata. Thaxter. Rept. Conn. Agr. Exp. Sta. 180. 
Coleothrips 3-fasciata. Riley-Howard. Ins. Life. 3:301. 

Coleothrips trifasciata. Townsend. Can. Ent. 24:197. 

Coleothrips trifasciata. Gillette. Bull. 24.. Col. Agr. Exp. Sta. 15. 


~Cloeothrips trifasciata. Davis. Mich. Agr. Exp. Sta. 102:39. 


14 


1895. 
1895. 
1896. 
1901. 
1902. 
1907. 
1911. 
ASUS: 
1913. 
1913. 
UGHISY 
1915. 
1916. 
1916. 
1916. 
1918. 
1919. 


1916. 
1918. 
1918. 


1914. 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


Coleothrips trifasciatus. Cockerell. N. Mex. Agr. Exp. Sta. 15:71. 

Aeolothrips fasciata. Uzel. Mon. d. Ord. Thys. 72. 

Coleothrips trifasciata. Davis. Spec. Mich. Agr. Exp. Sta. 2:13. 

Aeolothrips fasciata. Tumpel. Die Geradflugler Mitteleuropas. 286. 

Aeolothrips fasciatus. Hinds. U.S. Nat. Mus. 26:127. 

Aeolothrips fasciata.. Buffa. Atti. d. Soc. Tosc. d. Sci. Nat. 23:57. 

Aeolothrips fasciatus. Moulton. U. S. Dept. Agr. Tech. Ser. 21:23. 

Acolothrips fasciatus. Stcherbakov. Rev. Russe d. Ent. 13:461. 

Aeolothrips fasciatus. Kurdjumov. Trans. Poltava Agr. Exp. Sta. 18:19. 

Aeolothrips fasciatus. Bagnall. Jr. Econ. Biol. 8:156. 

Aeolothrips fasciatus. Williams. Ann. App. Biol. 1:240. 

Aeolothrips fasciatus. Bagnall. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. 15. 

Aeolothrips fasciatus. Williams. Entomologist. 49:277. 

Aeolothrips fasciatus. Watson. Ent. News. 27:127. 

Aeolothrips fasciatus. Ross. Ent. Soc. Ont. 47:27. 

Aeolothrips fasciatus. Treherne. Proc, B. C. Ent. Soc. 12:30. 

Aeolothrips fasciatus. Treherne. Can. Ent. 51:181. 

HasiratT—On various grains, grasses, flowers and weeds; England; Russia; 
Austria; Finland; Germany; Africa: Tunis; Canary Islands; 
United States: Connecticut, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Massa- 
chusetts, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Arizona, Oregon, Cali- 
fornia; Canada: British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba. 


floridensis Watson 
Aeolothrips. Watson. Ent. News. 27:126. 
Aeolothrips. Watson. Florida Buggist. 2:65. 
Aeolothrips. ‘Treherne. Proc. B. C. Ent. Soc. 12:30, 
HasiTatT—QOn oats and corn in Florida, U. S. A. 


gloriosus Bagnall 
Aeolothrips. Bagnall. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. 14. 
Hapsitat—Sardinia. 
kuwanaii Moulton 
Aeolothrips. Moulton. U.S. Dept. Agr. Bur. Ent. 12:47. 
Aeolothrips (variety robustus). Moulton. U.S. Dept. Agr. Bur. Ent. 12:48. 
Aeolothrips. Hood. Proc. Ent. Soc. Wash. 14:130. 
Aeolothrips. Treherne. Proc. B. C. Ent. Soc. 12:30. 
Hasirat—On Ceanothus thyrsiflorus in California, U. S. A., and robustus 
on apricot tree in California, U. S. A. 


longiceps Crawford 
Aecolothrips. Crawford. Pom. Col. Jr. Ent. 1:101, 
=Franklinothrips. Bagnall. Trans. 2nd Ent. Congress. 397. 
Aeolothrips. Bagnall. Jr. Econ. Biol. 8:157. 
=Aeolothrips kuwanati. Hood. Ent. News. 26:162. 
Aecolothrips. Watson. Ent. News. 27:127. 
Aeolothrips. Treherne. Proc. B. C. Ent. Soc. 12:30. 
Hasitat—On Umbellularia and Ceanothus in California, U. S. A. 


Melaleuca Haliday 
Aeolothrips. Haliday. Entom. Mag. 3. 
Ae. melaleucus. Bagnall. Jr. Econ. Biol. 6:10. 
Ae. melaleuca. Hood. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 29:110. ; 
“Apparently very close’ to Ae. annectans Hood, but type “cannot 
now be secured for comparison.” 
Hasirat—British Isles. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1920 15 


nasturtii Jones 


1912. Aeolothrips. Jones. U.S. Dept. Agr. Bur. Ent. Tech. Ser. 23:2. 
1912. —Franklinothrips. Bagnall. Trans. 2nd Ent. Congress. 397. 
1913. <Aeolothrips. Bagnall. Jr. Econ. Biol. 8:157. 
1915. —Aeolothrips. Hood. Ent. News. 26:162. 
1916. Aeolothrips. Watson. Ent. News. 27:127. 
1918. Acolothrips.. Treherne. Proc. B. C. Ent. Soc. 12:30. 
Harirat—QOn flowers of Nasturtium officinale in California, U. S. A. 
vittatus Haliday 
1836. Aeolothrips. Haliday. Ent. Mag. 3. 
1911. Aeolothrips. Bagnall. Jr. Econ. Biol. 6:10. 
1912. Aeolothrips. Bagnall. Jr. Econ. Biol. 7:189. 
Hasitat—England; Finland; Sweden; Austria-Hungary. 
vittipennis Hood 
1912. Aecolothrips. Hood. Proc. Ent. Soc. Wash. 14:129. 
1917. Aeolothrips. Hood. Ins. Ins. Men. 5:64. 
1918. Acolothrips. Treherne. Proc. B. C. Ent. Soc. 12:30. 
Hasirat—U,. §. A.: on leaf of hickory in Maryland; on honey locust 
(Gleditsia triacanthos L), Illinois; and yellow locust (Robinia 
pseudacacia), in Washington D. C. 
tibialis Reuter 
1901. Aeolothrips. Reuter. Acta. Soc. Faun. Fenn. Finland. 17:33. 
1913. Aeolothrips. Bagnall. Jr. Econ. Biol. 8:157. 
1918. Aeolothrips. Treherne. Proc. B. C. Ent. Soc. 12:30. 
Hasirat—Finland. 
2 tiliae Bagnall 
1913. Aeolothrips. Bagnall. Jr. Econ. Biol. 8:156. 
Hapirat—On Tilia in Norway. 
versicolor Uzel 
1895. Aeolothrips. Uzel. Mon. d. Ord. Thys. 69. 


Syst 


Hasitat—Austria. 


ERRATA 


In the Proceedings of the Entomological Society, February, 1918, Number 12, 
ematic Series, on pages 27-33, in my article on “Notes on the Aeolothripidae,” 


the following errors have appeared in the text: 
On page 27—Line 15, Physoda should read Physopoda. 


Line 22, Aeolothripidea should read Aeolothripoidea. 


On page 28—The word Melanothrips requires the author’s name after it, thus 


reading “Melanothrips Haliday.” 
Mitrothrips should read Mitothrips. 


On page 29—Rhipidothrips requires the author's name after it, thus reading 


“Rhipidothrips Uzel.” 
E. arizona should read E. arizonae. 


16 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


NEW SPECIES OF MYCETOPHILIDAE 
By R. S. Sherman 
Mycomya mutabilis sp. noy. 

Male. Wength 4.25 m.m. Head, face, and antennae brownish, the 
basal joints of the last and the palpi yellow ; intermediate antennal joints 
about twice as long as wide. ‘Thorax brown with obscure darker brown 
or black vittae separated by grayish pollen. Humerus yellow. Scutel- 
lum and metanotunt brown. ‘Two strong scutellars in addition to 
smaller setae. Thoracic, scutellar, and abdominal setae brown. 
Abdomen brown, posterior and lateral margin slightly yellowish. Hypo- 
pygium yellow. Legs long and slender, yellow; fore metatarsus 1'/,, 
times the tibia in length, setae of hind tibia slightly less than diameter 
of this member. Wings hyaline with grayish tinge; veins brown, sub- 


costa ends in the costa opposite middle of cell Ry, which is 2.5 times as 


long as wide; the subcostal cross-vein is proximad of the middle of this 
cell; the basal section of the radial sector and the R-M cross-vein are 
subequal; R4-5 ends at tip of wing; petiole of the media is equal to Ma; 
cubitus forks slightly distad of the middle of cell Ry: the wing is 4.75 
m.m. in length, which is 2.8 times as long as the fore metatarsus. 
Halteres yellow. ‘Taken on Savary Island, B. C., April, 1917. 

Differs from M. maxima in being smaller, darker color, two scutel- 
lars, lacking coxal spur, etc. It is nearer to M. sigma but differs in 


length of intermediate flagellar joints, color of thorax, color of wings, - 


length of petiole of media as compared with M2; forking of cubitus 
more distad of cross-vein and in greater length of wing as compared 
with length of fore metatarsus. 

Platyura intermedia sp. nov. 

Female. Length 3.5 m.m. Yellow. Antennae except the scape 
fuscous. Thorax yellow with traces of three pale confluent stripes. 
The base of each abdominal segment dark brown. Wings uniformly 
yellowish slightly tinged with cinereous in region of R2-3, veins fuscous ; 
subcostal vein ends in costa a little proximad of base of radial sector; 
R2-3 rather long and oblique in position; halteres yellow. Subcostal 
cross-vein slightly proximad of centre of subcosta; coalesced part of 
media about equal to the petiole. Anal vein produced to the margin. 
Fore metatarsus slightly shorter than tibia. ‘I'wo tibial spurs on middle 
and hind tibiae. Savary Island, July 21, 1917. 


Dziedzickia vernalis sp. nov. 


Female. Length 5m.m. Brown, the first two joints of the antennae, — 


humeri, posterior margins of abdominal segments and the legs, yellow, 
the latter with brownish tarsi; antennae with third joint about twice 


its width in length; body opaque, the hairs and bristles reddish yellow, — 


bristles of tibiae shorter than greatest diameter of latter; wings hyaline; 


subcostal vein terminates in Ry near distal end of cell Ry, this cell about 


PROCEEDINGS, 1920 17 

P 1% times as long as wide, R4-5 strongly bowed forward, peduncle of 
~ cell My. about twice as long as R-M cross-vein, cubitus, apparently 
_ detached, forks near middle of cell R. Fore metatarsus is about .8 as 
p= lone as the tibia» Halteres yellow. Vancouver, B. C., 8:V,:16. 


* 


- Dziedzickia rutila sp. nov. 
. Male. Wength 5.5 mm. Yellow, head black, antennae, except the 
basal joints, fuscous, abdominal segments brown caudad, tarsi browish, 
tibial spurs lighter yellow than the tibiae, which aré dusky yellow; 
thorax yellow with reddish brown vittae and black hairs; abdominal 
‘setae black; scutellum yellow with black hairs; pleura tinged with 
_ brown; wings hyaline, subcostal vein terminates in Ry slightly proximad 
of centre of cell Ry, this cell about 2% times as long as wide, R4-5 
moderately bowed, peduncle of cell My about twice the length of the 
~  R-M cross-vein, cuy not detached, forks at the middle of basal cell R; 
_ fore metatarsus about 34 as long as the tibia, anal vein does not reach 
- the margin, halterés pale yellow. Vancouver, B. C., 3:X1:17. : 
: Dziedzickia johannseni sp. nov. 
Female. Length + m.m. Black, the first two joints of antennae, 
femora, tibial spurs and halteres, yellow; tibiae and tarsi yellowish 
_ brown shading to dark brown in tarsi; abdomen with faint indications 
of lighter colored marginal bands; thorax black, scutellum, pleurae and 


- coxae brown; hairs reddish yellow; wings hyaline, subcostal vein ter 
_- minates in Ry, exactly at distal extremity of small cell Ry, this cell about 
- 1% times as long as wide, R4-5 moderately bowed, peduncle of cell My 
a little longer than twice the length of R-M cross-vein, cubitus forks at 
about two-thirds the length of basal cell Ry; fore metatarsus about 
two-thirds as long as the tibia; half of fore metatarsus swollen on under 
side, giving this joint a bowed appearance; under side of 2nd, 3rd and 
_ 4th tarsal joints evenly swollen, 5th joint slender. Savary Island, 


Dziedzicka columbiana sp. nov. 

Male. Length 4 m.m. Dark brown, the basal joints of antennae, 
. : humeri, coxae and femora, yellow; large yellow triangles on sides of 
a 2nd and 3rd abdominal segments; hairs on thorax, scutellum and 
. abdomen yellowish; joints of flagellum somewhat compressed, the ‘third 
_ joint of antennae being only slightly longer than wide; wings hyaline, 
subcostal vein terminates in Ry, near the centre of cell Ry, this cell 
about 1% times as long as wide, R4-5 moderately arched, peduncle of 
~ cell My about 1% times the length of R-M cross-vein, cubitus forks 
_ distad of centre of basal cell Ry, anal vein weak and does not reach the 
border; fore metatarsus about four-fifths the tibia in length; halteres 
= yellow. Vancouver, B. C.; 22:V:17. 

ee Dziedzickia occidentalis sp. nov. 

; Male. Length 5 mm. Dark brown to black, basal joints of 


\ 


18 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY re 
thorax and abdomen pale; antennal joints of flagellum elongate; wings 
hyaline, subcostal vein terminates in Ry proximad of the centre of cell 
Ry; this cell is three times as long as wide, R4-5 strongly arched, ._ 
peduncle of cell My 2% times as long as R-M cross-vein, cubitus forks 
proximad of centre of basal cell Ry anal vein strong but does not reach 
the margin. Knob of halteres brown, fore metatarsus about two-thirds 

as long as the tibia. Savary Island, 8:1V:17. 


Rhymosia prolixa sp. nov. 

Male. Length 5% m.m. Yellow, including the two basal joints of 
the flagellum, palpi and hypopygium; thorax with reddish brown vittae ; 
tergites with triangular brown saddles. Setae of thorax and scutellum 
black. Hypopygium longer than last abdominal segment, black pilose. 
A black spot on hind femora at basal fourth. Legs slender, long; coxae 
and femora yellow, tibiae dusky yellow and tarsi fuscous. ‘Tibial spurs 
black. Wings yellowish hyaline. Subcosta ends free; petiole of media 
slightly more than half as long as the R-M cross-vein; fork of cubitus 
far proximad of the proximal end of the cross-vein. Savary Island, 
Se VEZ. 

Rhymosia faceta sp. nov. 

Male. Length 4 m.m. Yellow, including basal joints of flagellum, 
palpi and hypopygium. Head fuscous; thorax subfuscous on dorsum 
and pleurae; coxae, femora and tibiae yellow; tarsi fuscous. Abdomen 
with wide yellow fasciae on 2nd to 5th segments inclusive, cephalad. 
Wings hyaline with slight cinereous tinge along costal margin. Setae 
of thorax and scutellum black. Fore metatarsus subequal to tibia. 
Two scutellar setae. Subcosta ends in Ry. Petiole of media about 
two-thirds as long as R-M cross-vein. Cubitus forks under proximal 
end of this cross-vein. Anal vein extends beyond branch of cubitus. 
Halteres yellow. Vancouver, B. C., 11:11:17. 


Rhymosia seminigra sp. nov. 
Male and Female. Length 6 m.m. Dark brown; head black; basal 

joints of antennae and palpi yellow; humeri yellow; dorsum of thorax — 
dark velvety brown, with pale appressed hairs and black setae; scutel- — 
lum and metanotum brown; two scutellar setae, black; abdomen dark’ 
brown, sixth segment wholly black, segments 2 to 5 with yellow long- 
itudinal bands on the sclerites dorsad, rounded caudad, leaving the 
posterior margin of these segments fuscous; hypopygium large, yellow — 4 
with black hairs; legs yellow, hind coxae with fuscous stripe, one basal 5 
coxal seta, hind femora darker apically, tibia and tarsi subfuscous to 
fuscous, fore metatarsus 1144 length of tibia; apical half of wing cin- 
ereous, proximal half hyaline, subcosta ends in Ry; petiole of media 
and R-M cross-vein subequal; fork of cubitus under fork of media, anal _ 
vein ends under fork of cubitus... Three males-and three females taken ~ 
at Vancouver and Savary Island, March, April and October. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1920 19 


Rhymosia pectinata sp. nov. 

Male. Length 4.5 m.m. Head fuscous, the scape and palpi yellow; 
antennae 1% times the length of thorax. Thorax dull yellow, dorsum 
and pleurae brownish, with indistinct darker brown vittae; scutellum 
and metanotum fuscous; hairs yellow, depressed, setae black; two 
scutellar setae. Segments 2 to 5 of abdomen with yellow fasciae, 
cephalad; these fasciae are widest ventrad; hypopygium yellow. Coxae 
and legs yellow, tarsi and tibial spurs brown; one posterior basal hind 


_coxal seta; fore tarsal joints on under side serrate. Fore metatarsus 


slightly longer than tibia. Wing hyaline, subcosta endsin R 7. Petiole 
of media two-thirds length of R-M cross-vein. Cubitus forks under 
proximal end of R-M cross-vein. Anal vein extends distad of fork of 
cubitus. Halteres yellow. Savary Island, 9:1V:17. 


Rhymosia brevicornis sp. nov. 

Male. Length 5.5m.m. Head fuscous, the scape, and palpi yellow; 
antennae slightly shorter than length of thorax. Thorax dull yellow, 
dorsum of mesonotum and pleurae fuscous; scutellum and metanotum 
fuscous; hairs appressed, yellow, setae black; 4 scutellar setae; seg- 
ments 2 to 5 of abdomen with brown saddles, broadest anteriorly, 
posterior margins and ventral stripe subfuscous, leaving well marked 
yellow triangles on sides of segments 3 and 4+; segments 1 and 6 dark 
brown; hypopygium yellow, large, being twice length of segment 6. 
Legs and coxae yellow; tarsi fuscous; one basal coxal seta. Wines 
yellowish. hyaline, subcosta short, ending apparently free though close 
to Rs. Petiole of M and R-M cross-vein subequal. Cubitus forks 
proximad of proximal end of R-M cross-vein; anal vein stout, ends 
slightly distad of fork of cubitus. Halteres yellow. Fore metatarsus 
slightly shorter than tibia. Vancouver, B. C., 28:1V :17. 


Tetragoneura atra sp. nov. 
Male. Length 4+m.m. Black, including knob of halteres and hypo- 
pygium; antennae black, including basal joints; palpi black; middle 
and hind coxae fuscous, front coxae and femora yellowish brown, tibiae 


_ brown, tarsi black; hairs on thorax and abdomen pale; wings grayish 


hyaline, the subcostal vein ends in Ry at nearly two-thirds of distance 
between humeral cross-vein and base of the radial sector; cubitus de- 
tached but not attenuated, beginning at a point in line with the R-M 
cross-vein produced. Cell Ry very little longer than wide, almost a 
perfect rhombus. 


Female. Like the male but scape of antennae and genitalia are 


yellow. Cuy slightly attenuated at proximal end. R2-3 wanting in 


one wing. 
Described from two males and one female taken at Vancouver, 


May and June. 


20 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


Tetragoneura marceda sp. nov. 

Male. Wength 3.5 mm. Head black,-base of antennae and palpi 
yellow, remainder of antennae dark brown; thorax, scutellum and 
abdomen brown, hypopygium yellowish; hairs on thorax and abdomen 
yellow or reddish brown; halteres, coxae and femora yellow, tibiae 
yellowish brown, tarsi dark brown; wings hyaline, subcostal vein ends 
in Ry about midway between the humeral cross-vein and base of the 
radial sector; cubitus forks close to its base, cuy: detached and attenu- 
ated at proximal end; cell Ry scarcely as long as wide. 

‘Twenty-nine males and six females taken at Savary Island and 
Vancouver, B. C., Apriland May. Of these specimens only seven males 
and two females have the rhomboidal cell complete in- both wings; 
seven males and one female are zygomorphic, the vein Ro-3 being absent 
in one wing; fifteen males and three females are destitute of vein R2-3 
in both wings. In some specimens the cell Ry is very short, vein R2-3 
almost touching the base of radial sector. 

Female. Like the male, but usually lighter in color, the humeri and. 
genitalia being yellow. 

Tetragoneura fallax sp. nov. 

Male. Length 4.5 m.m. Head black, base of antennae and palpi 
yellow; remainder of antennae dark brown; thorax and abdomen dark 
brown; humeri, edge of scutellum and metanotum yellow; the meta- 
notum more or less fuscous dorsally; the large hypopygium mostly — 
dark brown, the interior parts mostly yellow; legs yellow changing to ~ 
subfuscous and fuscous in tibiae and tarsi; setae and hairs yellow; 
halteres yellow; wing hyaline, veins strong, subcosta ends in Ry about 
midway betwen humeral cross-vein and base of radial sector; cubitus 
forks slightly proximad of proximal end of R-M cross-vein, or directly 
under it; cuy not detached; length of cell Ry about 1.5 times its width. 

Female. Color usually more dilute; genitalia yellow. ‘ 

In a series of forty specimens, thirteen males and twenty-seven ‘a 
females, taken at Savary Island and Vancouver in April, May and -— 
December, there is considerable variation in: 

(a) Relative position of end of subcosta. 
(b) Relative position of fork of cubitus. 
(c) Length of small cell. 
Two males and four females have Rg-3 wanting in one or both | 
wings. ° 


Tetragoneura arcuata sp. nov. 
Male. Length 3 m.m. Head black, base of antennae and palpi — 
yellow, remainder of antennae dark brown; thorax, scutellum, meta-_— 


thorax and abdomen yellow; halteres yellow, the knob tipped with 
brown; legs yellow, middle and hind coxae brownish, tibiae and tarsi _ 


PROCEEDINGS, 1920 | 21 
shading from light to dark brown; wings hyaline, subcosta ends in Ry 
about two-fifths of the distance between the humeral cross-vein and 
base of radial sector; cubitus forks about under distal end of subcosta, 
not detached; anterior veins much stronger than posterior; R4-5 
strongly arched in proximal half, distal half being only gently curved; 
length of rhomboidal cell varies from 1.25 to 1.75 its width; base of 
radial sector and R2-3 slender. 5 

Female. Resembles the male; genitalia yellow tipped with dark 
brown. , 

Described from a series of one male and four females taken during 
May and June in the vicinity of Vancouver. 


THE LIFE HISTORY OF APATETICUS CROCATUS Uhl. 
(HEMIPTERA) 


By W. Downes. 


The species which forms the subject of the present paper is a large 
pentatomid bug which is fairly common in the neighbourhood of Victoria 
and a somewhat familiar object during the late summer and fall. It 
belongs to the class popularly called “stink bugs,’ a well-earned name 
by the way, and is one of the largest members of the Heteroptera in 
our local fauna. 

Although, in common with the rest of the pentatomids, it has an 
uneviable reputation owing to the possession of repugnatorial glands 
which secrete the objectionable odour familiar to all who have attempted 
to handle them, nevertheless the species we are considering has good 
points which make it worthy of our interest and protection, for it is of 
considerable economic value, its food consisting to a very large extent 
of caterpillars, especially tent caterpillars, and larvae of the oak looper 
(Ellopia somniaria), so that it may be classed among our useful insects. 

Wherever caterpillars are numerous, these bugs will be found. 
Many of them take up their abode within the webs made by the tent 
caterpillars, where they find a plentiful food supply within easy reach. 
Others are found on the oak trees infested with “looper” caterpillars, 
but they are not entirely dependent on animal food by any means. In 
fact, a certain amount of vegetable food is essential for them, and during 
the first instar the little nymphs are entirely phytophagous and possibly 
the species may be able to subsist without much animal food. 

The Egg. The egg is cylindrical with slightly convex sides, its 
height being about one-third greater than its diameter, somewhat barrel- 
shaped in fact. ‘The top and bottom are convex and the cap, or lid, is 
surrounded by a fringe of short incurving spines. The eggs are smooth 
and shiny and in colour are brownish black with irregular oval areas of 
dull white on the sides. Around the rim is a narrow white band from 
which arises the chaplet of spines of the same colour, tipped with black. 


22 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 
The eggs stand upright in a double row, usually on the upper side of a 
twig and may be sixty or seventy innumber. One female that I watched 
laid her eggs on the upright iron standard of my garden gate. The time 
occupied in depositing one egg varied, but was usually about four 
minutes. Having deposited an egg on the right, the female moved 
slightly upward and laid another on the left, touching, but slightly in 
advance of, the first. The next egg would be deposited on the right 
side, touching the first egg and slightly in advance of the second, and 
so on alternately on the right and left until the double line was complete, 
each egg standing in the angle formed by the junction of the eggs in 
the opposite row. At first the eggs are white, but darken within a few 
minutes. The majority are probably laid in September and October. 
Those that I have observed were laid on October 25th. ‘These hatched 
on May 19th following. Another lot collected in the field hatched on 
April 21st, and a third lot from an oak tree hatched on June 7th. The 
little bugs when newly emerged from the egg are entirely red but harden 
within half an hour; the legs, head and thorax becoming black, while 
the abdomen remains a deep red, bordered by a row of black spots and 
with a row of large quadrangular black markings on the central dorsal 
line. ; 

The Nymphal Stages. During the first instar the nymphs are 
gregarious and usually remain clustered together, a habit common to 
many species of pentatomids, and so far as I have observed, are entirely 
vegetable feeders during this period. After the first moult, however, 
they show a tendency to wander and commence to feed on other insects 
when opportunity is given. The gregarious habit is abandoned during 
the later moults. 

On April 21st, 1919, the first lot of nymphs kept under observation 
hatched from a batch of eggs laid on an apple twig. These were 
divided into two lots, one of which was kept at my residence while the 
other remamed at the laboratory. Petri dishes with covers were used 
fer breeding cages at first, but were soon abandoned in favour of fruit 
jars covered with muslin, as the moisture condensed in larg ge drops in 
the petri dishes and drowned many of the little nymphs. 

The lot kept at the laboratory progressed at first much more rapidly 
than those at the house. They were supplied with sprays of. young pear 
leaves, on which they were occasionally observed to feed. The first 


moult occurred in this lot on April 30th, but those at the house did not _ 


moult until May 6th. The average temperature at the laboratory was 
several degrees higher than at the house, which partly accounts for the 


more rapid growth of the nymphs. On May 10th, five nymphs of this Ay 


lot were observed to be feeding on a bud-moth larva. A nest of tent 
caterpillars was obtained and placed in the jar, and shortly after several 
of the nymph& were seen to be attacking these. It-was found, however, 
that many nymphs were lost by getting entangled in the webs, also, 


Fig. 
lig. 
Fig. 
Fig. 
Fig. 


mnt Whe 


Apateticus crocatus Uhl. 


Adult male. 

Adult female. 

Nymph, fifth stage 

Nymph, fourth stage. 

Eggs on twig, young nymphs emerging. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1920 93 


that at this stage of their growth they cannot live extensively on animal 
food but require a constant supply of fresh green leaves. They seem 
to require a certain amount of moisture and were seen sucking at drops 
that condensed on the glass of the breeding jar. ‘The experiment of 
feeding them on syrup, of white sugar and water, was tried, and this 
they took readily. ‘The second moult of those kept at the house was 
noted on May 20th, the third on June 2nd, the fourth on June 19th, and 
the fifth on July .th. Four lots were kept under observation at different 
periods and the average length of the instars was found to be thirteen 
days under artificial conditions, the fourth and fifth instars being the 
longest. I was able to observe the change from the last nymphal stage 
to adult. The nymph in each case rested head downwards hanging 
from a twig. Ecdysis was complete in ten minutes and as soon as 
free the adult reversed its position. At first the adults are pale salmon 
pink and do not harden completely for nearly two days. The final moult 
was observed on July 8th and on the 10th the bugs were observed to 
be sufficiently hardened and attacking tent caterpillars. During the 
fifth instar the nymphs refused animal food, seeming to prefer plant 
juices. Young branches of wild rose were supplied, the bugs invariably 
sucking from the leaf petioles or midribs. Other plant food besides 
briar rose was tried, namely, pear, apple, oak and willow, but rose 
seemed to be preferred. Of the four broods kept under observation 
the last reached adult condition on August 18th. 

Feeding Habits. It was interesting to observe the extreme timidity 
and caution which marked the attitude of the bugs when attacking their 
prey. Not being possessed of any weapon to aid them, such as the 
powerful grasping forelegs of those species that are solely predatory, 
they are forced to await a propitious time for attack. On scenting game 
the beak is immediately extended and the bug advances towards its 
quarry. Usually weak and sickly caterpillars are selected or one that 
is in such a position as to be unable to escape. When within half an 
inch or so the rate of advance is cautiously slackened and the progress 
of the extended beak towards the caterpillar becomes so slow as to be 
scarcely perceptible. Should the caterpillar make the slightest move- 
ment, the bug immediately retreats, advancing again and again until 
at last from sheer weariness the caterpillar permits the beak to be 
inserted. Once this occurs there is no escape. The barbed tips of 
the maxillae give the bug a hold that is not readily shaken off, and 
despite wriggling and squirming the beak turns in the wound without 
withdrawing. Not until the caterpillar is sucked dry does the bug 
withdraw its beak, and it may retain its hold for as long as twelve hours. 
It is only when pressed by hunger that they show any boldness. Some 
that had been without food for nearly a fortnight were supplied with 

_ larvae of the poplar sawfly (Platycampus victoria MacGill). These 
_, they accepted readily, following them up with beak extended and 


24 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


antennae quivering, and when near their prey, would make a short rush 
forward, stabbing the larvae with their beaks. 

Mating was first observed on July 22nd, but probably owing to an 
insufficient food supply, I failed to get the females to oviposit. 


DESCRIPTION OF LIFE STAGES 


Egg. Height, 1.07 mm.; width, .80 mm.; width of cap, .56 mm.; shape, 
oval cylindrical; smooth, glossy; base flattened; sides and cap slightly convex; 
general appearance, brownish-black in color with large irregular areas of white 
on the sides, cap black, surrounded by a narrow white circle, from the outer edge 
of which arises a row of incurving white spines, sixteen to nineteen in number. 
Eggs are laid in a double row firmly attached to one another and to their 
support. 

Nymph: first instar. Body broadly ovate, narrowing anteriorly, broadly 
rounded posteriorly. Average length, 1.76 mm. Average width, 1.60 mm. 
Head, somewhat rounded in front, nearly twice as broad as long, posterior 
margin rounded; width, including eyes, .72 mm. Prothoray narrow, curving 
anteriorly, twice as wide as head, excluding the eyes, shortest at median dorsal 
line, from thence widening slightly to lateral margins. Mesothorax one-fifth 
shorter and slightly wider than prothorax, curving anteriorly. Abdomen, rounded, 
dorsum convex, nearly one half as long as wide. Antennae, stout, medium length, 
slightly pubescent, terminal joint the longest, thickened and tapering at.proximal 
and distal extremities. Length, 1.35 mm.; Ist segment, .15 mm.; 2nd segment, 
.36 mm.; 3rd segment, .30 mm.; 4th segment, .53 mm. Legs medium length, 
strong; hind tibia, .46 mm. Color, head, antennae, prothorax, mesothorax and 
legs black, eyes red, abdomen crimson, conspicuously marked on the median 
dorsal line with four quadrangular black spots; lateral margins spotted with 
four quadrangular black markings; ventral surface of abdomen red, lateral mar- 
gins spotted with black. 4 

Second Instar. Body longer, broadly pyriform, length 1.90 mm.—2.6 mm. 
Flead, quadrate, anterior outline slightly curved, posterior margin curved, tylus 
distinct, not shorter than juga, eyes prominent. Width, including eyes, .845 mm. 
Prothorax, one-third wider than head, curving anteriorly. Anterior and posterior 
margins nearly parallel, divergent at sides, lateral margins explanate. Mesothorax 
of nearly equal length.and width to prothorax, curving anteriorly, shorter at 
lateral margins, anterior margin slightly curved, posterior margin broadly angled. 
Metathorax yery short at median dorsal line, from thence widening to lateral 
margins, width scarcely exceeding mesothorax. Abdomen rounded, dorsum con- 
vex, venter slightly convex. Antennae, more slender, pubescent; length, 1.93 
mm.; Ist segment, .16 mm.; 2nd segment, .6 mm.; 3rd segment, .5 mm.; 4th 
segment, .6 mm. Legs, strong, tarsi furnished with a few short hairs, claws 
strong, recurved; length of hind tibia, .96 mm. Color, dorsal surface of head 
and thorax black with a greenish metallic sheen, eyes red to brownish-black, 
under surface of thorax, legs and rostrum piceous; antennae brownish-black; 
abdomen crimson, with four quadrangular greenish-black spots on median dorsal - 
line, lateral margins spotted as before, the spots being relatively smaller than 


in the first instar; ventral surface of abdomen crimson, lateral margins spotted —_ 


with black. 

Third Instar. Shape of body similar to previous instar, but abdomen more 
rotund. Average length, 3.86 mm. Head, sub-uadrate, eyes prominent, anterior 
margins of juga and tylus rounded, juga slightly longer than tylus, vertex rough; 
width, including eyes, 16 mm. Prothorvax, two and one half times wider than — 


a 


x 
Bs 


\\-"4 


e 
7 


; 


= aie 


PROCEEDINGS, 1920 25 


head, rugose, anterior and posterior margins parallel, anterior margin straight 
behind head, curving sharply forward behind the eyes; lateral margins explanate, 
rounded, converging to head, minutely serrulate; posterior margin straight, 
extremities curving slightly caudad. Mesothorax, slightly wider than prothorax 
at median dorsal line, thence narrowing to lateral margins, widest at posterior 
angles, central posterior margin broadly angled, projecting caudad. Metathorax 
slightly narrower than mesothorax and one half as long, constricted in centre, 
surface smooth. Abdomen, nearly round, dorsum strongly convex, venter slightly 
convex. Antennae, pubescent; length, 2.4 mm.; Ist segment, .2 mm.; 2nd seg- 
ment, .86 mm.; 3rd segment, .6 mm.; 4th segment, .6 mm. Legs, strong, tibiae 
and tarsi slightly hairy, femora with a few short hairs. Length of hind tibia, 
1.03 mm. Color, dorsal surface as before, ventral surface of thorax crimson, 
pleurae dusky, eyes and antennae black. 

Fourth Instar. Shape similar to previous instar; length, 7.5 mm.; greatest 
width, 4.43 mm. Head, sub-quadrate, flatténed, eyes prominent, juga rounded 
in front, longer than tylus, margins bordered by a small but distinct flange, 
surface roughened. Prothorax, twice as wide as head, rugose, callosities apparent, 
anterior and posterior margins-nearly parallel, anterior margin curving sharply 
forward behind eyes, lateral margins explanate, minutely toothed, posterior 
margin slightly procurved, posterior angles projecting slightly caudad. Meso- 
thorax, wider than prothorax and slightly longer at median line, surface rugose, 
posterior margin angled at centre, lateral lobes short, projecting caudad as far 
as second abdominal segment. Metathorax, three-fourths as wide as mesothorax, 
very short at centre, from thence widening and recurving on each side of median 
dorsal line. Abdomen, broad, rounded, dorsum convex, venter slightly convex. 
Antennae, pubescent, distal segment slightly thicker than 3rd; length, 4.2 mm.; 
Ist segment, .43 mm.; 2nd segment, 1.56 mm.; 3rd segment, 1.1 mm.; 4th seg- 
ment, 1.1mm. Legs, tibiae and tarsi hairy, femora with a few short hairs; length 
of hind tibia, 2.3 mm. Color, the same as before, some individuals showing 
coppery metallic tints on dorsal surface of head and thorax. 

Fifth Instar. Body more ovate, abdomen less tumid, wing pads developed; 
length, 10 to 12 mm.; width, 7 to 8 mm. Head, as in previous stages but juga 
relatively longer, lateral margins curved. Prothorax, equal in length to head and 
twice as wide; anterior margin curved, lateral margins converging anteriorly, 
explanate and irregularly toothed, posterior margin slightly procurved, lateral 
posterior angles acute, projecting caudad, surface rugose, callosities large. 
Mesothorax one-third longer than prothorax, wing pads extending beyond second 
abdominal segment; central portion of posterior margin angled and extending 
-caudad beyond metathorax, surface minutely punctate. Metathorax, very short, 
narrow, one half as wide as mesothorax, apparent only between the angles 
formed by the wing pads. Abdomen oval, dorsal and ventral surfaces convex, 
the larger spots on median dorsal line each with an elliptical rugose callus; inner 
portion of spots on lateral margins bifurcate. Antennae, pubescent, terminal 
‘segment scarcely thicker than the third; length, 5.53 mm.; Ist segment, .5 mm.; 
2nd segment, 2.3 mm.; 3rd segment, 1.43 mm.; 4th segment, 13 mm. Legs, 
strong as in previous instar; hind tibia, 3.4 mm. Color, variable, dorsal surface 
of head and thorax and spots on abdomen coppery metallic green with golden 
sheen in some individuals, others with thorax mottled with red; dorsal surface 


~ of abdomen crimson, ventral surface pale red, pleurae dusky, legs and antennae 
black with metallic green reflections. 


Adult. Uhler’s original description (1) is as follows: 
“Podisus crocatus, New sp.—Broad, suboval, more robust than P. cynicus 
Say., and with blunter and more callous humeral angles. Color dull orange, 


26 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


brighter beneath, coarsely, deeply and unevenly punctate with dark green. Head 
sub-quadrate, longer than wide, margined with dark green, often with two dark, 
short stripes on the basal raised lines, and with a dark streak on the middle of 
the tylus, reliefs between the eyes strongly defined, lateral lobes somewhat longer 
than the tylus, more finely punctate than the vertex, their outer angles a little 
rounded and marked with dark green. Underside of head polished, sparsely and 
finely punctate in separated patches or lines, the under submargin of the lateral 
lobes closely and deeply punctate;. rostrum reaching to just behind the middle 
coxae, the second joint reaching to the posterior margin of the anterior coxae; 
antennae dusky rufous, darker on middle of last three segments. Pronotum wide, 
deeply, coarsely punctate, mostly in transverse wavy lines, and punctures partly 
confluent on the disk, depression at base of forward lobe marked with a trans- 
verse series of indented and discolored spots, the posterior lobe more or less 
darkened with obscure green, the humeral angles irregularly triangular, callous 
at tip, a little shorter and less acute “than in P. cynicus Say., the extremity often 
dark green, and charged with four wrinkles, anterior part of lateral margin 
coarsely granulate-serrate. Pleural pieces coarsely, remotely, deeply punctate, 
excepting the area around the ostiolar canal. Legs luteous, sparsely punctate, 
the femora more or less pointed with rufous, and wrinkled. Scutellum more 
finely punctate, clouded with green, the middle line smooth and very sparsely 4 
punctate. Clavus narrow, dark, luteous, greenish at base, punctate in lines; 
corium finely and remotely punctate with green, the costal area more coarsely 
so, and more spotted, membrane longer than the venter, pale bronze, finely 
granulated, the veins a little darker. Venter coarsely, remotely, unevenly 
punctate and rugose on the sides, with a broad, smooth, middle line, almost 
impunctate; tergum purplish. black, dull, the connexivum orange, punctate with 
red, the sutures of the segments broadly marked with a quadrate, black-green, 
densely punctate spot across the entire width of the connexivum; ventral spur 
long, acute in the male, blunter in the female. Length to end of venter 13 to 
17 mm. Width across humeral angles 8 to 10 mm. 


“This species is common in Western Oregon and Washington Territories: 
It occurs also on Vancouver Island, and extends south into California. The third 
joint of the antennae is much shorter than the preceding or following ones, the 
second is longest, and nearly twice as long as the third. The species is very 
variable in the degree and amount of dark marking on the several parts of the 
upper surface.” 


The color of both sexes varies considerably, but in general the 
ground color is pale brown or fawn, more or less suffused or mottled 
with dark green with a metallic lustre. In some individuals the ground 
color is almost obscured, while others are uniformly pale with an entire 
absence of green excepting the brilliant metallic spots on the connex- 
ivum. In such individuals the tergum is crimson; in dark specimens | 
it is black. 

’The vaginal plate is triangular, and the characteristics of the female 
genitalia resemble those of its near ally bracteatus. The most notice- 
able structural character differentiating crocatus from bracteatus is the 
shape of the lateral pronotal spines, which are short and blunt, while 
those of bracteatus are decidedly more acute and projecting. In a 
series of eighteen specimens of crocatus before me I find this feature ~ 
constant. In cynicus the vaginal plate is quadrangular, which clearly 
distinguishes it from both crocatus and bracteatus. - 


ee se 2 ee 


PROCEEDINGS, 1920 27 


Bracteatus has been recorded as occurring on Vancouver Island (2), 
but during four years’ collecting I have not as yet come across any 
specimens that could be referred to this species. 

I wish to express my acknowledgments to Dr. H. M. Parshley who 
has assisted me by sending specimens of Apateticus bracteatus for com- 
parison and a copy of Uhler’s original description. 


REFERENCES 


(1) Uhler, P. R., Trans. Maryland Ac. Sci., 1: pp. 383-394, 1897. 
(2) Van Duzee, E. P., Catalogue of Hemiptera of N. A., 1917. 


THE GENUS ARGYNNIS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA 
By E. H: Blackmore, F.E.S. 


The genus Argynnis, or, as they are commonly called, Fritillaries 
or Silver-spots, belong to the family Nymphalidae or brush-footed 
butterflies, so called on account of the first pair of legs being aborted, 
and folded in front of them, thus being of no use for walking purposes. 

This genus is one of the largest in this family; it is well represented 
in Europe, and is found in Asia, China and Japan. Several species are 
found in Australia, and two or three species in Africa, but it is in North 
~America that it has found its greatest development. They are found 
on high mountains up to the timber limit, and at lower elevations down 
to sea-level, but they are, generally speaking, a mountain-loving group. 

The species composing this genus are of moderate or large size, 
and are distinguished by their bright tawny or fulvous colour, with well 
defined black markings, which consist of waved transverse lines and 
rounded or triangular markings on the outer borders. 

A great many species so closely approximate each other that great 
difficulty is experienced in separating them satisfactorily; most of the 
eastern species have had their life histories carefully worked out, so that 
not much difficulty is now experienced in determining them, but it is 
our western forms that have caused the most trouble to students of this 
genus. Many different causes are responsible for this confusion; in 
some cases the limits of variation are not very well known; and in 
others, species intergrade with each other so that in a long series it is 
hard to tell where one species leaves off and another one begins. Mis- 
identifications and confusion of species by some of the older authors led 
to a great deal of trouble in this respect. In some-cases descriptions 
have not been detailed enough to allow of a definite placing of species, 
and have been so vaguely worded that they will allow two or three 
different forms to fit it in a more or less satisfactory manner. 

Fortunately, for present day systematists, Dr. Wm. Barnes some 
years ago—1913, to be exact—sent Dr. J. McDunnough to Europe for 


98 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


the express purpose of studying the type specimens of No. Amer. Lepi- 
doptera which were contained in British, French, Belgium and German 
Museums. - After his return from Europe he visited the principal 
museums of the United States, where type collections were known to 
exist. The total result of these examinations of type specimens has 
been to elucidate many perplexing problems, and to put our knowledge 
of the ‘species on a far better basis than has hitherto been possible. In 
the genus under discussion, there still remains in certain groups, much. 
work to be done in careful breeding, and a comparison of the larval 
stages before a proper understanding of the species can be arrived at. 

Eee. The eggs of this genus are beautiful objects under the micro- 
scope, being truncate conoidal, in shape something like a thimble, orna- 
mented on the side by parallel raised ridges, between these ridges are 
a number of small cross ridges, giving it a reticulated appearance. 
According to W. G. Wright, in his “Butterflies of the West Coast,” 
some species of this genus oviposit like a grasshopper, thrusting the 
ovipositor down amongst the dead leaves and rubbish under small 
bushes; others drop their eggs while flying over suitable places. The 
eggs hatch in about three weeks, the young larva devouring its shell; 
it then goes into lethargy without eating anything else and thus it hiber- 
nates, a tiny thing, not half so big as a pin’s head, naked, without any 
covering, in the wet and frozen rubbish, till the leaves of its food plant 
shall grow in the early spring. 

Larva. The larvae are cylindrical and covered with spines, the 
first segment always bearing a pair of spines somewhat longer than 
the others. So far as is known the North American species of this genus 
feed on the various species of wild violets, they are nocturnal feeders, 
lying concealed during the day. 

Chrysalis. The chrysalids are rather large; angular; with more or 
less prominent projections and a bifid head. 

As stated before, North America has shown the greatest develop- 
ment in this genus, no less than 63 described forms and species being 
recognized in the B. & McD. Check List. 

In the 1904 B. C. Check List 14 species were listed, 9-of which 
were misidentifications, and in some cases the same species was listed 
under two or three different names. I am rather afraid that comparison 
with Holland’s Butterfly Book was responsible for many of the errors 
in that list. 

In the 1906 List we find but 10 species listed, of which only four 
were misidentifications, or species not occurring in the Province. 

Up to the present I have 8 species and 7 geographical races listed 
from the Province, and out of these 15 forms I have 14 in my own collec- 
tion, the remaining species being found in the far north of the Province. 

1. Argynnis leto Behr. This*is the largest and most beautiful 
species that we have in the Province. It is especially interesting from 


_ 


PROCEEDINGS, 1920 7 29 


the fact that there are no normal coloured females, instead of being 
fulvous they are of a blackish-brown colour, with the sub-terminal area 
of a pale straw yellow. The question whether there were ever any 
normal-coloured females in an interesting one. The localities I have it 
from are Princeton, Similkameen, Vernon, Armstrong, and Rossland. 

2. A. aphrodite race columbia Hy. Edw. Until quite recently 
columbia has always been considered a distinct species, but upon an 
examination of the type by Dr. McDunnough it is now considered a 
small northern form of aphrodite. It resembles atlantis somewhat, and 
with which-it has very often been associated, but they can always be 
separated in the males by the fact that in atlantis the veins on the 
primaries are enlarged or thickened by black scales. It was described 
from Lake La Hache and Quesnel in 1877, but it has a wide distribution 
throughout the northern part of Canada. I have specimens of this 
‘species from Chilcotin. 

» 3. A. atlantis Edw. Although this butterfly occurs from the Hope 
Mountains to the Rockies, it-is not listed in our B. C. Check Lists. It 
was probably listed under the name of electa Edw., which is, however, 
a larger and more heavily marked insect. I have it recorded from a 
number of localities, including Atlin, Mt. McLean, Armstrong, Osoyoos, 
and Rossland. 

4. A. electa Edw. This is one of the commonest species of this 
genus in the Interior. I have it from a large number of localities 
‘between Princeton and-the Rocky Mountains. There has been a con- 
siderable mix up in the types of chitone, electa, and cornelia, the latter 
of which is now sunk as a synonym of electa. Edwards had several 
forms before him: when he described this species, but the type is now 
restricted to a male from No. Colo., taken by Mead in 1871. 

In the Vernon district we have another species going under this 
-name with the discal area of the underside of the secondaries suffused 
with chocolate brown. ‘They could not be matched in the Barnes col- 
lection, and may be an undescribed form of either electa or chitone. 

5. A. bremneri Edw. In our B. C. Check Lists the locality of 


_this species is given as “generally distributed,” but this is wrong, as I 


have no record of its being taken anywhere than on Vancouver Island 
and the Lower Fraser Valley. Possibly the undescribed form men- 
tioned above has been confused with it, as they bear a general resem- 
blance to each other. 

6. A. hydaspe race rhodope Edw. ‘This with the preceding species 
~are the only two that occur on Vancouver Island, so that we are rather 
poorly off in this particular section of the Province. Rhodope, which 
previously held specific rank, is now regarded as the extremely heavily 
marked northern race of hydaspe which occurs in the Yosemite Valley, 
Cal. The race purpurascens of Siskiyou Co., Calif., being the connect- 
ing link between the two. Rhodope so far has only been found in British 


30 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


Columbia, the type locality being given as the Fraser River. There is _ 
considerable variation in the amount of silver on the spots underneath, ~— 
typically the marginal row of triangular spots,are well silvered with the 
remainder of the spots straw yellow, but in many cases the amount of 
silver on this outside row are greatly reduced, while occasionally, on 
the other hand, nearly all the spots are silvered. 
7. A. hydaspe race sakuntula Skin. This race was described in. 
1911 partly from material taken at Ainsworth and Kaslo. It is not quite- 
so heavily marked on the upper side as rhodope but underneath the 
spots are entirely unsilvered, all being of a yellow colour. In addition 
to the above localities, 1 have the species from Rossland. It is evi- z 
dently a high altitude species. : 
8. A. nevadensis Edw. This species, together with meadii, 
edwardsi and snyderi belong to a distinct group, which have the spots ‘ 
elongated and very heavily silvered and with a green suffusion on under- 
side of secondaries. It is rather uncommon in B. C., as Vernon and 
Princeton are the only localities I have seen it from, although in some 
parts of Eastern California it is one of the commonest species of this 
genus. 


SF oo on ee eS es 


9. A. nevadensis race meadi Edw. This form that we take in 
B. C. and through the Rocky Mountains to Calgary has never been 
satisfactorily placed. Some years ago the late Wolley Dod sent a series 
to Dr. Skinner who, in returning them, said: “They are certainly not 
edwardsii nor are they true nevadensis, nor are they exactly like the 
Colorado meadi, but they come nearest to meadi.” This form occurs at 
Princeton, Similkameen, Armstrong and Vernon, and if some enter- 
prising student in any of those districts would take upon himself the 
task of rearing this species from the egg, and make careful notes of all 
the larval stages, it would go far, Iam sure, towards solving this problem. 
Personally, I think it is a distinct geographical race of meadi, which 
latter is typical in the mountains of Colorado. 

10. A. platina Skin. ‘This belongs to the halcyone-coronis group. 
The late Wolley Dod never quite satisfactorily separated this group, 
although he had quite a nice series for comparison; he also had speci- 
mens from Idaho (one of the type localities) and from Utah. The 
trouble is that some species that are found hundreds of miles from their 
nimotypical locality are subject to changes of colouration of the under- 
side of secondaries, and also in the black markings of the upper-side, — 
which may be markedly heavier or again may be somewhat reduced. — 
‘These differences in colouration and maculation are probably due to a 
change of food plant and to climatic conditions. 

So far this species has only been recorded from Osoyoos, but Wolley 
Dod took a pair at Brisco, B. C., about 35 miles below Windermere, — 
which are probably referable to this species. I did not possess a speci- 


£ me 


Je SEE he eg ee 


PROCEEDINGS, 1920 31 


men of this species until recently, when a specimen was sent to me by 
Dr. J. McDunnough through the kindness of Dr. G. Hewitt, the 
Dominion Entomologist. 

11.. A. snyderi Skin. I have a single specimen, as yet unexpanded, 
which has been identified by Dr. McDunnough as this species. It was 
taken by the late Capt. Harvey, at Vernon, in 1904. Dr. Fletcher, to 
whom it had been sent, returned it as “undescribed.” It was described 
in 1897 from specimens taken in Utah. I have compared it with the 
description, with which it agrees. | have not seen any others, although 
I have examined a great.deal of Vernon material in the last few years. 

12.>A. mormonia race erinna Edw. This is one of the small 
Argynnids and so far has only been found in the Kootenay country. It 
differs very little from the typical form mormonia, which occurs in Cali- 
fornia and Southern Oregon. Erinna was described from Spokane, 
Wash., and the name is retained to indicate the northern form. It 
resembles closely the following species, but it.can be distinguished by 
its lighter colour and reduced black markings on the upper-side, and by 
the total lack of green suffusion on the secondaries on the under-side; in 
this case the disk being suffused with cinnamon brown. 

13. A. bischofh Edw. This species was described from Kodiak, 
Alaska, in 1870. Mr. E. M. Anderson took two specimens at Atlin in 
1914, which are the only records for B. C. In the Report Canadian 
Arctic Expedition recently to hand, Gibson records the capture of a 
single specimen at Mayo Lake in the Yukon, by Mr. J. Keele in 1904. 

14. A. bischoff race opis Edw. This species was described from 
specimens taken at Bald Mt., Cariboo, and I have it from the Hope 
Mountains, Kaslo, Field, and the Taku River.- It is the same insect that 
has been in our lists under the name of eurynome var. clio for many 
years. Dr. Dyar sunk opis as a synonym of clio, but this is not the case, 
as the green scaling at the base of the secondaries on the under-side 
show a greater affinity to bischoffii than to eurynome. ‘This is the form 
that has the spots entirely unsilvered. 

15. A. bischofi race washingtonia B. & McD. This race was 
described in April, 1913, from specimens taken by Dr. McDunnough on 
Mt. Rainier, Wash. ‘This is the southern representative of the Alaskan 
bischofh. ‘This is the same butterfly that has been in our lists for many 
years as eurynome, which, of course, with its race clio will now be 
dropped and opis and washingtonia will take their place. Washingtonia 
is considerably smaller than the average expanse of eurynome and the 
spots are well-silvered. It has practically the same range as the pre- 
ceding and will no doubt we found on all of the higher peaks of the 
mountains of Southern British Columbia. 


82 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


FY 
poets: % 
: 


VITULA SERRATILINEELLA Rag., A Honey Feeding Larva 
By J. Wm. Cockle, Kaslo, B. C. 

Having set aside some frames of partially capped honey, I was much _ 
surprised when examining them in October to see that they were covered _ 
with what appeared at first sight as cobweb; on closer examination 7 
I discovered a lot of small whitish larvae secreted under the webs in the _ 
partially filled cells. Where the cell was empty the larva was to be 
seen coiled up in the bottom, but in case the larva was feeding on the 
honey it had spun a web about one and a half inches in diameter over 
the comb and either rested on the web or under it. Observation showed 
that the larva reached down through a hole in the web to feed, but did — 
not remain in the cell until all the honey had been extracted. Ina few 
instances when the larva had emptied the first cell it had pierced the 
wall of the adjoining cell, from which it continued feeding; this was 
the exception and not the rule ;-most-of the larvae fed from the top. 

On October 14th, finding that the number of larvae were decreasing 

and that there were no signs of any pupae; I removed the balance toa~™ 
breeding jar, placing in it a little dry earth, a few dry leaves and a small 
block of comb honey. : ry 3 

When removing one of the larvae from which to make a description, 
I took it up on the point of the knife with which I had previously cut 
the honey. It crawled over the honey without the slightest trouble, the 
stickiness did not appear to inconvenience it at all or to interfere with 
its progress, but they prefer to travel upon the dry comb or upon the 
mat of silk with which they cover the comb surrounding the cell from 
which they are feeding and in which they leave a small hole over the 
cell through which they feed. 

During the succeeding months the ae ae spun tunnelled silk pas- 
sages all round the jar, extending them both through the comb and also 
down into the dry earth at the bottom of the jar. They covered the 
whole interior of the jar with a mat of silk as thick as a good sheet of 
paper but could be observed through the glass resting in the tunnels. 
In these they passed the winter, and as they were kept in a warm room, 
they were never dormant but appeared to be feeding all the time. 

"- Description of mature larva. Length 16 m.m. Color cream. Head - 
light brown, mandibles and lower edge of cheek much darker brown, 
thoracic segment lighter than head, divided at dorsum, a dark brown 
splash at stigma, abdominal segments with tubercles at 1 and 2 more 
or less brownish, hairs white. Last abdominal segment with two eyed 
brown rings at 2, from these the hairs are longer than those on the other 
segments, also a tubercle at 1 with a heavy brown spot but not ringed. 
Anal segment splashed with brown which extends down to the vent, 
there are also 4 brown spots. Feet concolorous. 

Pupa. Date of pupation not observed but was probahly during 
March. Color light golden brown, slightly darker at head and anal I 


BS Se he PO ee 


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3 


ee beote PROCEEDINGS, 1920 , 33 


segment, a row of raised brown tubercles on stigma, that on the second 
abdominal segment partially overlapping the upper edge of the wing 
cover, on the third the tubercle is just above the edge of the wing cover, 
on the fourth there is a secondary tubercle below and anterior to the 
major one, the anal segment is without tubercles and is armed with 


~ séveral short spines. 


‘The pupa was enclosed in a white silk cocoon placed mostly within 


the tunnels. This factor was mainly responsible for the almost com- 


plete loss of the resulting imagoes, some of them being denuded of all 
scales in their passage through the silk net, whilst others were damaged 


by contact with the honey, the net result being one male and one female 


secured for identification. 

Date of emergence, May 29th, 1919, on which date two specimens 
were taken at light outside. The latter agree with some named V. serra- 
tilineella by Dr. Dyar, the bred specimens are slightly grayer and are 
not so contrasting in maculation. I am indebted to the kindness of Dr. 
J. McDonnough for verification of my indentification. To quote from 
his letter, he says: “I think you will be safe in calling the species 
V. serratilineella, although personally I have never been satisfactorily 


_.able to separate this western species from its near ally in the east, 


V. edmandsi Pack. The maculation is identical and the habits appear 
to be the same in both species, the only difference being that the western 
form is slightly larger. However, in view of the geographical distribu- 


tion it seems advisable at present to retain the name serratilineella for 


the western form.” 

~The habit referred to by Dr. McDonnough, is the fact that V. 
edmandsi is’ an inquiline of Bumble Bees nests in which it feeds; a 
description of this is given in. Parkard’s Guide to the Study of Insects. 

Dr. Dyar in Pro. U. S. Nat. Museum, Vol. 27, page 921, records 
having taken this moth at Shawnigan Lake, B. C., Aug. 17th and Sept. 
4th, whilst the Kaslo specimen that he had for identification was dated 
June 24. The dates of those in my collection are May 19, 29, June 7, 
24, 29, July 9, 19, Aug. 12, Dec. 30, the latter taken in the house this 
winter. 

I have also received specimens from Mr. Williams Hugh, of Clover- 
dale, B. C. His opinion is that it can never be considered an injurious 
pest, “strong colonies never tolerate its presence and the bees certainly 


clean up the webs from the combs.” 


Mr. F. W. L, Sladen, Dominion Apiculturist, writes me that he has 
never observed it, and Mr. W. J. Sheppard, Provincial Apiculturist, also 
informs me that although he examined thousands of hives in British 
Columbia during the past six-years that he has not seen any evidence 
of it. 

_ The conclusion is, that this moth will only be found amongst stored 


_ frames or diseased colonies. 


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OCTOBER, 1923 
NUMBERS SEVENTEEN AND NINETEEN 
ECONOMIC SERIES 


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PROCEEDINGS 


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OCTOBER. 1923 
NUMBERS SEVENTEEN AND NINETEEN 


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TABLE OF CONTENTS 


PAGE 
PROCES SIT OS Mowewsforie Kons vee wr cvsus se use re eid aueth be One nabey uate eam aire eager 
Report of the Secretary-Treasurer «2.0.0 6. eile ce wee Ses e) wlbiahe 
PAGOSIGETIEIAIRAG UES Sra vevecet ay sao shat cherries jae, Basra entice) aka ereveys neat 159 
The -Luropean-Earwig in B. C.—R. C. Trehetne’...-2..:.> 161 


The Relation of the Predatory Mite ‘‘Hemisarcoptes malus” 


to) the ©yster Shell Scale in B, C.—E.-P. Venables... .. 164 


Insects of Economical Importance in the Lower Fraser Valley 


Tra SE RG Srl Sr ius Gover) sists ele ebereis ate i) oyeveta lates 167 


The Relation of Botany to Entomology—W. B. Anderson... 172 


Effect of Fumigation of Certain Insects—W. H. Lyne...... 174 
The Peach Twig Borer—R. C. Treherne............ Sate po 
RoOrestak DEOmMology— Ro tELOp ply icv ore gctisove uipere © oueterslqaier tomes 183 
Mosquito Gontrol at Banff—E. Hearle.. .....0 422.6. ee LST 


The Status of Spreaders in Poison Spray Solution—A. L. 


EXOKGOU Pataca Seer ee ae ee AR Oe Rr eee ies rc eRe eae 189 


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PROCEEDINGS 


OF CHE 


British Columbia Entomological Society 
ay 


The Twenty-second Annual Meeting was held in the Court House. 
Vancouver, on Saturday the 17th of February, 1923. 


The President, Mr. L. E. Marmont, was in the chair, and from twelve 
to fifteen members were present throughout the meeting. 


At the business session in the morning, three new members were 
proposed and accepted, Mr. K. F. Auden, Mr. A. O. Hope, and Mr. O. 
Whittaker. 

A redraft of the by-laws was passed upon for incorporation purposes. 


It was decided not to provide another cup this year for school 
competition. 


Upon the motion of Mr. Venables, it was decided to hold a summer 
meeting at Vernon during the visit of the Dominion Entomologist. 


The following papers were read :— 


erect demtial AG OreSSis2.22 0-2 2 ee tenc see Dit AEE Nee ete! .L. E. Marmont 
Collecting in the Sagebrush of the Southern 

Okamaoan: Valleys 2a bt eee oe ee elie DUCK 
teva romunes Mespimile v2) Sos se eet ets ecees HAP aoa tn C. D. Garrett 
Control of Oyster-shell Seale with Oil Sprays*.....M. H. Ruhmann 
The Peach Twig Borer in B. C.¥_............ ely ys. Ae APEC See ae R. C. Treherne 
Economie Entomology in the Dry Belt.................................E. P. Venables 
Notes on Economie Insects in 1922... ee ee eee W. Downes 
New Records of B. C. Hemiptera... Pa hjde cite ane ne. Wy DOWIE 
Effect of Fumigation on Certain Insects Sten sens See ee W. H. Lyne 
The Elm-Currant Aphis......2..............- eee eee R. Glendenning 
lowest, Hntomology' 2.2 ..24...:.. Pe ree eee = ae EOP PINS 
Mosquito Control at Banfft.. Ree reser bess ae ee EK. Hearle 
Relation of Botany to Entomology?.....1......2..21---e.se-o-- W. B. Anderson 


Slides showing the beauties of the Mymaridae were shown under 
the microscope by Mr. Whittaker. 


‘Read by proxy. 


158 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


The election of officers for 1923 resulted as follows :— 


FLomorarrya dereSid einihet ces tees 8 aS Ty A ere eee F. Kermode 
TSG STC Gra Gate he ee ae a ce SRO a Does wg rw cae ee oe ee L. E. Marmont 
War Cee Bere sired eritian Gora Wels te) meee ee eee R. S. Sherman 

se (Ror: finiteri073) sot ee eee ee ie M. H. Ruhmann 


Advisory Board: 
The Officers, and J. Davidson, W. Downes, E. Hearle, W. H. Lyne, 
and E. P. Venables. 


Honorary Secretary-Treasurer.................... R. Glendenning, Agassiz. B. C. 
Hon ATG nitore es Skee A ee eet RY Se eee W.S. Moore, J.P. 


It was decided, according to precedent, to hold the 1924 meeting in 
Victoria, B. C. 


REPORTS OF THE SECRETARY-TREASURER, 1922 

I beg to submit a report on the following subjects :— 

Finances, 

Publication of Proceedings, 

Catalogue of Library, 

Incorporation, 

The Society’s Cup and the Encouragement of Entomology in Schools, 

and 

Membership. 

The Finances are tolerably satisfactory. After spending just over 
$300 on printing, we have in hand $73 and no liabilities. This sum, with 
the usual Provincial grant which we have been promised, will place us 
comfortably off, if not in affluence, during 1923. 

PUBLICATION OF PROCEEDINGS 

Only one number of our Proceedings was published this year. This, 
No. 20, consisted of two valuable systematie papers, the report and our 
President’s address. 

There has been keen demand for this number, and I think we have en- 
hanced the value of our Proceedings by its publication. 


CATALOGUE OF LIBRARY 
It has been found impossible to get anyone to undertake this task, 
consequently our members are still quite in the dark regarding what 
books are available for borrowing. It had been decided to distribute 
mimeographed copies of the list to members. 


INCORPORATION 
The by-laws, a declaration, the consent of the Ontario Society, all 
duly signed and witnessed, were with considerable trouble gotten to- 


PROCEEDINGS, 1923 159 


gether and submitted to the Registrar, only to be returned on account of 
our by-laws as revised and adopted at our last meeting not conforming to 
the requirements of the act. 

* The cost will be approximately $25, and, should you still wish to 
become incorporated, it will be necessary for us to revise our by-laws 


to-day and provide for the $25 in owr next year’s expenditure. 


ENCOURAGEMENT OF ENTOMOLOGY IN SCHOOLS 

This subject has been approached from two directions; firstly, by 
giving a cup for an exhibit of inseets; and, secondly, by co-operating with 
and endeavouring to render assistance and advice to the Director of 
Elementary Agricultural Education, Mr. Gibson. 

With regard to the latter, the Advisory Board, to whom the matter 
was referred at our last meeting, have sugested certain methods for use 
in schools, and have endorsed Mr. Gibson’s idea of short circulars for 
instruction purposes. 

The offering of a cup, which cost over $50, has, I am sorry to say, 
met with no adequate response in the matter of encouraging Entomology 
in the schools of the Province, and the cup has now passed out of the 
Society ’s possession, being won thrice by the John Norquay School, South 
Vancouver. 

MEMBERSHIP 

This now stands at 32 fully paid-up members. This is a decrease of 
about 10, and, while this is to be regretted, the greater number of those 
retiring were not active members. 

As secretary, I regret the growing apathy of the old brigade of 
amateur systematists, which has been increasingly noticeable during the 
past year. 

R. GLENDENNING, 
Hon. Sec.-Treas. 


PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS 


To the Members of the British Columbia 

Entomological Society : 
Gentlemen,— 

I have much pleasure in welcoming you to the 22nd Annual Meeting 
of the Society. 

The past year has not been marked by any unusual or outstanding 
event or feature pertaining to the progress of the Society, but I may 
say that we have maintained our position financially and otherwise satis- 
factorily, and enter another year with a fairly good eash balance, and 
this in spite of the fact that the printing of our proceedings, which has 
hitherto been done gratis by the Government, had to be met out of our 
own funds. 


160 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


The membership has, I believe, been kept up to its usual standard, 
but has not made the advance we should all have liked to see. I hope, at 
this meeting, to see some scheme formulated or some good suggestions 
advanced which will tend to bring about this desirable result, for we 
must get more members, if we are to continue as a live organization and 
carry on the work properly pertaining to such an organization. 


With this object in view, you will remember that the Society donated 
a handsome cup, to be competed for by the public schools of the Province, 
to become the property of the school exhibiting the best collectin of 
B. C. insects, of not less than four orders, and winning the cup three 
times in succession. This was done by the John Norquay School of 
South Vancouver, and the cup passed into their possession. Unfortu- 
nately, by omitting the condition that the collection shown must be bona- 
fide the work of the scholars, this school was able to become the possessors 
of the eup by exhibiting a good collection donated to the school by a kind 
friend, and thus the object of the Society was defeated. Under the word- 
ing of the conditions as set forth in the Fair prize list, there was no alter- 
native but to award the cup, as to do otherwise would be breaking faith 
with the exhibitors. If at any time the Society should offer another prize, 
they will doubtless benefit by this experience and make the conditions 
in keeping with the object aimed at. 


The secretary informs me that there have been numerous requests 
from many quarters for some of our economic papers, showing that the 
work of our energetic members is being recognized as very valuable 
to economie and applied Entomology, and while we all feel that this is 
as it should be, and the utmost value must rightly be attached to these 
most important matters, let us try at the same time to so popularize the 
study of insects as to enlist the interest of what we may eall the ordinary 
layman who would not bother to read highly technical papers, and would 
not understand them if he did. There are many persons, and especially 
the younger ones, who only require a little encouragement to become keen 
students of nature, and a proportion of these develop into real ento- 
mologists. 


IT would also like to see a little more co-operation among our present 
members, but perhaps this is rather difficult where they are so widely 
scattered over so large a Provinee, but at any rate there should be nothing 
to prevent them sending in papers or even notes of interest to be read 
at the annual meetings. 


During the year, good work has been done by many of the members 
in extending our knowledge of the insect fauna of the Pacific Province. 


The tent caterpillar outbreak which began some three or four years 
ago shows signs of abating, and I am of the opinion that the effects of 
the widely spread forest fires of the past summer on this pest will be 
noticeable. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1923 161 


The European Satin Moth is spreading in the Lower Mainland, 
especially in the district round New Westminster, and in this connection 
T have observed a sort of change in their food habits. An outbreak in 
Maillardville began in 1921 on Lombardy poplar. Near these were three 
large Russian Poplar trees which were not affected in 1921. In 1922 (last 
year), by the end of June. the Russian Poplars were completely stripped 
of leaves, and the caterpillars were massed alone the bare limbs, while 
the Lombardy Poplars nearby were almost untouched. The owner cut 
off all the limbs and the tops of the Russian Poplars, the caterpillars 
then swarmed on to his house in masses, and were played upon by fire 
hose under good pressure, afterwards dying and drying up in thousands. 
Plenty of them, however, pupated, and enough moths emerged to do 
damage next season. 

I might record amone my eaptures last season a beautiful, newly 
emerged specimen of the rare moth Aemilia roseata, on July 2nd, and 
in September of a specimen of Papaipema insulidens. The season, on 
the whole, however, was not particularly good for collecting. 

In conelusion, I would express the hope that our deliberations at 
this annual meeting may result in much benefit to the Society. 

Yours, 
L. E. MARMONT. 


THE EUROPEAN EARWIG IN BRITISH COLUMBIA 


By R. C. TREHERNE, ENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH, 
DoMINION DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 


In his book on the ‘‘Orthoptera of North-Eastern America,’’? W. 8S. 
Blatchley states that ‘about 400 species of earwigs have been described, 
mostly from tropical and semi-tropical countries, where they are common 
along the sea-coast. Many of the species are cosmopolitan in distribu- 
tion, their form enabling them to hide readily in the crevices of ships 
and their cargoes, and thus be borne to all parts of the earth. Inland 
they are scarce, especially in temperate and cold regions. Only fifteen 
native or established species of earwigs are at present known from 
America, north of Mexico.”’ 

Canada, until a few years ago, only possessed one species, Labia 
minor Linn, an introduction from Europe originally, which had been 
taken from several widely separated points throughout the Dominion. 
This species, commonly known as the *‘ Little Earwig’’ and so called from 
its length, which is only 4-5 mm., is recorded from Quebee, Ottawa, Mani- 
toba and Salmon Arm, B. C. 

We have now to record a second species for Canada in Forficula aur- 
icularia Linn, the so-called European Earwig. Thus far the Coast cities 
of Vancouver and New Westminster are the only points in Canada known 


162 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


to be infested, and there is a strong possibility that Victoria may also 
harbour the pest. This species is also European in origin and cosmopoli- 
tan. From its habits it bids fair to become a pest of some importance in 
places where it finds conditions suitable to its reproduction. It is des- 
eribed by Blatchley as follows: ‘‘Dark reddish-brown; basal joints of 
antennae, sides of pronotum, hind margins of abdominal segments, for- 
ceps and lees paler; tegmina and wings dull yellow. Tegmina one-half 
longer than pronotum. Forceps of male about as long as abdomen, their 
legs flattened and broadened at base, then usually curved almost into a 
semi-circle, armed on the inner side at base with a large quadrate crenu- 
late tooth, and another at beginning of curve; legs of female forceps 
slightly curved, crenulate on inner margin and crossing at tips. Length 
of body 10-12 mm.; of tegmina, 2 mm.; of forceps, male 4-7 mm.; female 
3 mm.”’ 


The first specimens of F. auricularia actually reported for British 
Columbia were taken alive by the author in September, 1916, at Van- 
couver, in the hold of the SS. Talthybius, on arrival from Europe and 
Asia. This was adventive material of a kind that undoubtedly had been 
imported in the holds of trans-Pacifie vessels for many years. Comstock, 
in his 1901 Manual of Insects, refers to this insect on the Pacifie Coast, 
and Morgan Hebard records a note by Fieber in Lotos 3, 254, 1853, as 
adventive American material. This insect, however, was not long to 
remain in the holds of vessels alone. In 1912 a male and a female were 
captured at Newport, Rhode Island, in the New England States of 
America. In August, 1919, reports of the presence of this insect were 
received from the neighborhood of English Bay, in the city of Vancouver, 
and in 1920 the reports increased in numbers. An examination revealed 
the fact that the insects were widespread through the ‘‘west end’’ of 
the city and in Stanley Park. In 1921, specimens were seen on the foliage 
of trees in the boulevards of Vancouver and New Westminster. The 
numbers found undoubtedly indicated an earlier introduction than 1919. 
Curiously enough reports of the presence of this insect arrived almost 
simultaneously at many coast cities in America, following the Newport 
introduction in 1912. In 1914, Kingston, R.I., announced its presence; 
Seattle in 1915; East Aurora, New York State, in 1917. One observation 
has led to others, and it is doubtless probable that search will reveal these 
insects at many seaport towns not now recorded as infested. 


The avenues of introduction are numerous. In addition to the direct 
importation through merchandise at the ports, these insects have been 
taken in nursery stock, bulbs and plants imported from Europe. 


For instance, T. I. Beaulue captured some specimens in Holland nur- 
sery stock at Montreal in the autumn of 1914, and T. D. Cockerell found 
adults in Dutch tulips imported into Boulder, Colorado, in 1918. E. R. 
Sasscer observed them in the soils around imported florist stoek in the 
eastern United States. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1923 163 


These insects are well-known pests in Europe and Australia, where 
they cause material damage to flowers and vegetables in the gardens by 
feeding upon tender green shoots. The petals and stamens of ornainental 
flowers are freely devoured and roses frequently suffer. They are also 
carnivorous in that they destroy sluggish larvae in the soil, feed upon 
dead animal matter and upon the dead and dying of their own species. 


They are more objectionable in houses where, being mainly noctur- 
nal in habits, they secrete themselves in upholstery, under cushions, rugs, 
in verandah awnines and in every conceivable place to avoid light or 
noise. 

As to their life habits, it is supposed that only the females survive 
the winter, their eggs being deposited in the autumn in garden soil. 
Young larvae make their appearance im the spring (April and May), 
feeding by night on grass and plants at soil surface. They usually become 
fuil-grown in mid July and in late summer, congregating in great num- 
bers in crevices around houses for mating purposes. The adults may also 
find their way into houses, where their presence is a source of consider- 
able worry to housewives, not so much from their injurious habits as 
their unpleasant natures. 


In control, sodium fluoride mixed in equal parts with flour sprinkled 
in houses where the inseets are common will appreciably diminish their 
number. In gardens, in soil adjoining houses, the use of naphthaline, 
soot or lime, apphed in autumn, will in some measure deter them in their 
converging habits. In the open garden, poison baits for the larvae may 
be used in May and June. Paris green and stale bread, 1 part to 16 parts 
by weight, mixed with water, is fairly satisfactory. The bread, which 
is broken up into fine particles, and the poison should be mixed dry and 
water added to make a mixture, which, when broadcasted over the lawn 
or garden, will break up into small particles. This is the control measure 
recommended by D. W. Jones of the U.S. Department of Agricniture. 
Three applications over ten days are suggested, warm evenings being 
chosen for the operations. 


B. B. Fulton, of the Oregon Experimental Station, used wheat bran, 
1 gallon; sodium fluoride, 6 ounces, and molasses 1 pint, with enough 
water to moisten. This is broadeasted over the garden at dusk, as with 
the other bait, and the formula given is considered sufficient for an ordi 
nary city lot. 


These baits are applied against the young larvae feeding on the soil 
surface, and advantage is taken of the carnivorous habits of both larvae 
and adults. 


In England, inverted flower pots filled up with straw or hay are used 
as traps for the adults. Beime night feeders, they hide during the day- 
time, and advantage is taken of this habit to entice the adults to traps 
which may be examined and the contents destroyed daily. 


164 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


THE RELATION OF THE PREDATORY MITE 
“HEMISARCOPTES.MALUS”’ Shimer TO THE 
OYSTER-SHELL SCALE IN 
BRITISH COLUMBIA 


By E. P. VENABLES, ENTOMOLOGICAL LABORATORY, VERNON, B. C. 


The careful researches of Dr. J. D. Tothill upon the distribution and 
habits of this mite within the Dominion are recorded in Vol. 9 of the 
Bulletin of Entomological Research for 1919. 


We find that during the year 1916-1917 samples of seale-infested 
wood were received by him from all the Provinces within the Dominion, 
and were examined for the presence of this predatory mite; whilst 
occurring in all the fruit-growing sections east of the Rocky Mountains, 
the mite was, for some reason, absent from the material sent in from 
British Columbia. The samples from this Province were taken in the 
following localities: Kaslo, Grand Forks, Vernon, Lillooet, Agassiz, Har- 
rison, Nicomen, North Vancouver, Kuper Island, Victoria, Alberni, and 
Dunean. 


As regards the presence of the mite within the North American 
Continent, it is known to occur in Nova Seotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, 
Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Massachusetts, Ohio, Illinois, and Iowa. 
No examples were secured from the Prairie Provinces, this being prob- 
ably due to the absence of suitable feod plants for the Oyster shell seale. 


From the very high destruction wrought by this mite among the 
eggs of the scale in certain of these localities, reaching in some eases as 
high as 90-95%, it became apparent that the introduction of the 
Hemisarcoptes into the Provinee of British Columbia was a matter of 
some moment, and to achieve this result the following method was 
employed: 


Consignments of seale-infested twigs harbouring the mite were 
secured from New Brunswick in 1917, and were placed upon trees in- 
fested with Oyster Shell Scale at various points in the Province of British 
Columbia as follows: Royal Oak (Brydon Farm), Mission (near Catch- 
pole Farm), at Agassiz Experimental Farm, and at South Vernon. The 
twigs as received were tied upon trees to be used as centres of distribu- 
tion; these included Hawthorne, Red Osier Dogwood, and Apple trees, 
the Dogwood being found to be a very favourite food plant attacked by 
the seale. 


The trees selected for the liberation of the mite in the Vernon district 
were situated some two miles from the city, and were growing on a piece 
of waste land on the banks of the Vernon creek. These trees, three in 
number, had been very heavily infested with the scale for some years, 
and were growing in close proximity to the native timber fringing the 


PROCEEDINGS, 1923 165 


creek banks, much of which was coated with seale, more especially the 
Red Osier Dogwood. In the Sprine of 1920, these trees were carefully 
gone over for the purpose of ascertaining whether the mite had become 
established, cuttings being taken and the seale examined under the bin- 
ocular. These investigations revealed the fact that the Hemisarcoptes 
was numerous, and that many eges had been destroyed. At the same 
time the native vegetation was gone over to some extent and the mite 
discovered some 200 yards distant from the point of liberation in 1917. 

In the Spring of 1921, a more extended search was undertaken, and 
as a result the mites have been found to be quite numerous at a distance 
of one and a-half miles from the originally infeeted trees. In this district 
the mite was, as far as obsevations have been carried out, almost entirely 
confined to the native vegetation alone the creek banks; this may be due 
to the fact that the trees infected in 1917 were isolated by at least one- 
half mile of open country on one side before the nearest apple trees were 
encountered, and upon the other by a belt of willows, and various 
indigenous trees which follow the course of the creek. All the cultivated 
orchards lay beyond the creek on that side. 

The accompanying chart shows the distribution of the Hemisarcoptes 
in this loeality, and gives some idea of the condition already referred to. 
In order to carry the infection to districts somewhat distant from ,the 
points of recovery, in 1921, scale-infested twigs were taken in the south 
Vernon area from trees known to harbour mites, and were placed upon 
trees at the Coldstream; apple and dogwood were used in all these cases 
for the introduction of the mite. In all, nineteen separate infections were 
made during the spring and summer of 1920-21, the same procedure 
being followed as in the original transference carried out in 1917. 


THE Hapsits AND APPEARANCE OF HEMISARCOPTES MALUS 
In order that the relation of the Hemisarcoptes to the Oyster shell 
scale may be clearly comprehended, a brief summary of the life history 
of the latter insect is advisable. Much of the following account is taken 
from the paper of Dr. J. D. Tothill, already referred to. 


In the Okanagan the eggs of the seale hatch approximately during 
the end of May, or early in Jume, dependent upon climatic conditions. 
The newly hatched nymphs, after wandering around for a few hours, 
settle down and insert their inouth parts in the bark, in which position 
the insect remains fixed for the remainder of its existence; the scaly 
covering, which consists of the moulted skins of the individual being 
eradually enlarged until maturity is reached, which, in the Okanagan 
Valley, will be some time in late July, or early August, and at that time 
the eges of the scale insect will be found to have made their appearance. 
These eges remain beneath the parent scale until the following May or 
June, a period of ten or eleven months, and during practically the whole 
of that period the predatory mites have undisturbed access to them. 


166 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


In looking over specimens of the Oyster shell scale in search of 
examples of the Hemisarcoptes, there will be found no external evidence 
of their presence, but, on the scale being inverted, the appearance of the 
eggs, if attacked, is quite characteristic. Even if no mites are found, 
a number of empty eggshells being in evidence with a certain percentage 
of injured eges of a shrivelled appearance lying in confusion, the mites 
being found amongst these, and also scattered amongst the undamaged 
eges. 

The mites are shining white in colour, and are approximately of the 
same size as the eges of the scale insect. The body is oval in outline; 
the legs, eight in number, are provided with ‘‘tarsal suckers,’’ which are 
of service to the creature in walking over slippery surfaces; there will 
be found arising from the hind tarsi a number of long hairs, which are 
dragged along by the mite in its wanderings; these hairs are evidently of 
of some service to the mite in enabling it to find a foothold, the, hairs 
being closely applied to the surface upon which the mite is resting, even 
an inverted plate of glass appearing to offer no obstacle to their progress. 
It is a well-known faet that this mite is never to be found beneath old, 
empty scales, but is always discovered in the presence of healthy eggs, 
or under those scales harbouring the parent female, for it appears, from 
the observations of Ewing, Webster, and A. R. Baird (Tothill,!.¢. p. 
194), that the Hemisarcoptes feeds also upon the parent scales themselves. 
From the above facts, and also from the appearance of the mite when 
compared with certain species of scavenger mites, also found in associa- 
tion with the oyster shell scale, the matter of identification is not a diffi- 
eult one. The number of mites to be found beneath a single scale varied, 
in those examples examined at Vernon, from a single adult to six or 
seven individuals, both adults and young nymphs; the latter being pro- 
vided with only six legs, mature specimens possess eight in all. The eggs 
of this mite are deposited beneath the caudal margin of the seale, and 
occurred in numbers varying from six to fourteen in those cases noted at 
Vernon. Individual eggs are somewhat less than half the size than the 
egos of the seale insect, shining white in colour and oval in outline. 


The maximum period of oviposition of this mite appears from local 
observations to be during April and May, although eggs have been found 
during the entire summer. Lignieres, in his observations on the oviposi- 
tion of the mite in France, states that eggs were found at all seasons of 
the year, the minimum number being found from November to January. 
Ewing and Webster, in their Iowa observations recorded in ‘‘ Psyche, 
Volume XIX., No. 4,’’ noted a similar set of conditions to the above, find- 
ing eggs and mites numerous beneath the seales on March 29th, and also 
during April and May. 

Local notes at Vernon are quite incomplete as regards the period of 


oviposition; no eges were found during Mareh, the first eggs noted being 
on April 14th. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1923 167 


It has been frequently observed, in examining scales for the presence 
of this mite, that the only indication of its work will be a cluster of eggs 
lying just beneath the caudal margin of the scale, the parent that deposit- 
ed them having evidently moved off to some other location. The number 
of eges laid by a single female does not appear to be known, but, from 
information gleaned during the work with the mite at Vernon, it would 
appear that individual females deposited a few eggs beneath a number 
of scales, as the eges when found varied in numbers from half a dozen 
to fifteen or twenty. Between May 7th and 18th, 119 scales were examined 
for the presence of the mite, these scales being taken from various locali- 
ties in the mite-infested area; it was found that mites were present be- 
neath 22 of them, six individuals being the greatest number seen beneath 
a single scale. The fact that this mite feeds upon the San Jose Scale 
has been well established. Mr. Dearness, in 1899, received samples of 
this seale from Kent County, Ontario, and found numbers of the mite 
feeding upon the mature female scale insects, as many as eighteen larval 
mites being observed beneath a single seale. 


Various other species of mites will be encountered beneath the empty 
seales of the oyster shell seale; among these may be noted two species 
known to occur in British Columbia, Tydeus gloveri, a gregarious species, 


which may be found to the number of 15 or 20 beneath a single scale; 
this species is recognizable by the median line on the abdomen. 

A species of Gamasus will also be found hibernating beneath the 
empty seales; this is a fairly large mite, possessing two conspicuous 
whitish markings extending almost the whole length of the body. 


INSECTS OF ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE IN THE 
FRASER VALLEY IN 1921 


By R. GLENDENNING, ENTOMOLOGICAL Laporatory, AGcassiz, B. C. 


On several occasions in the past ten years, since the resuscitation of 
the Society, members have given papers dealing in a general way with 
insect conditions during that year in the various districts that they hap- 
pened to be located in. 


These may be found in the Proceedings under such titles as: ‘* Report 
from Vancouver,’ ‘‘Report from Okanagan District,’’ ‘‘Insects of the 
Lower Fraser Valley,’’ ete., ete., and have been contributed by such 
respected members of our Society as the late Messrs. Thos. Cunningham 
and Tom Wilson, Messrs. Treherne, Ruhman, Venables, Brittain, and 
others. These papers, with the Reviews of Apphed Entomology con- 
tributed from time to time by Mr. Treherne, while possibly of only pass- 
ing interest at the time, will undoubtedly form a very valuable history 
of Economie Entomology in this Province, their value increasing with 


age. 


168 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


The year 1921 was marked by no great insect outbreak on the Lower 
Mainland. Even the mosquito crop failed to materialize, and the chief 
trouble was from the insidious attentions of our usual pests. Looking 
back over our previous papers covering this district, I find about thirty- 
five chief pests mentioned, and while I will not touch at length on all 
of these, it will be interesting for future comparison to mention their 
searcity or abundance. 


VEGETABLE INSECTS 
The Imported Cabbage Worm (Pieris rapae L).—This was plentiful 
this year and took its usual! toll of cruciferous vegetables. It is surprising 
that an insect so easily controlled is allowed to do so much damage. A 
remedy that appeals to me always, from its simplicity, is the lime-arsenate 
dusting. Lime (twenty pounds), and lead arsenate powder (one pound), 
dusted on the leaves when wet with dew in the early morning. 


The Cabbage Root Maggot (Hylemyia brassicae Bouche).—This in- 
sect was also very abundant this year, and there is now no reason for 
erowers to take a loss with the 100% immunity obtained by the mercury 
bi-chloride treatment—1 ounce to 10 gallons in three treatments. 


Cutworms.— With the exception of the variegated cutworm 
(Lycophotia margaritosa Haw), but little damage from these insects 
came to my notice. The above exception was, however, plentiful in 
August in various points in the Valley, and one record of damage was 
received from Golden, in the Columbia Valley. No parasites were re- 
covered from material reared and collected at Agassiz; we therefore may 
possibly have an epidemic next year, as was the case in 1900 and 1905. 
Tomatoes were the chief crop affected, and the climbing habit of this 
species was demonstrated on this host, the fruits being eaten right to 
the top of the plant. 

Some damage to mangolds and beets was reported from Lulu Island 
in June from cutworms, but the species was not ascertained: 


Slugs Although not insects technically, entomologists are usually 
consulted regarding these troublesome mollusks, which this year were 
unusually abundant in the Fraser Valley. The usual remedies were appar- 
ently insufficient to check them, and much damage was done, especially 
to young corn, which in some instances had to be replanted. 

Liming on three consecutive nights is, I am told, a certain remedy. 
Bordeaux mixture is also strongly recommended by workers in Oregon 
as being highly distasteful to slugs. 


Flea Beetles—Cabbage, turnips, hops and potatoes all suffered this 
year from these pests, which are not easy to control during the summer. 
The hop yards rely chiefly on clearing up the hibernating places as a 
control measure. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1923 169 


SHADE TREE INSECTS 


Antique Tussock Moth (Notolophus badia).—The moths were quite 
abundant in Vancouver this fall. No damage, however, was noticed this 
summer from the feeding larvae, although I frequently came across them 
on poplars when on Satin moth studies. Mr. Bush recorded an epidemic 
in 1911. 


Tent Caterpillars (Malacosoma disstria erosa Hbn and M. pluvialis 
Dyar).—These two species reached their maximum last year, and this 
year a slight decline was noticed; parasites, both egg and larval, being 
frequently noted. Wilt diseases, however, so common in the two previous 
years, were not noted this summer. These insects are again appearing 
at points up the Fraser Valley, where for several years they have been 
absent. 


Fall Web-Worm (Hyphantria cunea Dru).—Again abundant all over 
the Valley. Hymenopterous parasites were frequently noted in the webs. 


Satin Moth (Stilpnotia salicis L).—This insect, first located in the 
Province at Westminster in July, 1920, by officers of the Dominion Ento- 
mological Branch, has to be included in our list of shade tree depredators,. 
Of European origin, introduced probably at least five years ago, this 
prolific insect was very conspicuous this summer in Vancouver and West- 
minster, and made a sorry mess of the poplars in these two towns. 

Although little was known regarding its economie importance in its 
native habitat, its close relationship to the Gipsy and Brown Tail moths, 
Liparids like itself, smeled it out for immediate attention by the Ento- 
mological Branch, and last year hopes were entertained and endeavours 
made to stamp out the outbreak in Westminster. Its discovery, however, 
in an area of larger extent in Vancouver, and also at Cowichan Bay on 
Vancouver Island, and at Maillardville near Westminster, showed the 
futility of entertaining these hopes with the funds likely to be available. 
We will, therefore, most probably have a permanent addition to our 
lepidopterous fauna, whether of great importance or not it is not possible 
to say at the present time. 

It has so far been found chiefly on the Lombardy, White, and Black 
poplars in British Columbia, all introduced species, though also found 
sparingly on the native cottonwood, Populus trichocarpa; should it event- 
ually accept this tree as readily as the introduced kinds which are its food 
plants in Europe, it would become a serious pest. As it is, it has caused 
considerable damage and annoyance, and has now spread over the whole 
area of Greater Vancouver wherever poplars have been planted. 


Fruit INsects 


Previous reports recorded the following insects in varying degrees of 
destructiveness. These were noted as present this year, but in no cases 
were they serious: 


170 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


The bud moth (Tmetocera ocellana, D. & 8.) 

The cherry and pear slug (Caliroa cerasi, L.) 

The cigar case bearer (Coleophora fietcherella, Fernald). 

The lesser apple worm (Enarmonia prunivora, Walsh). 

The apple leaf hopper (Empoasca mali, Le Baron). 

The oyster shell scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi, L.) 

The pear leaf blister mite (Eriophyes pyri Pgst). 

The apple dock sawfly or dock false worm (Ametastegia glabrata 
Fallen), mentioned as possibly present in the Valley in 1914 by Mr. 
Treherne, has now been found at Agassiz. 


Smauu Frurr INsects 

Strawberry Root Weevils (Brachyrhinus ovatus and sulcatus ).—These 
caused much damage all over the small fruit areas. Several cases were 
reported of the second annual crop being a failure and the plantations 
being plowed up. A new species for British Columbia, B. rugifrons, was 
reared at Agassiz from larval material collected at Mission. From its 
apparent abundance, this pest, recognized in Washington and Oregon 
as of greater importance than ovatus or sulcatus, is possibly supplanting 
these species in the Lower Fraser Valley plantations. It was entirely 
absent in 1913, we may presume, as it is not reported by Mr. Treherne, 
who made exhaustive experiments on strawberry root weevils in the 
Mission district in 1912 and 1913. 


The Currant Fruit Fly (Epochra canadensis Loew).—As usual, very 
troublesome in the Valley, spoiling much fruit. Some growers report 
beine without it since the hard winter of 1915-1916. 


The Gooseberry Sawfly (Gymnonychus appendiculatus Hartig).— 
More than usually abundant, and some cases of total stripping were seen. 
Much parasitized in the later generations. 


The Tarnished Plant Bug (Lygus pratensis L.)—Common but not in 
epidemic numbers. 


Hewitt’s Leaf Roller (Cacoecia hewittana Busck).—Somewhat trouble- 
some this year, especially on currants. 


Imported Currant Borer (Synanthedon tipuliformis L.)—This insect 
is becoming more troublesome and is often the cause of sickly looking 
bushes. From its hidden manner of working it often escapes observation. 


The Loganberry Crown Borer  (Bembecia marginata, Harris ).—This 
insect works freely on blackberry, raspberry and the wild thimble berry 
(Rubus parviflorus), but in no case does it cause so much trouble as on 
ithe loganberry, where it is a serious pest and one difficult to control. 

The Raspberry Cane Maggot (Phorbia rubivora, Coquillet).—This 
insect is frequently seen in the raspberry plantations but not in serious 
quantity. Both this insect and the previous one, should they become more 


PROCEEDINGS, 1923 171 


numerous, would be a serious trouble to the small fruit grower and 
would present a difficult problem to the economic entomologist in their 
control. That this is more than a’ mere possibility is to be apprehended 
from the faet that they were only listed as suspects by Mr. Treherne in 
1914, whereas they are now generally distributed and frequent. Their 
continued increase would give rise to the situation just mentioned. 


Rose Scale (Aulacaspis rosae, Bouche).—This was met with occasion- 
ally on all cane fruits and roses, but chiefly on blackberries. It may be 
controlled by a lye wash in winter and by eutting out the badly affected 
eanes. Only where neglected is any damage done. 


Elm-Currant Aphis (Schizoneura ulmi L.)—This interesting species 
was collected at Chilliwack in the fall of 1920 by Mr. W. TL. Robertson, 
Provincial Horticulturist. It is a double host aphid of European origin, 
alternating between the Enelish elm (Ulmus campestris) and currants 
or gooseberries, but this is the first record of its occurrence on the cur- 
rant in America. 

Dr. Edith Pateh, in Maine, and Mr. W. A. Ross, in Ontario, have 
found it rarely on elm. 

In England it has been noted doing damage to young currant bushes 
in the nursery row, where it forms colonies on the roots after the style 
of the woolly aphis of the apple in its subterranean forms. 

Beside the Chilliwack outbreak, bushes located at Agassiz were found 
to be infested, and I made this year some preliminary observations on 
its life history. 

My first note is the finding of the stem mother with a numerous pro- 
geny in a typical leaf curl on English elms on the Experimental Farm 
at Agassiz. American elms are not touched by this species; the leaf curls 
on this latter tree being caused by ‘‘lanigera’’ or ‘‘americana.’’ The lice 
in these leaf curls produced winged migrants and were empty by June 
20th, when on July the 5th, I found the commencement of the summer 
eyele on the black currant roots on the farm. These were situated at 
varying distances of from 50 to 200 yards from the elms. These apterous 
generations continued to increase and spread over the whole root system 
of the currants until September, when the winged form again appeared 
and returned to the elm for egg laying. This is an insect that will have 
to be watched, especially in its effeet on nursery stoek. In its present 
abundance it probably does but little damage to established plantations, 
but, should it increase, the problem of its control would be as difficult as 
that of the somewhat similar grape phylloxera, with the added difficulty 
that the returns from its small-fruit hosts do not admit of an expensive 
method of control being applied. 

Experiments with soil insecticides carried on at Agassiz this year 
were not successful. Nicotine sulphate was the most promising, but 
failed to penetrate to the depths at which the lice were found. 


172 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


When digging the young stoek in the fall for distribution, the lice 
may be cleansed from the roots by dipping in nicotine sulphate without 
injurious effects. c 

Aphids in general were kept well in check this year by natural con- 
trol, and many species of regular economic importance were a negligible 
quantity, as far as my observations went. The apple-grain aphis was 
in very small quantity on either host and was heavily parasitized all 
summer by a small hymenopteron. Coccinellids and Syrphids were abun- 
dant this year and kept all species in check effectually. 


Amongst insects of general importance, several species of sawfly, 
especially on roses, were more than usually abundant, whilst the opposite 
extreme was attained by the Red-legged locust (Melanoplus femur- 
rubrum), whose numbers were very small after a period of abundance 
for three years. It would be interesting and useful to know the exact 
causes of these fluctuations. 


THE RELATION OF BOTANY TO ENTOMOLOGY 
By W. B. ANDERSON, VICTORIA. 


In offering you these few remarks, I do not purpose going deeply 
into my subject, nor have I made this paper too long. It is, in a way, 
a filler-up, as so many of our older members seem to have given up the 
writing of papers for these meetings, for the entertainment or the instruc- 
tion of sueh of us as have had less time or fewer opportunities for syste- 
matie collecting. This is much to be deplored, for to the existence of this 
Society we are indebted to the zealous efforts of the older Provincial 
Systematists, and it is to be hoped that another year will see more of our 
old friends, and again hear from them of some of their delightful and 
entertaining experiences. 


I have taken for title, ‘‘The Relation of Botany to Entomology,”’ 
and propose to show, in so far as I am able, the value of a knowledge of 
Botany to the collector. 


Among Eeonomists, this is being demonstrated every day, in most 
rases quite unwittingly. As, for example, a seareher for the Codling Moth 
goes through apple orchards; for the Leaf Slug, among the cherries and 
pears. For the Vine Weevil among grapes, strawberries and primulas. 
So with other pests which harry the soul of the orchardist or the farmer. 
or gardener. But everyone knows the trees and plants just named, and 
the average Economist, were he to find any one of the pests enumerated 
on any other host plant but those he has been accustomed to associate 
with the particular inseet, will be quite at sea, and unable to name the 
plant without collecting specimens and submitting them to someone of 
Botanical knowledge. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1923 173 


But when I say that, to be a really successful Entomologist, one 
should have a knowledge of Botany, I do not wish to give the impression 
that one must be a finished, scientifie Botanist, for in Canada to-day 
these are nearly as rare as the Great Auk—, but merely that one should 
be so up in the rudiments of the science that he will be able to recognize, 
at least, members of the principal orders and their following genera. To 
the systematic collector this knowledge is particularly valuable, especi- 
ally where the taking of the rarer species is concerned. Taking a certain 
section of our much varied Province, should one be keen on capturing 
certain species of Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera or Coleoptera 
known to frequent the particular region one may be in, and one’s time 
being limited, one loses no time, but searches primarily for a spot where 
erows the plant one knows to be attractive to the particular insect sought. 
Conditions of flowering, ete., being right, one is then fairly certain of a 
catch off the shrub or herb. To give a few examples: 


The uncommon Geometer, Marmopteryx marmorata, may be taken 
only on the shrub called ‘‘False Grease Wood’ or ‘‘ Antelope Bush,”’ 
Kunzia tridentata. It is simply waste of time looking for the insect else- 
where than on this shrub, or close to where it grows, and, should a stray 
specimen be taken on other vegetation, it is a surprise, while on its own 
particular shrub large numbers may be found in season. 


Platea trilinearia, another rare and beautiful Geometer, is never 
found except on the ‘‘Sage Bush,’’? Artemisia tridentata. Several of 
the rarer Blues seem to affeet the mountain Lupines. The ‘‘ Milkweed 
Butterfly’? Danais plexippus, and its imitation, Basilarchia archippus 
must be looked for among the Milkweeds, Asclepias. Some years 
ago the country about Lillooet and other semi-dry belt areas were over- 
whelmed with what is ordinarily a rare Butterfly in the Province, Aglais 
californica. Apparently no damage was done to crops or other vegeta- 
tion on the lower levels, but far up the mountain sides great areas of 
Ceanothus sanguineus, a white flowered shrub of the higher altitudes, 
were completely denuded of folage by the larvae. After emergence, the 
insects seemed to drift gradually to the lower levels, where they finally 
numbered thousands. The following year this insect was conspicuous 
by its rarity. 


Among the other orders this partiality to certain plants is perhaps 
stronger. Certain Coleoptera may be found only on ‘‘False Milkweed,’’ 
Apocynum sps, others on certain of the Umbelliferae, others again on 
Composites, while many others feed entirely on certain Agaries and other 
Fungi. Gums of certain plants are highly attractive to many insects, 
these exudations being a sort of natural ‘‘sugaring,’’ so largely practised 
by Old World collectors. Some of these natural sugars are evidently of 
more than prohibition strength, as many insects taken thus are quite 
incapable of action. 


With these few remarks I shall close this paper. While possessing 


(74 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


a very limited knowledge of Botany myself, I have found that little of 
immense value in my collecting trips, and have often been puzzled by an 
attempted description of some plant on which other collectors have per- 
chance taken rare specimens. Hence I have ventured to bring to the 
notice of this Society the value of some Botanical knowledge, so that 
we may remind ourselves that (excuse the paraphrase) ‘‘it is never too 
late to learn.’’ 


EFFECT OF FUMIGATION ON CERTAIN INSECTS 
By W. H. Lyne, VANCOUVER, B. C. 


The danger of nursery stock carrying objectionable insects from one 
country to another might be entirely overcome if the stock could survive 
the treatment necessary to destroy the insects. 

Fortunately the San Jose Scale (Aspidiotus perniciosus), is one of 
the species of insects hydrocyanic acid gas will kill without injury to the 
trees or shrubs exposed to the fumes. Provided, of course, the correct 
fermula and exposure are used. This, of course, has reference to the 
ordinary appleation of the gas not apphed under vacuum pressure. 

It is, of course, understood that the San Jose Seale, being ovovivi- 
parous, there are no eggs to contend with, simply the old or young insects, 
both of which are affected by the gas and so the extermination is com- 
plete; unless a very unique instance with which I happen to be familar 
may be taken as an exception. On one occasion, after fumigatine some 
apple trees infested with San Jose Scale, I examined a well developed 
female specimen with my hand lens and noticed a newly born specimen 
almost attached to the old one. Within half an hour an examination 
was made under the microscope and we were very much surprised to 
discover three newly born specimens all alive. The old female was appar- 
ently dead, but the young ones lived for several hours. There were 
several other specimens on the same tree, but dll were dead after exposure 
to the gas. 

Other species of Aspidiotus scale insects giving birth to living young 
include ostreaeformis and hederae, on which the hydroeyanie acid gas 
should be just as effective as with Aspidiotus perniciosus. 


Eaa-Propucina ScALE INSECTS 

Aspidiotus aneylus and forbesi, Diaspis, Chionaspis, Mytilaspis and 
Lecanium, from which the young hatch from eggs deposited by the female, 
present another problem. The mother scale may be killed by the gas, 
but the eggs are liable to survive its effect. 

Under the cireumstanees the only recourse is that of dipping the stock 
in a caustic solution, such as hme sulphur, whale oil, soap and nicotine 
or distillate oil emulsion, The hardy nature of the stock would suggest 
the best formula to use. 


cr 


PROCEEDINGS, 1923 1 


Were we to expose the stock to a cyanide or carbon bisulphide gas 
sufficient to kill all ege infestation, it would probably result in fatal 
injury to the stock as well as the egg. 

The amount of injury to the stock would likely be according to the 
amount of moisture it contained. 

Other interesting experiences we have had in connection with the 
fumigation of nursery stoek has been with such insects as Browntail Moth 
larvae, Gipsy Moth egg clusters, Black, Woolly, Green and other aphis, 
Red Spider, Phylloxera, Narcissus Fly, ete. Also several species of root 
and stem borers. 

That with Browntail Moth larvae, subjected to the usual formula 
of Hydroecyanie gas, resulted as follows: 

Where the larvae remained undisturbed within their closely woven 
nest of silk web, the gas apparently had very little or no effect. In nests 
that were torn open, before exposure to the gas, some of the larvae 
appeared to be dead and others more or less seriously affected; they all 
appeared to be dead within about forty-eight hours. 


Gipsy Mori 
In spite of fumigation, a cluster of Gipsy Moth eggs from France 
hatched out to a fine, robust colony of young larvae. They were not 
turned loose, however. 


APHIS 
Many of the adults of the different species of Aphis were killed by 
the gas, but the eges survived. The adults of the Woolly Aphis (Eriosoma 
lanigera), appeared to be the most resistant, and we have often been in 
doubt as to many of them ultimately surviving. 


Rep SPIDER 
The adults of the red spider evidently were all killed, but the young 
spiders commenced hatching from the batches of eges when exposed to 
the warm rays of the sun shortly after coming out of the fumigation 
chamber. 
PHYLLOXERA 
Adults of the grape phylloxera (vastatrix), did not survive the 
eyanide fumes, but there was always a possibility of eges being over- 
looked. For that reason any vines showing the phylloxera galls on the 
roots were discarded and burned, or returned to the shipper. 


Preacu Roor Borer 
It would require a much stronger formula of hydroeyanie acid gas 
than is used for ordinary fumigation of nursery stock to kill the peach 
root borer (Sanninoidea exitiosa), although many of the larvae extracted 
from their borings in the roots of peach, apricot. plum and cherry trees, 
appear sometimes to be seriously affected by the gas. On some occasions 


176 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


they appear to be dead, but usually survive. This may perhaps be owing 
to some of the larvae being more securely embedded in the roots or crown 
of the tree than others, or some variation in the temperature and humid- 
ity within the fumigating chamber. Although 65° to 70° Fah. is the tem- 
perature usually maintained within the fumigating chamber, the humid- 
ity may vary owing to outside atmospheric conditions. 


BLACKBERRY Root BorER 

The blackberry and raspberry root borer (Bembecia marginata), is 
about as immune to the ordinary fumigating process as the peach root 
borer, and, to insure against distributing either of these pests, all the 
trees, bushes, vines and canes are thoroughly imspected. Any sign of 
the castings or borines of the insects condemns the tree, ete., to the 
bonfire. 

Vacuum FuMIGATION 

I have referred to the foregoing treatment of insects as applying to 
the ordinary fumigating process for the following reason: 

We have great expectations regarding the vacuum process, by which 
we hope to get better results as regards the destruction of certain insect 
pests without injury to the stock or products they infest. 

Vacuum fumigation is not entirely new in connection with the treat- 
ment of certain products, such as cotton, ete., but there are still a few 
problems that require working out to perfection regarding the treatment 
of certain nursery stock. 

Mr. D. B. Mackie, of the California State Department of Agriculture, 
has already done excellent work solving the problems referred to. I 
could not do justice-to his work were I to try and explain in detail all 
that he has accomplished. But we may look forward to a greatly improvy- 
ed method of nursery stock fumigation in the near future. 


THE PEACH TWIG BORER, (Anarsia lineatella) 
IN BRITISH COLUMBIA 


By R. C. TrREHERNE, ENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH, OTTAWA. 


In the years just preceding 1915 the peach growing industry of 
southern British Columbia was somewhat depressed. Prices had not been 
eood and much disheartenment was in evidence. In 1915 the price for No. 
1 wrapped peaches varied between 45 cents and 75 cents per 20 pounds. 
In 1916 the price varied between 60 cents and $1.00. In 1917 the peach 
industry showed signs of revival, the prices being received in this year 
varying from 75 cents to $1.25 to the grower. Much concern, however, 
was shown over the depredations of the Peach Twig Borer or Peach Worm, 
an insect which had been allowed to increase to such proportions in the 


~ 
ar 


PROCEEDINGS, 1923 | 


years previous to 1917 that, in that year, fully 50% of the fruit in the 
orchards was unmarketable, while a heavy loss was apparent with the 
fruit taken to the packing houses. Peaches, apricots, prunes and cherries 
were being attacked throughout the Okanagan Valley. 

During the winter of 1917-1918 energetic steps were taken at the 
request of the growers by the Provincial Horticultural Department to 
institute repressive measures against this insect. A campaign of spray- 
ing was inaugurated in the spring of 1918, the measures taken being 
adapted from recommendations made by the States of Washington and 
California against this inseet. During the course of the eampaign of 1918 
studies were begun by the writer, as an officer of the Dominion Entomo- 
logical Braneh, at Summerland, Penticton and Kaleden, and efforts were 
made to harmonize the developing life history of the msect with the 
spraying campaign then in progress. Similar studies were maintained 
during 1919. A short cireular on this inseet, its life history and control, 
was prepared by the writer and issued and circulated by the Provincial 
Department of Agriculture. This circular covered the essential features 
of practical value to the grower. So far as Lam aware no effort has been 
made to present to entomologists the substance from which this circular 
was written. With this end in view, the following record is presented : 


Over-WINTERING Habits 

The adult of this insect is a minute moth which may be found on 
the wing in the orchards in considerable numbers during May and June 
and again in August and September. In a normal year two generations 
oceur, the autumn brood of moths being present from early August until 
late September, ovipositing freely on the twigs. The eggs hatch, giving 
rise to larvae which over-winter. So far as our records go, the winter 
is only passed in this larval stage. Commencing in August and passing 
through September into October, these larvae, which are of an average 
leneth of 2.5 mm., after feeding to a slight extent on leaves, twigs and 
fruit, form hibernacula. This hibernaculum is a minute gallery made 
in the wood of the tree by the larvae. It is lined on the inside with silk 
and a minute column of frass is thrown up on the outside. These columns 
of frass are very distinctive and are readily seen, particularly when the 
castings are fresh. They oceur in the crotches of 1, 2, 3 and 4-year-old 
wood of young orchards. When larvae are particularly numerous and in 
older orchards, these hibernacula are found, as well, in 5- and 6-year-old 
wood, on the underside of boughs as well as in the crotehes. Entrance 
to the wood is frequently made through the stomata and in the softer 
cambium growth surrounding pruning sears. As a result of an examina- 
tion of several hundred hibernacula during 1918 and 1919, in commercial 
peach and apricot orchards, by far the greatest number of larvae were 
found in the crotches of 1- and 2-year-old wood, usually on the upper 
sides and not underneath. 


While the larvae enter their hibernacula in the autumn, 2 mm. to 


178 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


3 mm. in leneth, they feed to some extent and undergo at least one moult 
before they emerge to continue their development. Signs of activity in 
the spring are evidenced by the production of fresh frass and by an 
enlargement of the gallery. These larvae may become 5.5 mm. in leneth 
before they emerge, although the average length is not more than 3 mm. 
in the spring. 

There is a certain natural mortality of the larvae during winter. 
An exact record taken in unsprayed orchards in April, 1919, at Penticton, 
following the winter of 1918, showed that 31.5% of the larvae had died; 
66.4% out of the 125 galleries examined in April, 1919, contained live 
larvae, while 2.1% contained dipterous larval parasites. 


Spring Larva Hasirts 

The over-wintering larvae, in the early spring, leave their burrows 
and move to the buds and blossoms. This migration commenced in 1918, 
on April 10th, at the time when the apricot and peach blossom buds were 
well swollen, and on April 21st, 1919, when apricots were nearly in full 
bloom and peaches were in the ‘‘pink.’? This migration, once started, 
was rapid. It was at its height on April 16th, in 1918, and on April 27th, 
in 1919; in the former year when apricots were in full bloom and in the 
latter year when the apricot petals were commencing to fall and peaches 
were in full bloom. Larvae were actually found infesting the buds of 
peaches on April 16th, in 1918, and on April 25th, in 1919. There is, 
however, as has already been pointed out, certain larval aetivity within 
the burrows previous to emergence. In 1919 this activity was apparent 
in the presence of fresh frass at the entrance of the burrows on April 9th, 
fully two weeks before any migration took place from the burrows. <A 
period of cold, backward weather in the spring of 1919 checked the 
development which might have followed rapidly after the first appear- 
ance of activity. 

Following the migration of the larvae from their over-wintering 
burrows, much feeding takes place at various points on the tree; buds 
and twig growth are fed on and mined, blossoms and young fruit are 
bored into and destroyed. At first there seems to be an inclination for 
the larvae to move freely over the tree, feeding here and there before 
settling in one fruit or twig. This is an important point which has its 
bearing on the value of arsenical sprays. This larval activity of the first 
generation continued until the middle of June, at which time practically 
all had pupated. In 1918, full grown larvae, measuring 12-15 mm. in 
leneth were found preparing to pupate on May 10th; in 1919 the first 
pupae were found on May 28th, though they commenced their prepara- 
tion on May 28rd. 

From these habits it may be seen that twig, leaf and fruit develop- 
ment are all attacked by the larvae in the spring and that there is a 
certain movement of the larvae over the tree, although they seldom move 
off the original twig on which they passed the winter. On the records 


PROCEEDINGS, 1923 179 


from the examination of a great many larvae during May, it was found 
that 83% of the larvae attacked twigs and 17% attacked fruit. 


The injury to peach twig growth was more apparent than that on 
apricots. There was a slight wilting of the leaves in the initial attack, 
resembling the eurl caused by aphids, followed by a distinctive withering 
and a darkening of the green color of the foliage, which becomes discern- 
ible by experience. With apricots the twigs grow faster and stronger 
than peaches and the wilting is offset, thus making determination of 
infestation difficult. 


During June, twigs attacked in May recover and new growth forms 
to replace the wilted portions. Often a small cluster of dead leaves will 
be seen, particularly in apricots, with the new twig growth continuing 
without interruption. Sometimes where marked injury has been caused 
and the terminal bud destroyed, growth starts at other points on the 
stem. In a severe attack ‘‘twiggy’’ formation is a characteristic sign of 
previous infestation. 


PUPATION OF F'trst GENERATION 


Full grown larvae measuring 12 to 15 mm. in leneth were found on 
May 10th, 1919, preparing to pupate. A few days later pupae were 
formed. These were located, for the most part, in cracks and crevices 
of the bark in the main trunks and larger limbs. Beneath flakes of loose 
bark, within the characteristie curls of bark tissue and in the longitudinal 
eracks in the main trunk, were common locations, particularly on apricots. 
By the end of May it was almost impossible to find any larvae in the 
fruit or twigs, those found being full-grown, but pupae were plentiful. 
A few full-grown larvae were observed within the fruit of apricots on 
May 17th, but in general almost the entire generation were in the pupal 
stage by June Ist. In 1919 the first pupae observed were those bred 
under insectary conditions from larvae 3 to 4 mm. in length taken on 
May 2nd. These commenced to pupate on May 28th.- Under field condi- 
tions in this year full-grown larvae were observed in the orchards on 
June 6th, but all had disappeared and had formed pupae on June 16th. 
The length of life of individual larvae varied from 38 days to 57 from 
the spring emergence from hibernacula, and the pupal period in each 
year lasted 14 days to 3 weeks. 


EMERGENCE OF MipsSUMMER Motus 


In 1918, the last week of May saw the first appearance of adults. 
Moths at Kaleden were seen on apricots on May 29th, and in the first 
two weeks of June they were common in the orchards at Penticton, and 
some were seen in the first week of July. In 1919 moths were observed 
on June 16th and remained common for a full month. 


Eges were seen, on occasion, shortly after the appearance of adults 
in each year, on new twig growth. Difficulties in rearing moths in cap- 


180 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


tivity prevented the taking of more ample notes on the places chosen for 
oviposition, and the size of the egg precluded extended obsravtions in 
the field. 


APPEARANCE OF SECOND GENERATION LARVAE 


In 1918 the first small larvae of the second generation were observed 
first, at Kaleden, on apricots on June 19th. The terminal leaf cluster was 
attacked much in the same way as the earlier spring damage was accom- 
plished. In this same orchard larvae 4 mm. long were taken on June 27th. 
They had burrowed down two inches into the central pith of the stem 
and had caused the terminal growth to wilt. Other larvae, entering the 
stems at leaf axils, burrowed in, but frequently withdrew to attack the 
tips of the growing twigs, where surface tissue is fed on to some extent 
before entering and burrowime down the central pith, where they were 
commonly found. On July 10th, larvae > mm. in leneth were found, and 
on July 16th some 10 mm. Jong. In August larvae in ail stages of growth, 
from 8 mm. to 12 mm., were common. Fruit was attacked much in the 
same way as formerly noticed, the larvae frequently gaining entrance 
near the stalk. Clustered peaches were often found attacked. Fruit thus 
entered would be completely hollowed out, showing a large eavity within 
and a minute entrance hole. The attack on mature fruit is probably 
the only really serious form of injury caused, as it renders it un- 
marketable. 


In 1919 all larvae seen between June 6th and 16th were full erown. 
There was then a lapse of fully five weeks, in which period it was prac- 
tically impossible to find any larvae of any kind and none at all on the 
particular trees which were under continuous and careful surveillance. 
On July 14 minute larvae 3 to 5 mm. in length were common. Hence 
field data supports our laboratory rearing that the larvae found during 
July and August arose from moths which had developed from. over- 
wintering larvae. On August 30th, in 1919, nearly all the larvae found 
in the orchards were full grown. During the first two weeks of Septem- 
ber, minute larvae were again apparent, which, from our laboratory 
rearing notes, were the progeny from the autumn generation of moths. 
These small larvae formed hibernacula. The field notes of injury show 
no material variation in habits to that already evidenced by the spring 
larvae. It was noticed, however, that the percentage of larval injury 
to fruit was greater than the injury to twigs. 


SECOND GENERATION AND MotH EMERGENCE 


Collections of larvae taken between August Ist, and 27th, 1918, 
varied in size from 38 mm. to 10 mm. These were bred through under 
normal insectary conditions, using a small cage over a young peach tree. 
Pupation followed, and moth emergence took place between August 19th 
and October Ist. The height of the flight season occurred in the middle 
of August. The length of the pupal period agai lasted about 14 days, 


PROCEEDINGS, 1923 181 


and 75% of the pupal cases were formed on the main trunk and ecrotches 
two feet from the soil surface. An unusual record was obtained from a 
pupa formed on July 13th, from a larva which had possibly been starved, 
and which formed its moth on July 21st. 


In 1919 second generation larvae formed pupae on July 23rd, and 
moths emerged on August 4th. On Aueust 5th, field observations showed 
25% pupation; on August 19th 75%. Full-grown larvae were taken on 
September 4th. Moths were commonly observed in the orchards on 
August 19th and throughout the month. Laboratory material yielded 
moths until the close of September. 


The second oviposition period of the year followed shortly after 
the appearance of moths, and eggs, although only seen at various times, 
must have been freely laid in both years, from the middle of August 
until October. 


The larvae arising from these eves enter the bark, form hibernacula 
and pass the winter with an average length of 2.5 mm., although some 
may be 4mm. and a few as much as 5 mm. in length. 


These young larvae undoubtedly feed to some extent before entering 
winter quarters, as they may be quite commonly seen feeding on mature 
peach fruit or on leaves during the latter part of August and in Sep- 
tember. Hibernacula were formed and inhabited on August 20th and 
at all periods between this and autumn. 


There is no doubt that two generations occur in a year, although 
it is true, in certain seasons, the second generation may not be quite 
complete. 


THE CONTROL BY SPRAYING 


The matter of control by lime sulphur and lead arsenate applications 
before and after blossoming have been laid down already in the cireular 
previously mentioned. The following notes are supplementary to the 
cireular : 


On April 10th, 1918, at Kaleden, when the apricot buds were well 
swollen and purple, ime sulphur (1-9) spraying was in full operation. 
Triplex power machines with 


“ec 


eun’’ nozzles were employed, and certain 
sections of an orchard were personally thoroughly sprayed at 200 Ibs. 
pressure, with particular spray direction into the crotches of the finer 
twigs, the work being done from the machine and not from the ground. 
On April 16th, and on succeeding days, it was found that a larger per- 
centage of larvae survived than was expected. Some larvae were unques- 
tionably destroyed in their burrows, for between April 10th and 16th 
the majority of the larvae in 1918 were still in winter quarters, though 
signs of activity were noticed in the presence of fresh frass and some 
larvae had migrated to the buds. Other larvae freshly destroyed were 
found in the terminal buds, indicating either that the solution penetrated 


182 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


these burrows or that the lime sulphur had acted as a slow stomach 
poison following larval feeding on surface.tissue. In the laboratory the 
value of lime sulphur as a stomach insecticide gave both positive and 
negative results. The caustic action would appear to be the main con- 
trolling factor, but it was not as great as anticipated, judging from the 
number of live larvae found a week after the applications in hibernacula 
and in buds. <A careful record made in sprayed and unsprayed plots 
showed that no more than a 50% degree of ¢ontrol had been effected; a 
ratio from 8.1 to 3.8. 


On May 9th, at Kaleden, when 60%-70% of the apricot husks had 
fallen and the fruit was three-quarters of an inch long, when the larvae” 
were half to full-grown, an application of 2 gallons of concentrated lime 
sulphur to 100 gallons of water, to which was added 21% lbs. of lead 
arsenate paste, the results proved that many larvae died from arsenical 
poisoning. Here, again, only 50% efficiency was apparent; a ratio being 
obtained of 7.2 to 4.5. 


Owing to the extensive spraying campaign that was conducted in 
1918, an opportunity offered itself to check the general results over a 
large acreage of peaches and apricots. The notes taken presented them- 
selves without comparison to control blocks, hence are only judged on 
their relative commercial value, supported by observations of larvae in 
situ. 


It was felt that both sprays individually applied did not accomplish 
more than 50% results, though the results obtained. supported by the 
natural larval mortality during winter and a certain natural loss in the 
pupae during May, were commercial and pronounced satisfactory. Those 
erowers with extra zeal who applied two sprays, one before and the 
other after blossoming, obtained practically 100% results, for theirs 
orehards hardly yielded any worms at time of picking. This proved the 
desirability of making two sprays in heavy infestation, the practicability 
of rendering an orchard commercially clean in a single season, and lastly 
that moths do not move on the wing from one orchard to another to any 
appreciable extent. 


In 1919, further notes on spraying were obtained. It was shown 
that a power machine, with a 200-gallon tank, actually carrying about 


ce 


150 gallons, with a pressure of 250 Ibs., using a ‘‘g@un,’’ one man and a 
driver, would spray two acres of 9-year-old apricots in bud to a filling. 
The trees were planted 170 to the acre, and about 15 trees were sprayed 


in 15 minutes. 


A Pontiae machine, a favored lower powered machine, used for hill- 
side work, carrying a 120 Imperial gallon tank, handled 5 acres of 
apricots a day during April. Two nozzle men and a driver were required, 
and 150-175 lbs. pressure was employed. Both machines did excellent 
work, the coating of lime sulphur being thorough. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1923 183 


Here, again, as in 1918, the hibernacula were not always penetrated. 
Some crotehes containing hibernacula, encrusted with a heavy deposit 
of lime sulphur in the April spraying, yielded healthy larvae a week 
after application, but, on the whole, results were satisfactory. In this 
year, lead arsenate applications applied as soon after blossoming as 
possible gave better results than the lime sulphur sprays apphed just 
before blossoming. 

In consideration of the whole matter of spraying, growers have the 
choice of lime sulphur or lead arsenate, used separately or in association 
in two sprays, one just before and the other just after blossoming. Ina 
heavy degree of attack, both applications may be made. The hme sul- 
phur application has a shght preference over the later lead arsenate 
sprays owing to its possible effect against the fungous disease, ‘‘leat 
eurl.’’ The spray for ‘‘leaf eurl’’ is an early lime sulphur spray apphed 
even before the buds break. A grower with a leht attack of fungous 
and peach worm has the opportunity of economizing by combining this 
peach leaf curl spray with the spray for the peach worm. 


FOREST ENTOMOLOGY 
By RaupH Horpina. 


If I were to ask you what was the most important crop of British 
Columbia, many of you would probably answer ‘‘apples’’ or ‘‘straw- 
berries,’’ for instance. The forests, however, produce the most valuable 
crop and turn in the most revenue to the Provineial Government. I under- 
stand the revenue is greater than all the other industries combined. 

Although the Government is doing a great deal at the present time 
to preserve the forests, we are not properly or adequately taking care 
of this, the most valuable crop in the province; principally because the 
public does not realize that it is so valuable or so necessary, and we must 
have the support of the public when public money is expended. 

The forests of B. C. have been subject to great losses from year to 
year, through two chief agencies: FIRE and DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS. 
Fire is the more spectacular, but the depredations of insects are at present 
of much greater importance in the open stands of yellow pine in the dry 
southern interior of the province. During the past eight years the loss 
from insects in and around Princeton and Merritt has amounted to over 
200 million feet of lumber, worth at least 6 million dollars to the province. 

The fires are being taken care of more and more effectively as the 
years go on by the protective force of the Forest Branch. Through close 
co-operation with this same Forest Branch, we are gradually beginning 
to take care of the insect depredations. This work, however, is a special- 
ized department, as the insects attacking trees are of many species, each 
species of tree often having its own special group of insects. 


184 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


The technique of the control measures employed to combat these 
depredations or epidemic infestations, as they are called, is supervised 
by a forest entomologist employed by the Entomological Branch of the 
Department of Agriculture. 

The duties of a forest entomologist are many and varied. He must 
not only be able to tell in the field just what is killing a forest tree, and 
maintain as complete a collection as possible of all forest insects for 
identification purposes, but he must be able to recommend methods of 
control and to apply them in the field. In order to identify many of the 
tree killers in the bush, he must also be familiar with the different designs 
of the ege galleries. 

Most of the insects killme forest trees are beetles. As many of the 
insects of all groups are injurious to the interests of mankind, we have 
little hesitation in killing them, nevertheless the methods employed are 
as painless as possible, in spite of the fact that many scientists insist 
that they have no sense of pain. I remember my daughter bringing a 
small boy just five years old into my study one time, where she showed 
him some of the brilliantly colored specimens and the boxes of beetles, 
both large and small. He was a very grave little fellow and looked at 
them without comment for some time. Finally he said, ‘‘Did you Jall 
all of them?’’ ‘‘No,’’ I replied, ‘‘but I killed a great many of them.’’ 
I was astonished to hear him ask, “‘Oh, I suppose their souls are all in 
Heaven?’’ I do not remember what my reply was, but it probably was 
not satisfactory to myself or the child. 

There is considerable loss due to the attacks of various bark-beetles 
in nearly all our British Columbia conifierous trees. For instance, bark- 
beetles kill each year many western white pines, (Pinus monticola), 
and in some districts in the province have become epidemic and have 
killed the greater part of the white pine timber. Douglas fir (Pseudot- 
suga taxifolia) is subject to attack by the Douglas fir bark-beetle, and 
at least two such epidemic areas are now known to exist. Stands of 
true fir or balsam (Abies) are dying here and there from bark-beetle 
attacks. By far the greatest losses, however, occur in lodgepole (Pinus 
contorta) and yellow pine (Pinus ponderosa) and are mostly confined 
to the southern part of the interior. 

The largest outbreak in lodgepole pine is in the Yahk distriet in 
the south-eastern part of the province, but various epidemic areas of 
ereater or less magnitude oceur between Penticton and Nelson and be- 
tween Penticton and Princeton, and east of Okanagan Lake. ; 


The losses in yellow pine have been much the most serious. owing 
not only to the greater commercial importance of this pine, but also to 
the virulence and long sustained attack of the bark-beetles causing the 
injury. The greatest outbreaks, in which the loss has been excessive, 
have occurred around Princeton, where it is estimated that 150 million 
board feet have been killed during the past six years, and in the Cold- 


PROCEEDINGS, 19238 185 


water Valley, near Merritt, where a very active infestation is now in 
progress. It is evident that the yellow pine in this whole forest between 
Princeton and Kamloops is threatened with ruin by these outbreaks, 
and that our control operations, now being conducted through the co- 
operation of the British Columbia Forest Branch, the Dominion Forestry 
Branch and the Dominion Entomological Branch, offer the only hope of 
saving it. Fortunately they promise to be successful. 

There are three types of bark-beetle attack : 

1. An endemic or so-called ‘‘normal’’ infestation exists in almost 
all forests, in which over-mature or weakened trees or their parts, are 
killed here and there from bark-beetle attacks. 

2. Sporadic outbreaks frequently develop in the neighbourhood of 
slash, windfalls or light burns, particularly in bodies of weakened timber, 
but subside before many trees are killed. 

3. Epidemie outbreaks resulting from a more serious disturbance 
of Nature’s equilibrium, from either natural or artificial causes, spreading 
rapidly through the forest, killmg great numbers of trees in a very short 
period. 


An endemic infestation need eause little concern, although it effects 
considerable loss when this is computed over a period of years, and it 
is, of course, from this normal infestation that the serious outbreaks 
develop. The sporadic outbreaks, although small, may be important in 
stands of valuable timber, and may develop, 1f not controlled, into the 
more serious epidemic type. The epidemic outbreak is a serious matter, 
often killing 95% of the timber stand, in certain tree species, in the 
short period of five or six years. Control measures for epidemic out- 
breaks should be undertaken with the least possible delay, under the 
direction of a competent forest entomologist. 


It appears probable that. serious bark-beetle outbreaks usually 
develop through some notable disturbance of the natural conditions in 
the forest, such as windfalls over large areas where many trees are 
blown down, fires caused by lightning, or through human ageney, such 
as carelesseness with fire, lumbering operations, or slashines of any 
description. 


In windfalls and fires, we have conditions produced in which the 
bark-beetles are not hampered by the resistance of the healthy trees. 
The bark-beetles breed freely under these conditions and often start 
outbreaks as a result, immediately following the fire or heavy windstorm. 


In logging operations we have a much more prevalent cause of 
epidemics. The immense amount of fresh slash, in the form of tops and 
cull logs, affords an ideal breeding ground for the destructive bark- 
beetles. The method of logging in the winter and not in the summer 
has been especially favourable to attack upon the standing timber. The 
beetles, completing their life-cycle in the freshly cut material, emerge, 


186 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


and, having no new supply of cut material to enter, for they will not 
breed in dry logs, enter the living standing trees and kill them within 
one year. They then spread from year to year throughout the timber 
stand, leaving devastation in their wake. They also produce conditions 
favourable to the increase of other insects, usually considered as secon- 
dary, which, if they do not kill trees outright, nevertheless injure or 
kill parts of trees and assist the more important species in the general 
destruction. 

The most important pine killing bark-beetles of British Columbia 
belong to two species of the genus Dentroctonus, of which one confines 
its attack to yellow pine, while the other attacks not only yellow pine 
but white pine and lodgepole pine as well. 


In general, the method of attack is the same for both species. Emerg- 
ing from a recently killed host tree in June or July, they attack other 
trees during July and August. Entrance tunnels are cut through the 
bark to the wood surface, and from the ends of these they excavate 
tunnels in the inner bark or between the bark and the wood surface, in 
which they lay their eggs in small niches cut along the sides. The larvae 
which hatch from the eges also cut galleries more or less at right angles 
to the ege-tunnels and thus generally complete the killing of the tree by 
eirdling it from top to base. Transformation to the pupal stage takes 
place either in the autumn or during April and May of the following 
spring, and the new brood of adult beetles emerges through exit-holes 
in the bark to attack fresh trees and thus extend the outbreak. 


The number of insects a single tree can harbour is enormous. It 
has been estimated that in California a sugar pine 9 feet in diameter and 
200 feet in height has produced one million beetles to spread to surround- 
ing trees in the forest. Here in B. C. we have caged a yellow pine 24 
inches in diameter and captured over 6000 of the killing species of beetle, 
over 16,000 insects of all kinds from the tree, over 10,000 of which were 
more or less injurious. 

When these beetles emerge from a tree in July and August they 
immediately attack other trees. The emergence is not all in one day 
but spread over at least six weeks. By some instinct which they possess 
they are enabled to concentrate the attack on one particular tree. The 
first few hundred die by drowning in the piteh, but, as the attack goes 
on continuously from day to day, the resistance of the tree is weakened 
and it at last succumbs. If we have a late fall, many of the trees yellow 
before winter sets in, but, be the fall early or late, nearly all the trees 
so attacked yellow and die by the last of June of the following year. 
That is, trees attacked by September are dead the following June. It 
is therefore necessary in order to control an outbreak that the infested 
trees be cut and burned before the emergence in July and August. Our 
working period is from about April Ist to June 15th, as it is almost im- 
possible to burn while the snow is on the ground. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1923 187 


An epidemic of one year, if not controlled, may increase 150 to 200% 
the next. Control work will decrease it at least 80%. If our forests 
were not disturbed, only large windfalls would increase these infestations 
to epidemic proportions, but promiscuous cuttings, unless regulated by 
the government, upset the natural balance and cause such outbreaks as 
we are having at the present time, which would answer the question, 
‘““Why is the Forest Entomologist’’? 

In conclusion, I wish to state that if a thorough campaign of slash 
disposal and control.of incipient outbreaks is carried on in the future, 
the tremendous loss caused in the past to the forests of the province 
will not only be stopped, but much of the fire risk now caused by slash 
and dead standing timber will cease to exist. 


MOSQUITO CONTROL AT BANFF 


By Eric HEARLE, DoMINION ENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH 


In the Agricultural Gazette for May-June, 1922, the writer con- 
tributed a brief statement on an aerial survey of mosquito breeding 
places, conducted in the Lower Fraser Valley of British Columbia, which 
survey was made in 1921. In the same year, in company with Mr. 
Arthur Gibson, Dominion Entomologist, a brief survey was made of 
mosquito infested areas in the Roeky Mountains’ National Park, ad- 
jacent to the town of Banff and the station of Lake Louise, Alberta. 

It has been recognized for some time that relief from the mosquito 
trouble might be possible, and in the summer of 1916 the late Dr. Hewitt 
undertook a preliminary survey and drew up valuable recommendations. 
During the last three or four years a certain amount of control work 
has been conducted under Messrs. Sanson and Childe, of the Parks 
Branch, and considerable success was met within the reduction of the 
mosquitoes. In the Spring of 1922, Mr. Arthur Gibson, the Dominion 
Entomologist, arranged for a detailed investigation into the pest, and 
the writer was given charge of all the investigational and control work. 
Oiling operations were extended much further than previously, and as 
a result the mosquito pest in the vicinity of Banff was reduced to a 
negligible quantity during the past season. 

The 1922 investigations showed that out of a mosquito fauna of 
somé 18 species only three of the species were important pests. 
Constituents of the Pest: 

There were found to be two main problems—the snow-pool problem 
in the early summer and the flood water problem dependent upon the 
river freshets. In the former, one species only is important—Aedes 
cataphylla Dyar; but in the latter, while Aedes cataphylla Dyar is the 
species of main importance, Aedes intrudens Dyar and Aedes vexans 
Meigen have also to be reckoned with. In May the melting snows fill 


188 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY ° 


depressions with water, and larvae of Aedes cataphylla are to be found 
in these pools in great numbers; the majority of these emerge during 
the last week of May and constitute the snow-pool pest. 

The time of the river freshet varies—in 1922 it occurred in the first 
week of June. Mosquito larvae were found in vast numbers in the 
flooded areas, and most of those that escaped the oilers completed 
development before the end of the month. Collections of larvae carried 
out throughout the district showed that the low-lying area to the west 
and north of the town is mainly responsible for the pest. In some parts 
of this basin fairly extensive meadows oceur, but dense willow growth 
clothes the remainder. The breeding areas appear to be of importance to 
some four miles west of the town. 

During the past season oiling was mainly resorted to in dealing 
with the pest. Four men were employed through May and June to 
apply oil, and oceasional extra help was provided as needed. Oiling 
occupied some 194 days’ labour and about 2,800 gallons of oil were ap- 
plied; watering cans and knapsack sprayers were utilized in spreading 
the oil. The whole breeding area was divided into three districts; one 
man being held responsible for the work in each. Large drums of oil 
were distributed by truck to various points in each distriet, and from 
these points the oil was transported in smaller containers to a number 
of stations in the breeding areas—a pack pony and a canvas boat were 
found useful for this. Oil was spread on all water where larvae were 
found, and, whenever oiling was completed in any one section, patrols 
were made to ascertain if effective killime had been secured. Coal oil 
was used alone, as, owing to the cold nights, it was thought inadvisable 
to use heavier oils. 

A number of the breeding pools were undoubtedly missed owing 
to the difficult nature of the territory involved; and in some of the more 
open stretches wind rendered the oil film partially ineffective. In spite 
of this, however, the results of oiling were very marked, and about 77% 
control was realized—the town of Banff and the immediate vicinity were 
rendered comparatively free of mosquitoes. 

After the necessity for oiling was over, the mosquito squad worked 
on permanent improvements. A number of ditches. were dug to divert 
small streams feeding various swampy areas. In many parts of the district 
the willow growth was found to be so dense that penetration was ex- 
tremely difficult and the work of oiling was greatly retarded; to mitigate 
this a large number of trails were cut through these areas and the 
majority were rendered easily accessible. 

During the season of 1923 the Entomological Branch plan to con- 
tinue investigations into the mosquito situation at Banff; flight experi- 
ments will be conducted to ascertain the actual distance from whieh in- 
festation is possible; and it is hoped to secure data regarding the pos- 
sibility of introducing certain natural control elements, such as the 


PROCEEDINGS, 1923 189 


minnows, which would materially reduce the costs of oiling operations. 
Experiments have also been projected to test out the comparative values 
of oils, larvicides, ete., and their adaptability to the needs of the district. 

It is hoped that at the conclusion of these investigations mosquito 
control at Banff will have been placed on a fairly sound scientific basis, 
and that freedom from the mosquito nuisance will be possible with the 
ereatest economy in labour and materials. 


THE STATUS OF SPREADERS IN THE POISON SPRAY SOLUTION 


By A. L. Loverr, Entromou.ocist, 
OREGON AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION 


Commercially prepared spreaders were used rather extensively in 
orchard spraying for the first time this past season. The interest mani- 
fested in this recent innovation in our spray practices makes it appear 
desirable to undertake a general survey of the situation, attempting to 
develop a summary of the opinions, observations, experiments and re- 
actions of the growers, experimentors and others following the close of 
the year’s trial of the use of spreaders. 


HISTORICAL 


The addition of materials to the spray solution for the improvement 
of its physical properties is by no means new. Various materials, in- 
cluding glue, molasses, soap, saponin, casein, gelatine, aluminum sul- 
phate, ete., have been added as spreaders from time to time where the 
investigator, dealing with a specific pest or disease, appreciated the 
desirability of improving the wetting and adhering properties of the 
spray solution. 

Probably the first large scale investigation of spreaders for use with 
poison sprays, having a rather definite application to the economic control 
of orchard pests, were those undertaken by the Oregon Experiment 
Station. A variety of materials were tested as spreaders; among the 
more promising were caseinate, glue, gelatine, saponin and mineral 
oil emulsions. In considering their qualities as a spreader, the following 
factors were necessarily taken into account: (1) Availability, (is the 
source of supply easily accessible and adequate?) ; (2) Compatibility, (the 
spreader must not react unfavorably with any ordinary spray water, 
spray material or combination of spray materials); (3) Efficacy, (in 
reasonable amounts they must actually give satisfactory results in in- 
creased wetting, adherence, etc.) ; (4) Ease in preparation, (complicated 
manipulations, cooking; any operation requiring close attention or much 
additional work meets little favor with the grower); (5) Cost, (must 
be reasonable in price). 


190 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


With these factors as the standard of excellence, the caseinate spread- 
er has appeared the most promising. Oil emulsions are a most worthy 
competitor, but there is a decided element of danger in their use under 
factors 2, compatibility, and 4, ease of preparation, as outlined above. 
If we could be sure the growers would appreciate the element of chance 
and use the necessary precautions in properly handling the oil emulsion, 
the ranking of these two materials as spreaders might possibly be 
changed, but in general the risk with oils is too great for their general 
adoption. 

CASEIN SPREADER 


In the tests at the Experiment Station and in the earlier field work, 
ordinary commercial ground casein, mixed with hydrated hme, was em- 
ployed. In the earlier commercial orchard tests, while growers ‘‘mixed 
their own’”’ casein spreader, not all reports were favorable. The process 
of mixing the spreader and its addition to the spray solution were of 
themselves subject to failure where any short cuts were attempted, also 
the casein available was variable in size of particles and in character. 


ce 


With the opening of the season of 1921, some commercial companies 
began the manufacture of a prepared casein spreader. Of the powdered 
forms, which were by far in the majority, it may be said that in general 
they represented a high-grade casein, ground somewhat finer than the 
ordinary commercial product and thorougly mixed in definite propor- 
tions with hydrated lime. 

These commercial materials combined to a very satisfactory degree 
the ‘‘essential factors’’ of a spreader. Particularly in the matter of 
ease of preparation were they popular, because it was possible to sift 
them directly into the spray tank, obviating any extra manipulations. 


SPREADERS IN THE ARSENATE SPRAYS 


The majority of the experimental work with spreaders at the station 
and in the majority of the cases of their use in the field, they were 
employed with poison spray solutions. The use of spreaders with the 
poison spray solution constitutes, therefore, the primary object of this 
enqury. Summarizing our knowledge, it may be grouped under the 
following heads: 


1. Does the Addition of a Casein Spreader Increase the Efficiency of the 
Poison Spray in Apple-Worm Control? 

Earlier investigations under rather carefully conducted controls at 
the Oregon Station indicated a fairly marked increase in the percentage 
of control obtained where spreaders were added to the poison spray solu- 
tion. During the past two seasons results have been more variable, and 
certainly less conclusively in favor of the spreaders. 

Reports from California are conflicting, some feeling that decidedly 
better results are obtained, others finding little evidence of improved 


PROCEEDINGS, 1923 191 


control. DeOng, reporting on an arsenate foliage spray for red-humped 
caterpillars, reports superior control where casein spreader was 
employed. 

In the Wenatchee section of Washineton there is a general impres- 
sion that spreaders improve the efficiency of the spray. In the Yakima 
section less spreaders have been used, and there is a general sentiment 
to the effect that spreaders do not improve the killing efficiency. 

In the Twin Falls section of Idaho, spreaders were quite generally 
employed, and their use has received a most hearty endorsement from 
the growers. It would seem that they are enthusiastically united in 
the opinion that spreaders materially increased the killing efficiency. 
Where spreaders have been used in Oregon there is a general feeling 
that the control has been improved. However, recent investigational 
plats do not bear this out in any striking detail. 

Summarized, we may say that while there is much evidence to indi- 
eate that the addition of a spreader to the poison spray solution mcreases 
its killing efficiency, it is decidedly doubtful as to just what extent this 
is true. It is our opinion that the value of a spreader in this regard 
will be, to a considerable extent, in proportion to the efficacy of the 
spray outfit; the excellence of the spray technique and the judgment in 
proper timing of the spray operation. Where any or all of these are 
faulty, the value of the spreader increases proportionately. 

2. Does the Spreader Improve the Spread of the Spray? 

All reports are agreed that with the addition of a spreader one 
obtains a smoother, less conspicuous and a more even distribution of 
the spray. This accomplishes two outstanding results of merit. The 
even, inconspicuous covering renders the fruit less likely to unfavorable 
suspicion regarding poison spray covering and makes wiping unnecessary 
in many instances. By avoiding the heavy blotchy covering of the fruit 
with the late summer spray, the red varieties of apple color up more 
evenly, improving the appearance and grade of the mature fruit materi- 
ally. 

This factor of a smooth, inconspicuous covering, thus avoiding the 
blotchy spray deposit and resultant uneven coloring, is really important, 
and to many growers serves as a good and sufficient reason for the enthu- 
siastic adoption of spreaders in their late summer applications. 

3. Does the addition of a Spreader Increase the Covering Power of the 
Spray Solution so More Trees may be Covered per Tank of Spray? 

Some growers have checked on this point fairly carefully and are 
convinced that there is a material increase in the number of trees one 
may cover with a tank of spray where a spreader is added. Many have 
not checked on this, and a note of warning on the point is worthy of 
thoughtful consideration. It would be a most unfortunate situation if 
the grower, imbued with this idea of a quicker covering with less 
material, actually failed to use sufficient time or solution on the tree to 


192 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


obtain the thorough spray covering required. So while it is conceivable 
that by increased wetting due to the spreader we would get quicker 
covering, this should not become a factor of first importance when decid- 
ing for or against the spreader. 


4. Are Spreaders Advisable with all. Arsenical Applications? 


The consensus of opinion seems to be that spreaders should be used 
with all the lead arsenate applications from calyx or pink to the last 
cover spray. Considered strictly from a comparative point of view and 
valued on the beneficial results one might logically expect from its use 
in actual apple worm control, it would appear that the spreader in the 
solution could be dispensed with in the earler applications if desired, 
but is of especial merit in the late. cover spray. 


SPREADERS WITH OTHER SPRAYS 
No careful experiments have been made at the Oregon Station with 
spreaders except with the poison sprays. Opportunities for observations 
on their use with other materials have been frequent, and other experi- 
mentors and growers have used them in a great variety of ways. 


Fisher, of Washington, investigating the control of apple mildew 
with the application of lime-sulphur, developed a casein spreader for 
use and finds it a highly desirable addition. He also recommends it 
with the lime-sulphur spray for brown rot on prunes and cherries. 


Jones, of California, finds the casein spreader a most satisfactory 
and practical substitute for glue in their lime-sulphur-oil-glue and their 
B.T.S.-oil-glue formulae in citrous spraying for scale in Tulare County. 


Smith, of Idaho, considers the addition of the spreader decidedly 
improves the efficiency of the dormant spray of lime-sulphur for scale 
control and of lime-sulphur in the delayed dormant for red spider control. 


DeOng, of California, considers the addition of casein spreader ad- 
vantageous in red spider and aphis control sprays. 


Wenatchee authorities of Washington feel that there is an 1mprove- 
ment in most of their spray appleations from the addition of a spreader. 
It was observed that in the lime-sulphur-arsenate of lead combination 
sprays, the addition of the casein spreader materially reduced the amount 
and retarded the development of sludge. 


Where increased wetting, covering and adherence of the spray solu- 
tion is desirable, the casein spreader improves. Bordeaux mixture is 
apparently improved to an equal degree with the other spray solution, 
though no careful experiments are at hand regarding the use of spreaders 
with the Bordeaux. One caution is apparently worthy of mention here 
—excessive amounts of spreader, i.e., more than one and one-half pounds 
of commercial caseinate to 200 gallons of Bordeaux solution may cause 
trouble; one pound is probably advisable. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1923 193 


WHAT ARE THE ADVERSE REPORTS ON CASEIN SPREADER 


With a new substance introduced extensively for the first time, and 
tested under a great variety of cireumstances, some adverse reports and 
serious criticisms are to be expeeted. Vague rumors and occasional 
reports coming in during the season led one to expect a rather definite 
and general unfavorable report upon some goints. May I say that, 
everything considered, I am most agreeably surprised at the general and 
united favorable attitude on spreaders. 


The one rather general complaint of the commercial casein spreaders 
is their cost. In this paper, I shall attempt neither to condone nor defend; 
I do hope it will be possible, as the business develops, for the commercial 
companies to decrease the cost of their produet. 


D. F. Fisher, Federal Pathologist of Wenatchee, has developed two 
modified casein formulae, and they were used rather extensively in the 
Wenatchee fruit section by growers this season. Two different methods 
have been used: 


WIAD OTE toe. <p ees ee eee erst eee 1 gallon 
(Ga SHICyS 0 Cale eee sereettee eee _....3 ounces 
GaSe ini rae sed es a 1 pound 


The caustie soda is dissolved in the water while bringing to a boil, 
then the casein is slowly sifted in with careful stirring to avoid lumping. 
A little boiling will dissolve the casein, and this solution then forms the 
stock solution and may be used as a spreader at the rate of one pint to 
the 100 gallons, or the above amount is sufficient for 800 gallons of spray. 


The second method is similar except that one employs baking soda 
instead of caustic soda, and the material does not need to be cooked. 
Probably a rather finely ground casein would be advantageous, and two 
gallons of water would avoid working with so thick a paste as otherwise. 
This stock must be used within reasonable time after its preparation 
because of the deterioration with a development of most unpleasant odors. 


Summarizing our information on the casein spreaders, then, we may 
say that: 


1. While there is considerable room for question as to the value of 
spreaders in increasing the toxic efficiency of the poison spray applica- 
tion where high-powered outfits are employed in the hands of experienced 
operators and the applications carefully timed, for the vast majority of 
growers the addition of spreaders is of advantage. 

2. By increasing the evenness of the spray deposit, it is possible 
to obtain a more even coloring of the fruit, a point of more than passing 
importanee. If it will avoid the necessity for wiping, as was the case 
with many growers this scason, this likewise will prove a decided factor 
in favor of their more general adoption, 


194 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


3. The addition of spreaders to other applications than the poison 
sprays seems equally desirable and effective in increasing their values 
under the same conditions. 


It is our opinion that spreaders have come to stay. Undoubtedly 
improvements and modifications will take place as our knowledge and 
experience of spreaders increase. 


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The attention of Entomologists throughout the world is 
called to the facet that, beginning with the Volume for 1922, 
the preparation of the “‘Insecta’’ part of the ‘‘Zoological 
Record’’ is being undertaken by the Imperial Bureau of Ento- 
mology. In order that the Record may be as complete as it is 
possible to make it, all authors of entomological papers, espéci- 
ally of systematic ones, are requested to Send separata of their 
papers to the Bureau. These are particularly desired in cases 
where the original journal is one that is not primarily devoted 


to entomology. All separata should be addressed to :— 


THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, 
IMPERIAL BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY, 
41 QUEEN’S GATE, 
LONDON, 8. W. 7, 


ENGLAND. 


PROCEEDINGS 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


ell ait 


BRITISH COLUMBIA 


re DEC 27 499} 
\ 


FEBRUARY, 1921 
NUMBER 18 


SYSTEMATIC SERIES 


hi 


y } VICTORIA, B.C.: 
PRINTED BY THE CoLONIST PRINTING AND PuBLIsHIxe Co., Lrn, 


1921 


PROCEEDINGS 


OF THE 


Entomological Society 


— OF — 


BRITISH COLUMBIA 


FEBRUARY, 1 | 
NUMBER 18.0 wena’ 
SYSTEMATIC SERIES 


afl 


VICTORIA, B.C.: 


PRINTED BY THE COLONIST PRINTING AND PUBLISHING Co., LTD. 


1921 


ss 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 


Proceedings 
Report of the Secretary-Treasurer 


Presidential Address 


A Report on Some Hemiptera from British Columbia—H. M.. 


Parshley.  . : : : : : : bapa alt 
The Sphingidae of British Columbia—E. H. Blackmore -. , ica 
Early Stages of Nepytia Phantasmaria Strecker—G. O. Day . ~°. 30 


Notes on the Ecological Distribution of Some Orthoptera from the 
Chilcotin District of British Columbia—E. R. Buckell z es. 


Notes on the Fauna and Flora of Mount McLean—R. Glendenning . 


BRITISH COLUMBIA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921 


The Twentieth Annual Meeting of the B. C. Entomological Society 
was held in the Chamber Court Room of the Provincial Court House, 
Vancouver, B. C., on Saturday, February 12th, 1921. There was an 
attendance of 17 members at the morning session and 22 in the afternoon. 

The meeting was called to order at 9.30 a.m., and the Secretary read 
the annual report and statement of accounts. 

Moved by Mr. Ruhman, seconded by Mr. Buckell, “That the 
Secretary’s Report be adopted and filed.” Carried. 

Letters were read from Mr. Arthur Gibson, the Dominion Entomo- 
logist, and from Mr. Geo. A. Dean, President of the Society of Economic 
Entomologists, congratulating the Entomological Society of British 

_ Columbia upon the attainment of its twentieth anniversary and wishing 
it continued success. A telegram was received from Dr. D. Warnock, 
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, regretting his inability to be present, - 
and wishing the Society a successful meeting. 

It was moved by Mr. Kermode, seconded by Mr. Venables, “That 

it was desirable that this Society should be incorporated under the 
Benevolent Societies Act and that steps to this effect be taken by the 
Advisory Board.” Carried. 

A letter was read by the Secretary from Mr. Bigwood, Secretary 
of the Victoria Branch of the Engineering Institute of Canada, asking 

-_ whether the Entomological Society of B. C. would combine with that 
~ and other Societies in the matter of obtaining a joint room for meeting 
purposes and to house a library. It was decided, after discussion, that 
this would be of no benefit to the Entomological Society, and it was 
moved by Mr. Kermode, seconded by Mr. Anderson, “That a reply to 
this effect be sent.” Carried. 

It was moved by the Secretary, seconded by Mr. Davidson, “That 
all papers for publication in the Society’s Proceedings shall be subject 
to the approval of the Advisory Board, which shall decide on their suit- 

: ability for publication and may suggest alterations to or reject copy, 
and their decision shall be final.” Carried. 

The Secretary mentioned that a verbal offer had been made by the 

_ Provincial Librarian to house the Society’s Library in the Provincial 

Library, and that the books would be catalogued and properly cared for 
~ and issued to members in accordance with the Society’s rules. After 
discussion, it was moved by Mr. White, seconded by Mr. Treherne, 
_ “That the Secretary be authorized to take up with the Provincial 
_ Librarian the matter of transferring the Society’s books to the Pro- . 
_  vincial Library.” Carried. 


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4 ‘B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


The question of issuing membership cards was taken up and dis- 
cussed, and it was moved by Mr. Anderson, seconded by Mr. ‘Treherne, 
“That the question of issuing membership cards be referred to the 
Advisory Board, which should decide as to details.” Carried. 

It was moved by Mr. Kermode, seconded by Mr. Ruhman, “That as 
the Parent Society had raised its fee to $2.00 and it would be necessary 
for this Society to contribute a larger amount, therefore the annual sub- 
scription to this Society shall be raised to $2.00.” Carried. 

The question arose as to whether the Society received the Canadian 
Entomologist as it was entitled to. The Secretary said that as far as 
he was aware no such copies were sent for the Society’s library. It was 
moved by Mr. White, seconded by Mr. Ruhman, “That the Society apply © 
to the Parent Society for a set of the Canadian Entomologist.” _ Carried. 

The President’s Address was then read. -At the conclusion of this 
a vote of thanks was moved by Mr. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Treherne, 
and carried unanimously. 

Mr. Treherne’s paper, entitled “A Further Review of Applied Ento- 
mology in British Columbia,” was then read. At the conclusion of this 
-a vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. Treherne for his interesting paper 
and for the exhaustive manner in which he had covered the subject; 
moved by Mr. White, seconded by Mr. Buckell. 

Mr. Day’s paper, “Notes on the Early Stages of Nepytia phantas- 
maria,” was read by the Secretary. As time did not admit of Mr. ~ 
Cockle’s. paper being read, this was tabled and the meeting adjourned 
for lunch at 12.10 p.m. The meeting re-convened at 1.30 p.m., and the 
following papers were read: “Notes on the Fauna and Flora of Mt. 
McLean,” by R. Glendenning; “Man’s Influence on the Native Flora, 
with Special Reference to Insect Pests,” by Mr. Davidson. After the 
discussion upon this paper, the following motion was proposed by Mr. 
Kermode and seconded by Mr. Winson, and carried: “That the 
Dominion Department of Mines be communicated with and be asked 
to prepare a book on the Birds of Canada West of Port Arthur, similar 
to a publication already issued on the Eastern birds.” 

Other papers given in the afternoon were: ““The Sphingidae of 
British Columbia,” by E. H. Blackmore; “Notes on Amnesia decorata 
and the Holly Bud Moth,” by Mr. Downes; “Notes on the Satin Moth,” ~ 
by R. Glendenning; and “Notes on the Ecological Distribution of Some 
Orthoptera from the Chilcotin District of B. C.,” by E. R. Buckell. At. S 
the conclusion of his paper a vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. Buckell _ 
for his interesting paper; movers, Davidson, Venables. 

At 4.15 p.m. the election of officers was proceeded with and resulted 
as follows: Hon. President, F. Kermode; President, L. E. Marmont; 3 
Vice-President (Coast), R. S. Sherman; Vice-President (Interior), R.C. 
Treherne; Advisory Board—J. Davidson, L. FE. Breun, J. W. Gibson, — 3 
FE. H. Blackmore, EF. W. White, W. B. Anderson; Hon. Secretary- ia 


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PROCEEDINGS, 1921 5 


Treasurer, W. Downes; Assistant Secretary, R. Glendenning. It was 
moved by Mr. Treherne, seconded by Mr. Winson, “That there be both 
Secretary and Assistant Secretary as formerly.” Carried. 

With regard to the publishing of the Proceedings of the Society, it 
was moved by Mr. Kermode, seconded by Mr. Winson, “That the 
Advisory Board have charge of this.” Carried. 

At 5.30 p.m. the meeting adjourned and met for supper at the 
Citizen’s Club, Vancouver Block. * 

At 7.30 p.m. the members returned to the meeting room and listened 
to a lecture by Mr. W. B. Anderson on “Collecting Places in B. C.,” 
illustrated with lantern slides. Points visited by Mr. Anderson in the 
course of his trips were shown on the screen, and specimens of certain 
rare lepidoptera taken during these trips were also shown. Mr. Downes 
read portions of Dr. Parshley’s report “On Collections of Hemiptera 
from B. C.,” and illustrated this with slides of a few of the new species 
described and new records for B. C. Mr. Treherne showed some slides 
illustrating some of the Codling Moth control work being done at 
Vernon, and other insect studies. Mr. Glendenning showed some slides 
of Mt. McLean and Mt. Cheam. 

A vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. Anderson for his interesting 
lecture. 

It was decided to hold the next year’s meeting in Victoria. 


REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-TREASURER 


I have pleasure in submitting the report of the work of the B. C. 
Entomological Society for the year 1920. 
- The membership of the Society continues to increase, and now 
numbers forty-five members, nearly all of whom are paid up, only three, 
in fact, being in arrears with their dues, which is satisfactory and shows 
the continued and growing interest in the work of the Society. 

Pursuant to a motion passed at last year’s meeting, the Advisory 
Board duly considered the question of providing prizes for the best col- 
lections of insects made by public school children, and it was decided, at 
a meeting held on May 10th, that this should take the form of a challenge 
cup, to be offered for competition at the Provincial Fair at New West- 
minster. ‘The sum of fifty dollars was set aside for this purpose and a 
handsome cup has been purchased. ‘This was offered for competition 
at the last Provincial Fall Fair, and was won by John Norquay School, 
South Vancouver. In addition to this, a prize of $5.00 was awarded at 
Langley Fall Fair. This prize was offered by the Langley Agricultural 
Association in error, but as it is not the wish of the Society to discourage 
any competitor, the Advisory Board authorized that the prize money 
be paid. 


6 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCTETY 


Regarding entomological supplies, arrangements were made last 
year, in accordance with the wish of the Society, that these should be 
kept in stock by a local dealer, and Mr. Litchfield, Stationer, 1109 Goy- 
ernment Street, now carries a supply of sheet cork, but pins were un- 
obtainable and will have to be ordered from the makers by those wanting 
them. 

During the year Mr. J. M. Anderson presented the Society with all 
his Entomological Bulletins and papers. ‘These are all of an economic 
nature and are the only additions to the Society’s library that have been 
made this year. During the summer the Society’s Proceedings No. 11 
were published by the Department of Agriculture. In view of the high 
cost of printing and the difficulty the Society has of meeting the cost of 
producing its bulletin, this assistance from the Department is very wel- 
come. In various small matters, such as the cost of mailing and 
envelopes, we have also received assistance. Bulletin No. 14, being 
the proceedings of the year 1919, was published this winter. We are 
still in arrears with the printing of our 1920 proceedings, but as the 
Society has a cash balance sufficient to meet this outlay, it is hoped this 
may be published shortly and so bring our bulletins up to date. This is 
an urgent matter and I suggest to the meeting that the Society’s funds 
should be expended on this rather than on other matters, as the value 
of our publications is greatly lessened by their being delayed. Bulletin 
No. 13, of the economic series, will be prepared for the printer during 
the coming season. Ihave to point out that with regard to the printing 
of these Proceedings by the Government we have to wait until their 
own work is out of the way and they have time to attend to ours, 
and this accounts for much of the delay in producing the economic: 
series. Another reason is that we are usually short of economic papers. — 

The finances of the Society are in a very satisfactory condition. We 
have a balance in the Savings Bank, $439.80, and cash in hand to the 
amount of $16.02, total $455.82. Against this we are liable for the cost 
of printing Bulletin 14, $145.38, and $5.00 has been set aside for prize ~ 
money for Langley Fair, leaving $289.42 to commence the year with. 
The cost of printing Bulletin 16 is estimated to be $225.00, leaving us 
with $64.00 in hand for current expenses. ‘These should be light during 
the coming year, as we have eliminated a number of small expenditures 
and the matter of a cup for the best insect exhibit is already provided for. > 

I wish to draw the attention of the Society to the desirability of 
finding a more suitable location for our library. It will be remembered 
that this question came up and was discussed at our last meeting, but 
at that time no more suitable arrangement than the present one was 
under consideration. At present the library is located in Mr. Black- — 
more’s house, and while we appreciate his efforts in the matter, and his 
generosity in providing space for it, there are decided drawbacks to the 
arrangement, the chief of which is that it is not readily available to 


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PROCEEDINGS, 1921 7 


is members for reference. HOS is also the obv ee risk of fire. Recently, 


Bat Boles pete I han: been assured by the ee that not only will 
the books be catalogued and cared for as they should be, but the library 
> will undertake to issue them to members at a distance in conformity 
with the rules of the Society. I understand that the Natural History 
Society is making the same arrangement with regard to their library. 
I commend this plan to you as a most desirable one, and suggest that 
the Society give the offer of the Provincial Library their consideration 


and approval. 
W. DOWNES, Hon. Secretary-Treasurer, 


PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS, 1921 
By E. H. Blackmore, F.E.S 


Gentlemen,—I did not intend to inflict an address upon you at this 
meeting, but being the twentieth anniversary of the founding of our 
- Society, it is perhaps appropriate that I should say a few words on the 
. progress of entomology in the Province during the last few years. As 
a our worthy Vice-President, Mr. R. C. Treherne, is giving a review of 
economic entomology in B. C. during the same period, I will confine 
myself to the systematic side. 

J Mr. G. O. Day, in his presidential address in January, 1914, gave a 
~ rather comprehensive account of the work of the earlier entomologists 
_ in B. C., and also of the activities of the Society from its inception up 
to the end of the year 1913. His very interesting address is printed in 
_ full in No. 4 of our Proceedings, and it is an address that is well worth 
reading a second time, as it contains much valuable information, and 
I would like to recommend its perusal to our more recent members. 
Twill take up, in as brief a manner as possible, the progress of systematic 
’ entomology since that date to the present time, including the part that 
the Society, through its active members, has played during that period. 
Before doing so, however, I would like to add a few remarks on the 
earlier days of entomology in B. C., which were not included in Mr. 
_ Day’s paper. 
4 ‘The first scientific collector of insects on Vancouver Island of which 
we have any authentic record was a Mr. G. R. Crotch, who collected in 
the vicinity of Victoria in the month of July, 1871, some fifty years ago. 
_ After leaving Victoria Mr.Crotch went to California, where he collected 
~ extensiv ely for the Museum of Comparative Zoology, at which institu- 
tion many of his Vancouver Island captures are still to be seen. In 
_ 1876 Adolpheus S. Packard published his “Monograph of the Geomet- 
_ ridae of North America,” in which he describéd as new-many of the 
i "species that were taken by Mr. Crotch at Victoria, so that Victoria and 


8 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


Vancouver Island were well to the front in the first great work written 
on this family of moths in North America. Over forty species of 
Geometers are mentioned by Packard as being taken in Victoria by 
Mr. Crotch on that trip. 

The work of the late Rev. G. W. Taylor, from the time he settled 
on Vancouver Island in 1877 until the formation of the B. C. Ent. Socy. 
in 1901, and of which Mr. Taylor was the first president, is fully treated 
of in Mr. Day’s paper already alluded to, as is also the valuable work 
of the late Capt. R. V. Harvey. 

The next active collector that we have record of was the late Mr. 
W. H. Danby, who came here from New York about the year 1888. 
He collected a number of species in and around Victoria and Gold- 
stream, specimens of which were sent to his old time New York friend, 
Mr. B. Neumogen, who was himself a well known entomologist at that 
time, and who described many of Mr. Danby’s captures as new, naming 
two of them after Mr. Danby, viz., Diacrisia danbyi and Gluphisia 
danbyi. 

In 1896 the Rey. Geo. Hulst published a work on the “Classification 
of the Geometrina of North America,” which was the first revision of 
this family since Packard’s Monograph in 1876, just twenty years pre- 
vious. In this publication Hulst described a number of new species, 
several of them being species sent to him by Mr. Danby from Victoria, 
one of which was named Paraptera danbyi in honour of the collector. 
(As regards this particular geometer it is a most singular thing that 
although it was described nearly twenty-five years ago, it has not been 
found in any other locality than Victoria, B. C., and even there is only 
taken in a somewhat limited area. It is called the big winter moth and 
emerges about the middle of November. ‘The females are wingless.) 
In 1897 Mr. Danby moved to Rossland, B. C., where he collected actively — 
for several years. Amongst his captures in this district there were 
many that were naturally new to B. C., and included several new to 
science, amongst which was Jubarella danbyi, named by Dr. Hulst in 
1898. 

In passing I may say that Mr. Danby died at his home in Victoria 
last May. He had been in failing health for some years, in fact for the 
three years preceding his death he had been partially paralyzed, the 
result of several strokes. 

Associated with Mr. Danby in entomological work was Mr. C. de 
Blois Green, who had a ranch at Fairview. Mr. Green collected diurnals 
almost exclusively, and it was from this district that our first records _ 
from the Interior were obtained. In those early days there does not _ 


seem to have been any collections made in the other orders of insects, _ 


excepting perhaps Coleoptera, at any rate no reference is made to them — 
in any of the local literature of that time. The first record of Coleoptera 
that I can find is a list by the late Rev. G. W. Taylor in 1885, entitled 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921 9 


“Notes on 76 species of Cicindelidae and Carabidae collected near Vic- 
toria.” Forty of these were apparently new to the Canadian Fauna. 
The next reference to this order was a list of beetles collected by the 
Rev. J. H. Keen at Masset, Queen Charlotte Islands. They comprised 
142 species and were presented by him to the Provincial Museum ‘in 
1897. No further lists in any order appear to have been published until 
the appearance of the Quarterly Bulletins of this Society, which com- 
menced in March, 1906. ‘Ten of these Bulletins were issued, the last 
one bearing the date of June, 1900. Much interesting information is 
contained in them, and partial lists of many orders were given, appar- 
ently the work of one man—the late Capt. R. V. Harvey.. I would like 
to see these lists revived, as our knowledge of the species in many orders 
is woefully deficient, but I am glad to say that in a few orders in which 
some of our present members are working, very useful and valuable 
records are being compiled, and I sincerely hope that the day is not far 
distant when we shall be able to publish fairly complete lists of the 
chief orders of insects occurring in the Province. While speaking of lists 
and before taking up the more recent work of our members, a few brief 
words on those that have been published in the past will probably be 
of interest. To my mind a comparison of lists of different dates is a 
fairly accurate indication of the work accomplished between the times 
of their compilation. At any rate a comparison of our B. C. lists 
shows this to a marked degree. The following notes refer to Lepidoptera 
exclusively—this order being the one which has the largest number of 
students and is also the one which first attracts the attention of the 
young collector. 

The first list that I can find that is devoted to B. C. insects was 
published in 1891. It is contained in a publication entitled, “Papers 
and Communications read before the Natural History Society of British 
Columbia,” Vol. 1, No. 1. It contains a list of 29 species of butterflies 
taken in Victoria in the preceding year. 

In 1893 the same society published another Bulletin, which con- 
tained a “Report on the Entomology of British Columbia by W. H. 
Danby and C. de Blois Green.” Some progress had been made in those 
two years, as the 29 species of Butterflies had grown into 90, along with 
71 species of moths, which included 2 sphingids, 9 arctiids and 53 
noctuids. ‘The geometers taken at that period were not named, owing 
to the difficulty of getting them determined. 

In 1898 the late John Fannin published a “Preliminary List of the 
Collections of Natural History and Ethnology in the Prov. Museum.” 
Apparently very little entomological work had been done during those 
five years, as the butterflies had only been increased by four species 
and the noctuids by two. The geometers still remaining unlisted. 

In 1903 Dr. H. G. Dyar visited the Kaslo district where, under the 
guidance of one of our old members, Mr. J. W. Cockle, he made large 


10 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


and extensive collections of Lepidoptera during the entire summer. 
In the fall he paid a visit to Vancouver Island, where he made the 
acquaintance of many of our old members and continued his collecting 
activities. In 1904 he issued his “List of the Lepidoptera of the Kootenai 
District,’ and that gave a great impetus to systematic collecting in the 
Province. 


‘Following upon this was a “Check List of B. C. Lepidoptera,” com- 
piled by Mr. F. Kermode with the assistance of Mr. E. M. Anderson, and 
issued under the auspices of the Provincial Museum. It was made up 
from specimens in the Museum collection with the additions contained 
in Dr. Dyar’s “Kootenai List.” This was a distinct advance and served 


as a basis for future work. It contained the names of over 1,000 species 
and contained the first list of Geometridae and Micro-lepidoptera pub- 


lished in the Province; one hundred and eighty-seven species of 
geometers were recorded and 226 species of micros, 


Naturally there were many errors in it—misidentifications and 
duplication of names, that is to say, in some cases the same insect was 
listed under two or more names. Much valuable work was done during 
the next two years, and a large number of species in the different families 
were added to the ever-growing list, and it was finally decided by the 
officers of this Society to bring out a new Check List of B. C. Lepi- 
doptera. It was eventually issued in the fall of 1906, under the auspices 
of the Provincial Department of Agriculture. It was a great improve- 
ment on the previous list, as many of the most glaring errors had been 
removed and a number of new additions were recorded. No less than 
seventeen species of geometers and 51 species of micros being added 
in those two seasons. Since then no further Check List has been pub- 
lished, although additions and corrections in many of the families have 
been, noted from time to time. These are to be found in (1) the Bul- 
letins of the B. C. Ent. Socy. 1906 to 1908, (2) the Proceedings of our 
Society from 1914 up to the present issue, and (3) the Annual Reports 
of the Provincial Museum from 1915 to date, the latter having been 
especially useful, as it regularly contains two half tone plates represent- 
ing new or rare species of Lepidoptera, many of which have not been 
figured elsewhere. 

Just to show the amount of work that has been accomplished during | 
the last few years, I have taken the following figures from my manu- 
script list of B. C. Lepidoptera. 

At present I have listed 189 diurnals, 518 noctuids, 310 geometrids 
and over 400 species of micros. I have left out the figures of the other 
families, as they are comparatively small. These figures show a large 
increase over the number of species recorded in the 1906 list. To be ~ 
exact, they show an addition to our fauna during this period of 57 
butterflies, 129 noctuids, 106 geometers and 125 micros. ? 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921 11 


There are a large number of past and present members who have 


contributed in a greater or lesser degree to this knowledge of our lepi- 


dopterous fauna. Some of them have passed away, others have given 
up active collecting through various reasons, but the majority, 1 am 
pleased to say, are still with us. Their names in alphabetical order are: 
E. M. Anderson, W. B. Anderson, T. Bryant, the late A. H. Bush, W. R. 
Carter, J. W. Cockle, A. J. Croker, G. O. Day, W. Downes, A W. 
Hanham, the late Capt. R. V. Harvey, L. E. Marmont, A. W. Phair, 
R. Sherman, the late Rev. G. W. Taylor, R. C. Treherne, the late Tom 
Wilson, and I suppose that I may also add my own name, as I have 
done a little towards discovering some new species, especially amongst 
the Geometridae. 

Turning to the other orders, I would like to acknowledge the great 
amount of good work accomplished in the order Diptera by Mr. R. 
Sherman, who has proved himself a worthy successor to the late Capt. 
R. V. Harvey. In recent years Mr. Sherman has made a special study 
of the family Mycetophilidae or Fungus gnats, and the result of his 
labours is shown in the magnificent list of species given in No. 14 of 
our Proceedings, which has recently come to hand; 139 different species 
are listed, 35-of which are new to science, and are being described by 
him. Iam especially pleased to see this, and I sincerely hope that we 
shall have similar lists in various other orders in the near future. 

In the other two large orders, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera, appar- 
ently very little work has been recorded. Mr. A. W. Hanham still 
keeps adding to his large collection of B. C. Coleoptera, and I am sure 
that a list of the specimens in his cabinets, together with the new species 
that have been described in recent years, would make a fairly complete 
record of our coleopterous fauna. 

The order Hymenoptera seems to have been altogether neglected 


' of late years, which is to be regretted, as [ am confident that we have 


a large and practically untouched field in which to work, especially in 
that section known as Parasitic Hymenoptera. Mr. W. B. Anderson, 
whose duties take him to all parts of the Province, has, however, col- 
lected considerable material in this as well as in other orders of insects. 
This material is now being worked over in Ottawa, and I shall be very 
much surprised if many species new to science are not amongst it. 
During the last three seasons Mr. W. Downes has been applying 


. himself very diligently to the study of that hitherto much neglected 


order Hemiptera and with most satisfactory results. This order is 
divided into two sections, the Heteroptera and the Homoptera. In the 
former group 129 species new to B. C., including six,species new to 
science, have been added to our former somewhat meagre list; in the 
latter group (the Homoptera) 42 species new to B. C. have been 
recorded. ‘These additions bring the total of known Heteroptera in this 
Province to some 206 species and the Homoptera to about 70. 


10> B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


Much of the material in this latter section is as yet unidentified, but 
when thoroughly worked over, there will probably be found amongst 
them several new to science as well as many new to B. C. The col- 
lectors who have assisted Mr. Downes with material, etc., are: E. M. 
Anderson, EF. R. Buckell, A. W. Hanham, Mrs. W. W. Hippisley, A. W. 
Phair, M. H. Ruhman, R. Sherman, R. C. Treherne, E. P. Venables and 
R. C. Woodward. 

Mr. E. R. Buckell, who has been making a special study of the 
grasshopper outbreak in the Chilcotin country, has added considerably 
to our knowledge of the order Orthoptera, and has recorded several 
species new to British Columbia. 

The order Thysanoptera is one of the most neglected orders in 
Canada, but Mr. R. C. Treherne has made an exhaustive study of one 
of its chief families., i.e., the Aeolothripidae.- In No. 12 of our Pro- 
ceedings (Feb. 1918) Mr. Treherne gave a very interesting paper on 
this family, which was of great taxonomic value. It contained refer- 
ences to all the known species, with keys to the genera and species, also 
a plate of diagrammatic outlines of the wing and female antenna, shaded 
to show the specific characters of 10 different species. 

In a further article in the Can. Ent., August, 1919, Mr. Treherne 
described a new species of Thrips from Vernon, under the Aeolthrips 
auricestus. As some of the species of this family are of great economic 
importance, Mr. Treherne’s work in this group is very valuable. 

I think, gentlemen, that you will agree with me that this Society 
has justified the twenty years of its existence, and that we havea record 
of which we can be justly proud. ; 

In conclusion I wish to thank you for giving me so patient a hearing, 
but as this is probably the last time that I shall address you as your 
President, I would like to say that this recapitulation of our past efforts 
should be a stimulus to every one of us to do his best in his own selected 
field, for much work yet remains to be done. 


~ 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921 13 


A REPORT ON SOME HEMIPTERA FROM BRITISH 
COLUMBIA* 


By H. M. Parshley, Smith College 


The entomological fauna of British Columbia is rapidly becoming 
better known, chiefly through the assiduous collecting and study of the 
enthusiastic resident entomologists, and in due time we may look for- 
ward to the publication of a full list of the insects of the region, a work 
which will be of the greatest value in the study of geographical distribu- 
tion if it is based on data sufficiently extensive to make the enumeration 
truly representative. A great deal remains to be done, however, before 
the knowledge of some of the orders can be considered adequate, as 
is well illustrated in the case of the Hemiptera. In an earlier report* 
I recorded 90 species in addition to the 86 given in Van Duzee’s “Cata- 
logue,” making a total of 176 known to occur in British Columbia, 
surely far less than half the number which actually inhabit the region. 
Stoner? has recently published the record of one more (Podisus serie- 
ventris), and the present list adds 30, bringing the total number of 
species to 207. If we contrast this figure with the 450 of New England, 
it is clear’that there is still a good opportunity for the collector; in fact, 
every field trip should yield unrecorded species, especially in the aquatic 
and semiaquatic groups. 

It is worthy of remark that about half of the species recorded in 
the former list occur also in New England, illustrating the extraordin- 
arily extended range of many Hemiptera, but the fauna of British 
Columbia is in reality much more distinctive than such incomplete 
data would seem to indicate.’ As further collecting is done in the more 
remote parts of the Province, the proportion of characteristic, western 
species will rise, and we note a tendency in this direction in the present 
enumeration, for of the thirty-two additional species (excluding those 
occurring also in the Palaeartic region) here recorded, only 11 are to be 
met with in New England. 

Most of the material on which this report is based was sent to me 
for study by Mr. W. Downes, who collected much of it himself and 
greatly enhanced its value, as is his custom, with notes, of which he 
has permitted me to make free use. Through the kindness of Mr. C. A. 
Frost, of Framingham, Mass., | am enabled to include records of- some 
specimens from Terrace, on the Skeena River, collected by Mrs. W. W. 
_ Hippisley. 

Additional data are given for some of the species of my former list, 
indicated here by an asterisk (*), and certain corrections must_be made, 
which are summarized herewith: 


*Contributions from the Department of Zoology, Smith College, No. 79. 
On some Hemiptera from Western Canada, Occas. Papers Mus. Zool. Univ. 
_ Michigan, No. 71, 1919, 35 pp. 
; “Notes on Scutelleroidea from Vancouver Island, Can. Ent., LII:12-13, 1920. 


14 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


p. 7. Add to list of collectors, A. W. A. Phair. 

p. 13. Aradus inornatus should read Aradus blaisdelli Van Duzee. 
A. cinnamomeus is represented by subsp. antennalis 

Parshley. 

p. 18. Corythucha canadensis—C. salicis Osborn and Drake. 

p. 23. C. hesperia—C. hewitti Drake. 

p. 24. C. pura—C. immaculata Osborn and Drake. 

p. 30. Phytocoris eximius should read P. neglectus Knight. 

p. 31. Delete Orectoderus spp. with data. 

p. 35. Bolteria should read Phyllopidea. 

Collectors: E. R. Buckell, W. Downes, A. W. Hanham, Mrs. W. W. 

Hippisley, M. H. Ruhmann, R. C. Treherne, E. P. Venables. 


LIST OF SPECIES 
Family SCUTELLERIDAE 
« Homaemus bijugis Uhler.* Fairview, 21-VIII-19 (E.R.B.). 
Phimodera torpida Walker. Chilcotin, 15-VII-’20 (E.R.B.). Deter- 
mination confirmed by Van Duzee, who suggests the probability that 
this species is identical with P. binotata Say. 
Vanduzeeina balli Van Duzee. Chilcotin, 16, 18-VI-’20 (E.R.B.). 
Determined by Van Duzee. 


Family CYDNIDAE : 

Galgupha atra Amyot & Serville. Enderby, 22-VIII-’20 (W.D.). 
Malloch* has recently proposed a generic rearrangement of the species 
placed under Thyreocoris in Van Duzee’s “Catalogue.” Much as we 
deplore any undue multiplication of genera, we must nevertheless accept 
a well founded partition of a group composed of generically discordant 
elements, as this seems to be. The matter cannot be considered as 
wholly settled, however, as Horvath has also turned his attention to the 
subdivision of Thyreocoris, in a work* which I have just received from 
the author, and some adjustments may be necessary in combining the 
two independent treatments. 

Corimelaena montana Van Duzee. Enderby, 22-VIII-’20 (W.D.). 
Taken on mullein with the preceding. 


Family PENTATOMIDAE 
Carpocoris remotus Horvath.* Walhachin, 23-VII-’18 (E.R.B.). ce 
Neottiglossa sulcifrons Stal. Victoria, 30-VIII--20 (W.D.); Ver- 
non (fide Downes). 
Banasa dimidiata Say.* Terrace, VI-IX (W.W.H.). 
Elasmostethus cruciatus Say.* Terrace, VI-IX (W.W.H.). 
Perillus exaptus Say.* Terrace, VI-IX (W.W.H.). 


a °“Hart (and Malloch), Pentatomoidea of Ill., Ill. Nat. Hist. Sury., Bull. 
XIII:207, 1919. ; 


*Analecta ad cognitionem Cydnidarum, Ann. Mus. Nat. Hungarici, XVII: ij: 


205-273, 1919. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921 15 


es Podisus modestus Dallas.* Terrace, VI-IX (W.W.H.). 
Zicrona caerulea Linne. Duncan, VII-18 (A.W.H.). Taken on 
alder. ‘This is one of the most widely distributed of the Hemiptera. 


Family COREIDAE 

Ceraleptus pacificus Barber. Saanich Dist., 6-VI-18 (W.D.). 
Determination confirmed by Barber. 

Coriomeris humilis Uhler. Mara, V-’20 (R.C.T.); Saanich Dist., 
7-V-19 (W.D.). Downes’ specimen was taken in sweeping blossoms of 
trefoil and other herbage on the slopes of Mt. Douglas, four miles north 
of Victoria. Barber writes me that in his opinion this cannot.be dis- 
tinguished by constant characters from C. nigricornis Stal, and if such 
proves to be the case, upon comparison of types, the latter name must 
be adopted. Family ALYDIDAE 

Alydus scutellatus Van Duzee.. Mt. McLean, 20-VIII-’20. 

Tollius setosus Van Duzee. Enderby, 22-VIII-’20 (W.D.). 


x, Family CORIZIDAE 
Harmostes croceus Gibson.* Goldstream, VI-18 (A.W.H.). 


Family ARADIDAE 
Aradus persimilis Van Duzee. Terrace, VI-IX (W.W.H.). 
Be Aradus blaisdelli Van Duzee. Proc. California Ac. Sci., (4) 1X :333, 
1920. ‘This is the A. inornatus of my former report. 
Aradus funestus Bergroth.* Vernon, 7-X-"18 (W.D.). 

Age Aradus cinnamomeus* subsp. antennalis Parshley. This was pre- 
viously noted under the specific name. The terminology used here 
agrees with that adopted in my “essay” on Aradus. 

Mezira moesta Stal. Duncan, VII-17 (A.W.H.). 


Family LYGAEIDAE 
Ortholomus longiceps Stal. Kingmere, 19-VII-’19 (R. H. Chry- 
» -stal); Vernon, VII-'12. 
aa Ischnorhynchus franciscanus Stal.* Terrace, VI-IX (W.W.H.). 
Blissus occiduus Barber. Bull. Brooklyn Ent. Soc., XII1:36, 1918. 
Shawnigan, 22-VI-’19 (W.D.). Taken in general sweeping. This 
“species is distinguished from B. leucopterus by its small size and short 
- hemielytra, which, in the brachypterous form, are scarcely twice as long 
as the scutellum. Determination confirmed by Barber. 
Crophius bohemani Stal. Cowichan, 24- ete "18 (W.D.); Royal 
> Qak, 13-IX-19 (W.D.);~-Saanich Dist., 19-IV-’18 (W.D.).. Taken in 
general sweeping. . The colour is somewhat variable in this species, 


one specimen showing hardly a trace of the apical pale band of the 


pronotum. 
= eae insignis Uhler. Chilcotin, 16-VI-’20 (R.C.T.) ; Lillooet, 
-— (W.D.). Abundant under stones and droppings at Chilcotin. This 


species is ant-like in appearance and was found associated with ants. 


2 
a 
fis > 


LE B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


Peritrechus fraternus Uhler.* Chilcotin, 30-1V-’20 (E.R.B.); 
Saanich Dist., 6-1V-18 (W.D.). ; : 

Sphragisticus nebulosus Fallen.* Gordon Head, 16-VI-’20 (W.D.) ; 
Penticton, 22-IX-’19 (W.D.). 2 

Eremocoris ferus Say.* Saanich Dist., 20-IV-18 (W.D.). 

Eremocoris obscurus Van Duzee.* ‘Royal Oak, 12-IX-’19 (W.D.), 
found under a log; Chilcotin, 24-IV-’20 (E.R.B.), under stones on open 
range. 

Gastrodes pacificus Provancher. Kaleden, 14-IV-19 (E.R.B.). 


Family TINGIDAE 
Acalypta modesta sp. nov. 


Brachypterous form—Very pale grayish brown, head, antennae, legs, 
and body beneath, somewhat darker brown. 

Head (including eyes) somewhat broader than long (22-16); vertex 
impunctate, faintly shining; frontal spines rather short and stout, blunt, 
about as long as second antennal segment; antennae as long as pronotum 

- and head to base of spines, the third segment about three times as long as” 
the fourth (20-7), very slightly enlatged at base, the fourth fusiform. 
_Pronotum tricarinate, the disc punctato-reticulate except for the trans-. 
verse, shining region of the calli; paranota rather narrow, biseriate at 
middle, the sides almost straight and strongly convergent, gradually 
rounded anteriorly, suddenly rounded and slightly prominent pos- 
teriorly; hood small, transverse, projecting anteriorly very slightly 
beyond posterior margin of eyes; carinae rather low, with one distinct 
series of areoles, the median carina highest, the lateral extending to 
posterior margin of calli and slightly convergent anteriorly; angulate 
process obtuse, its areoles distinctly smaller than those of paranota. 
Hemielytra extending slightly beyond apex of abdomen, very.moderately 
convex, the main veins but little raised; sutural margin nearly straight, 
the apices narrowly rounded; sutural area mostly biseriate, irregularly 
triseriate at anterior and posterior ends; discoidal area widest, with 5 
or 6 rather irregular series of areoles for most of its length, acuminate 
at apex; subcostal area distinctly narrower than discoidal, mostly 
quadriseriate, triseriate toward apex; costal area (costal membrane) 
uniseriate, extremely narrow, the areoles not larger than those of sub-- 
costal area; viewed from the side the costal area and hypohemielytral 
lamina appear about equally broad. Length male 1.84 mm, female 
2.04 mm; width male .94 mm, female 1.10 mm. 

Holotype, female, Royal Oak, B. C., 14-V-’17 (R. C. Treherne), in 
the National Collection at Ottawa. j 

Allotype, male, and paratype, female same data, in my collection. a 

This species, of which the specimens at hand were found under 
moss on rocks, is related to A. lilianis Torre-Bueno. Its most striking 
characteristic is its very pale colour, which is similar in the three speci- 
mens of the type series and can hardly be due to immaturity as the — 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921 17 


individuals appear from the data to have been in hibernation and other 
indications of teneral condition are lacking. Structurally it may be dis- 
tinguished by the narrow paranota, relatively broad discoidal area, the 
very narrow costal area which is scarcely wider than the hypohemie- 
lytral lamina, and the impunctate vertex, as well as by various minor 
points. The dorsal aspect is distinctly less convex than in allied species. 
The macropterous form, if this species has it, is at present unknown. 
Corythucha salicis Osborn and Drake. -(=C. canadensis Parshley*). 


. Mission, 21-VIII-’19 (W.D.). Abundant on Salix hookeriana. I have 


\ 


recently called attention to the synonymy of this species®. It varies in 
length from 2.65 mm. to 3.57 mm., and the marginal spines are some- 
times almost vestigial. 

Corythucha salicata Gibson.* Mission, 21, 22-VIII-19 (W.D.). 
Downes has taken this species in large numbers on Salix lasiandra, and 
a few on apple. 

Corythucha hewitti Drake. Can. Ent., L1:159, June-July, 1919. 
(<—=C7 shesperia. Parshley.* 9 Ops cit, sp. 23; Aueust,, 1919) ssa Viernons 
28-IX-~19 (W.D.). Taken on hazel. Determination confirmed by 
Drake. This species varies considerably in darkness of markings and 
in the shape of the hood, which, as viewed from the side, may be almost 
angulate dorsally or evenly rounded. 

Corythucha immaculata Osborn and Drake. (=C. pura Gibson*). 
Chilcotin, 14-V-’20 (E.R.B.). Taken on Balsamorhiza sagittaria. In 
my previous paper this species was recorded under Gibson’s name. 

Family REDUVIIDAE 

Ploiariola canadensis Parshley.* . This species, described in my pre- 
vious report, has been found again by Downes in moderate numbers, 
“in company with P. hirtipes.* The latter was numerous this year on 
the under side of a rail on the shady side of a close board fence which 
separates my garden from the adjoining lot. Here they were found in 
all stages living among the cobwebs and apparently getting their living 
from the insects caught in them, though I never actually found one 
feeding” (from Downes’ notes). With additional material I am enabled 
to give some further details concerning canadensis. The scutellar spine 
is not constant in size; it may be almost obsolete or as long as that of 
the postscutellum. The third antennal segment is about one-third as 
long as the second; the fourth slightly more than one-third the length 
of the third. 

Pygolampis sericea Stal. Vancouver, 3-V-03. 

Zelus socius Uhler. Vernon, 20-VI-’19 (E.P.V.). 

Family NABIDAE 
Nabis subcoleoptratus Kirby. Enderby, 22-VIII-’20 (W.D.). 
Nabis ferus Linne.* Terrace, VI-IX (W.W.H.). 

Family MIRIDAE 
Trigonotylus ruficornis Fallen. Chilcotin, 27-VI1-20 (E.R.B.). 


‘Hem. Notices. I., Ent. News. XXXI1:273, 1920. 


18 B.C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 
3 Dacerla formicina sp. nov. z 

Brownish black, faintly shining, with fine sparse pale pubescence; 
antennae, except enlarged apical portion of second segment, legs, c 
rostrum, and hemielytra paler brown; abdomen beneath with a basal 
white spot and a smaller one at base of connexivum; posterior genital 
segment of female marked with white on each side at base; connexivum 
variably brownish. In one specimen the thorax and its appendages are : 
red, probably a teneral coloration. 


S Fj 


Dacerla formicina sp. nov. 


Fig. 1. Lateral view of male. 

Fig. 2.- Apical tarsal structures, showing the large, divergent arolia and the 
psuedo-arolia, the latter forming the thin inner margin of the claws. (Drawn he 
by Dr. H. H. Knight). ts 

Fig. 3. Genital claspers of the male, drawn without removal from the 
abdomen. a, the left clasper; b, the right. 


Head triangular before eyes, narrowed behind; anteocular portion 
slightly broader than long (24-21); width of vertex between eyes about q 
one-half width of head just in front of eyes; second antennal segment 
as long as distance from anterior margin of pronotum to apex of 
hemielytra, about four times the length of the first (55-13), enlarged in 
apical third, third and fourth segments about equal, together slightly 
longer than second (60-55); rostrum extending barely to middle coxae, 
proportions of segments as in figure 1. Pronotum tumid, short, not 


covering mesonotum, wider at apex than at base; mesonotum (including . 

0 . 7, 
scttellum) almost as long on median line as pronotum (21-25), narrowed 4 
to apex from bases of hemielytra.. Hemielytra about as long as pro- ~~ 


notum, slightly upturned at apex, meeting inwardly in a straight line 
which is nearly one-half as long as mesonotum, apices obtusely angulate ; 
clavus indistinct; membrane wanting. Abdomen globuliform, the 


= PROCEEDINGS, 1921 19 


pleural region forming a thick fold. Male genital claspers shown in 
figure 3. Legs long and slender; arolia and claws as in figure 2. 
Length male 5.5 mm; female 6.5 mm. 

Holotype, female, Saanich Dist., B. C., 3-VIII-18 (W. Downes), in 
the National Collection at Ottawa. 

Allotype, male, Saanich Dist., 1-VII-’18 (W. Downes), in my collec- 
tion. 

Paratypes, same data and Shawnigan, B.C., 1-VII-18 (W.D.), in 
Downes’, H. H. Knight’s, and in my collection. 

Collected on Rubus nutkanus, the thimbleberry or salmonberry. 

This remarkable myrmecoid species is assigned to the genus 
Dacerla because it agrees closely with D. inflata Uhler in all but the 
structure of the pronotum and hemielytra. These parts are especially 
liable to superficial modifications correlated with brachyptery and ant 
mimicry and hence their characteristics, while sometimes striking, may 
properly be considered of specific rather than of generic value. The 
male genital claspers (Fig. 3) are very similar to those of D. inflata, the 
right somewhat longer and more slender. ‘The arolia (Fig. 2) are pre- 
cisely similar, and their structure leads us to question Van Duzee’s® 
course in placing Dacerla in the Hallodapini (Dicyphinae). They are 
not “minute or wanting,” neither are they united with nor parallel with 
the claws. ‘They are in fact such as are characteristic of the Capsini 
(Mirinae) and if we accept the fundamental principles of Reuter’s system 
the genus must be placed in the Capsine tribe Myrmecoraria, where 
Reuter located it in 1909,7 without examination of the arolia. Accord- 
ing to Knight’s key to the subfamilies of Miridae,* Dacerla runs directly 
to the Mirinae. The striking resemblance which D. formicina bears to 
‘the brachypterous female of Orectoderus is shown by the fact that two 
students well versed in the study of the Miridae determined specimens 
without hesitation as “Orectoderus sp.” when I submitted them for 
examination. When I called the attention of my friend Dr. H. H. 
Knight to the neglected arolia he gave me his views, upon which I 
have freely drawn in the above discussion, and he was kind enough to 
send me the drawing of the arolia and a specimen of D. inflata for com- 
parison. Iam indebted also to Dr. W. B. Herms, of the University of 
California, for a series of this species accompanied by the ant with 
which it was found associated and which it closely resembles as a 
nymph. The ant has been determined for me by Dr. W. M. Wheeler as 
_ Formica fusca Linn. 
a Phytocoris neglectus Knight. Bull. Brooklyn Ent. Soc., XV :54, 

1920. Victoria, 31-VII-18 (W.D.). This is the species recorded in 


3 “Synop. Keys Genera N. Am. Miridae, Univ. Calif. Pubs. Tech. Bulls., 
~ Entom., 1:210, 1916. 

it *Bemerk. neark. Capsiden, Acta. Soc. Sci. Fennicae, XXXVI, No. 2:8, 1909. 
hy “Jour. New York Ent. Soc., XX VI:40-44. 

‘a 


20 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


my former paper as P. eximius. Specimens have been compared with 
the types by Knight. The species has been known hitherto from 
Michigan and Minnesota and eastward. 

Stenotus binotatus Fabricius.* Royal Oak, 7-VIII-19 (W.D.). 
Good figures of this species are to be found in “Insect Life,” V :90, 1892. 

Lygidea rubecula var. obscura Reuter. Penticton, 16-VIII-’20 
(W.D.). 

~Lygus pratensis Linne.* Duncan, 4-VIII-’20 (W.D.); Terrace, 
VI-IX (W.W.H.).. Several varietal forms which Knight has under 
investigation. 


Lygus campestris Linne.* Chilcotin, 1-IX-’20 (E.R.B.); Saanich : 


Dist., 6-VI-18 (W.D.). 

Lygus nubilatus Knight. Bull. Cornell Agr. Exp. Sta., No. 391, 
1917, p. 584. Saanich Dist., 30-IV, 10-V-’18 (W.D.). Known hitherto 
only from California. Determined by Knight. 

Neoborus amoenus Reuter. Victoria, 27-VIII-’20 (W.D.). Found 
on poplar and maple trees near the docks, not elsewhere on the Island. 
The coloration is unusually pale. 

Deraeocoris borealis Van Duzee. Proc. California Ac. Sci. (4) 
IX :354, 1920. Victoria, 30-VIII-’20 (W.D.). Determined by Knight, 
who has revised the genus. This species was described from Eastern 
Canada, Maine, and New York, but its range undoubtedly extends across 
the continent, as is the case with so many northern species. 

Coquillettia insignis Uhler. Okanagan Falls, 16-VI-’19 (R.C.T.). 

Labops hesperius Uhler. Chilcotin, 23-VII-’20 (E.R.B.). 

Labops burmeisteri Stal. Chilcotin, 15-VI-’20 (R.C.T.). On grasses 
on open range. The determination of this species must be considered 
provisional, as a comparison with the types is necessary to make the 
matter certain. This form may be distinguished from L. hesperius by 
its very small size (length, brach. 3 mm, macr. 3.5 mm), the much 


coarser and thicker scale-like pubescence of the dorsal surface, which ~ 


almost covers the pronotum and scutellum, and the coloration of the 
femora, which are black except at apex and not annulate as in hesperius._ 
Hadronema militaris Uhler.* Okanagan Falls, 16-VI-’19 (R.C.T.) ; 
Penticton, VI-19 (R.C.T.). 
Hadronema princeps Uhler. Vernon, 29-VII-’20 (M.H.R.). 
Orthotylus pacificus Van Duzee.* Royal Oak, 7-VII-’19 (W.D.). 


Several specimens of this species, of which the description was included _ 


in my former report, were collected on Salix in company with Stenotus 
binotatus, to which they bear some superficial resemblance. ‘The extent 
of the black markings is sometimes greater than the original description 


would indicate. The anterior half of the pronotum may be entirely _ 
black, or with pale anterior margin; the scutellum may be wholly black — 
except for a narrow median pale spot in the posterior half; and the head 


nay be largely black or largely pale. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921 21 


Phyllopidea picta var. hirta Van Duzee.* This form was previously 
recorded under the genus Bolteria. Knight has shown’® that this assign- 
ment is incorrect, and he has kindly confirmed the determination of 
the British Columbia material. 


Family GERRIDAE 

Gerris marginatus Say. Beaver Lake, Saanich Dist., 9-VIII-’19 
(W.D.). A brachypterous male having the hemielytra extending to the 
middle of the fourth abdominal segment. 

Gerris buenoi Kirkaldy. Beaver Lake, Saanich Dist., 9-VIII-’19 
(W.D.). A brachypterous female having the hemielytra extending to 
the level of the apex of the middle coxae. Short-winged forms are rare 
in this species but are of wide spread occurrence, as I have found them 
on Long Island, N.Y., and Hussey’? has reported apterous individuals 


trom Michigan. Family SALDIDAE 

Saldula interstitialis Say. Duncan, 17-IX-’19 (W.D.); Saanich 
Dist., 17-VI-19 (W.D.); Shawnigan, 2-VIII-19 (W.D.). These speci- 
mens from British Columbia cannot be distinguished from those occur- 
ring abundantly in the Eastern States, which at present are considered 
to represent the interstitialis of Say. In working out the Saldids 
reported on in this paper I have been favoured with the advice of my 
friend, Mr. J. R. de la Torre-Bueno, who is engaged upon a monograph 
of the North American species. 


Saldula comata sp. nov. 
Black, shining, the hemielytra conspicuously marked with dull 


- yellow as follows: a series of narrow spots within the costal margin, 


variably developed; a large ocellate spot occupying most of the middle 
areole before the middle; between this and the costal row, two or three 
large irregular blotches, and behind it two near the membranal suture, 
the outer long and narrow, the inner very small; a small oval spot at 
apex of clavus. Membrance translucent brown with one or two dark 
spots in each areole. Head black, with small yellow spots between 
ocelli and eyes and in front of the latter; tylus reddish yellow with a 
black spot at base; antennae black with a reddish yellow streak on the 
inner side of the first segment. Rostrum and ventral surface black. 
Legs largely dark reddish yellow, the femora with a black longitudinal 


stripe of variable’ width and black dots, the anterior and middle tibiae 


with a black stripe on the outer side, which is variably developed and 
does not reach the apex; second tarsal segment yellow, the third black 
or brown. 

Entire dorsal surface, excepting membrane, with legs and antennae, 
thickly clothed with long, erect, black setae and provided also with a 


°"The genus Bolteria, Bull. Brooklyn Ent. Soc., X1V:126-128, 1919. 


igs eS Douglas Lake, Occas. Papers Mus. Zool. Univ. Mich., No. 75, 
p. ’ Nt 


92 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY é earn 


very fine pale pubescence; the setae very conspicuous on vertex, lateral 
margins of pronotum, and legs; ventral surface similarly clothed, the . 
setae less conspicuous. f : - 

Vertex very finely roughened, its least width about equal to the 
transverse diameter of an eye, provided with diverging grooves before — 
the ocelli, the latter separated by a space slightly greater than the 2 
diameter of one of them, and three times as far from the eyes as from 
each other; the transverse carina between frons and tylus obsolete at 
middle; tylus elevated, moderately swollen at base; postocular portion 
of head very short. Antennae slender, as long as pronotum and scutel- 
lum; the first segment much the thickest and slightly shorter than least 
distance between eyes (9-10), almost as long as the third (9-10) ; second 
very slender, very slightly curved, a little enlarged toward apex, twice as _ 
long as the first; third almost cylindrical, slightly shorter than the fourth =~ 
(9-11), which is slightly thicker than the third and cylindrical except 
at ends. Pronotum polished, transverse, more than three times wider 
than long (47-14); lateral margins slightly curved, convergent, anterior : 
angles evenly rounded; the anterior margin a little narrower than head : 
including eyes; posterior margin broadly emarginate, slightly and evenly 
curved across middle; callus prominent, convex, not reaching lateral 
margins, with three discal indentations of which the middle one is 
deepest, the lateral faint; transverse impression deep, curved, minutely 
punctate at bottom; posterior lobe about one-half as long as preceding 
on median line. Scutellum polished, as long as wide, the impression 
sinuate, situated slightly in front of middle, the posterior lobe longer 
than the anterior (20-13) on median line. Hemielytra moderately con- 
vex, the costal margin strongly curved, broadly flattened and slightly 
reflexed anteriorly; corium faintly shining, very obsoletely punctate; 
clavus opaque; veins distinct, the inner forked, with branches reaching 
membranal suture; membrane with four areoles, the inner longest, 
extending anteriorly about one-seventh of its length beyond base of the - 
next, posteriorly almost as far as the next; outer margin of membrane 
thickened and pubescent. Second segment of hind tarsi about as long 
as the third. Last ventral segment of female more than twice as broad - 
as long (38-14), somewhat produced and broadly rounded at middle. 
Form rather broadly oval. Length male and female 4.8-5.0 mm; width 
2.5-2.7 mm. 

Holotype, male, Beaver Lake, Saanich Dist., B. C., 17-VI-19 
(W.D.), in the National Collection at Ottawa. 

Allotype, female, same data, in my collection. ; 

Paratype, female, Vernon, B. C., 26-IX~18 (W.D.), in Downes’~ 
collection. 

This species is closely related to interstitialis Say, from which it is - a 
distinguished by the long pubescence, evenly rounded anterior angles 
of pronotum, shining surface, etc. ; 


WWineie’h ald sf 


SHANG 


r 
4 


t 


Ae ae Fer 


ed Std ee a Oa 


; PROCEEDINGS, 1921 23 


Saldula nigrita sp. nov. 

Black, moderately shining, the hemielytra almost opaque and orna- 

mented with a few small and inconspicuous dull yellow markings as 
follows: a wedge-shaped spot near apex of clavus; some irregular ones 
just within costal margin near middle and near apex; three widely 
separated in middle areole of corium, of which the central one is most 
-conspicuous; a rounded one between the branches of the inner corial 
vein near inner basal angle of membrane, and a narrow one occasionally 
at the fork of this vein. Membrane black, usually with a dull yellow 
spot near apex of outer corial vein. Head black, sometimes with small 
dull yellow spots between and in front of eyes and one on apex of tylus. 

~ Antennae black, the first segment sometimes faintly marked with dull 
yellow. Rostrum and ventral surface black. Legs black, the femora 
and tibiae more or less distinctly marked with yellow toward apex, 
_ but not annulate. 
Dorsal surface,-except membrane, and ventral surface clothed with 
very fine pale pubescence, the head with a few large black setae. 

; Vertex very finely roughened and pubescent, its least width some- 
what less than the transverse diameter of an eye (8-10), provided with 
two oblique grooves extending from before the ocelli to the anterior 

inner margin of eyes; ocelli separated by a space scarcely equal to the 

diameter of one, three times as far from the eyes as from each other; a 

prominent transverse carina, recurved nearly to the eyes at each end, 

separates frons from base of tylus; tylus elevated, slightly .swollen at 
base; postocular portion of head short, nearly cylindrical. Antennae 
slender, as long as head, pronotum, and scutellum; provided with very 
fine pale pubescence and, except second segment, with sparse, erect 
setae; first segment thiekest, about as long as shortest distance between 

—— eyes, much shorter than third (7-13); second very slender, slightly 

— curved, a little enlarged toward apex, about three times as long as first 

(23-8); third very slenderly fusiform, more than one-half as long as 
second (13-23); fourth very slightly broader than third, narrowly fusi- 
form, somewhat shorter than third (12-13). Pronotum very finely 

__ rugulose, transverse, about three times wider than long (40-14); the 

lateral margins convergent, slightly curved especially anteriorly; an- 

terior margin a little narrower than head with eyes; posterior margin 
broadly emarginate, nearly straight across middle; callus prominent, 
convex, not reaching lateral margins, with three discal indentations 
tending to form a transverse groove; transverse impression sharp, 
curved, finely punctate at bottom; posterior lobe a little shorter than 
“preceding on median line. Scutellum slightly longer than wide, the 
basal lobe rugulose, the impression sinuate, situated a little in front of 
middle; posterior lobe almost smooth, faintly transversely rugulose 

-along middle, nearly twice as long as anterior on median line. Hemi- 

elytra opaque, obsoletely punctulate, moderately convex, the costal 


ae Fe 


24 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


margins gently curved, rather broadly flattened and a little reflexed 


anteriorly; veins feebly elevated, the interior forked, with branches — 


reaching membranal suture. Membrane with four areoles, the inner 
longest, extending anteriorly about one-eighth of its length beyond base 
of the next and posteriorly almost as far as the next; outer margin 
thickened, pubescent. Second segment of hind tarsi about as long as 
the third. Last ventral segment of female more than twice as broad as 
long (40-15), somewhat produced and broadly rounded at middle. 
Form rather elongate oval. Length male and female, 5-5.5 mm; width 
2.3-2.5 mm. 

Holotype, female, Duncan, B. C., 17-IX-’19 Gee in the National 
Collection at Ottawa. 

Allotype, male, same data, in Downes’ chic seen 

Paratypes, male and female, in my collection. 

This species may be recognized by its narrow form and its dull 
black colour, with inconspicuous spotting; it is distinguished from 
interstitialis and allied species also by the strong transverse carina 
separating frons and tylus, which is very distinct at middle as well as at 
the sides. According to my interpretation of Reuter’s essay** at the 
generic subdivision of Salda (or Acanthia), this form pertains to Saldula 
Van D. (Acanthia Reut.). I am not fully satisfied that many of the 
characters which Reuter employs are really of generic value, and some 
of them are certainly indefinite, e.g., the relative width of head and 
anterior margin of pronotum and the punctation of the transverse pro- 
notal impression. ‘This latter character is mentioned in the above 
descriptions and it is present in allied species, although they belong to 
a group which, according to Reuter, lacks this feature. Probably the 


punctures are merely developed in varying degrees in the different — 


sections. The characters used by Reuter in separating his genera are 
included in the present descriptions. 


Family NOTONECTIDAE 
Notonecta undulata Say.* Vernon, 26-I1X’19 (W.D.). 
Buenoa elegans Fieber. Beaver Lake, Saanich Dist., 9-VIIT19 
(W.D.). Study of a good series has revealed no differences between 
specimens taken in the west and in the east. The proper application 


of the names elegans and platycnemis of Fieber may be considered some- — 


what in doubt, but these specimens exhibit the characters ascribed to 
elegans by Hussey (Op. cit., p. 18). 


"Zur gen. Teilung pal. u. neark. Acanthiaden, Ofv. Finska Vet.-Soc. Forh., 
LIV, Aid.A, No. 12:1-24, 1912. 


: PROCEEDINGS, 1921 25 


THE SPHINGIDAE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA 
By E. H. Blackmore, F.E.S. 


The family Sphingidae is very poorly represented in the north- 
western portion of this continent. In boreal North America there are 
forty different genera, comprising some 134 species and varietal forms, 
of which only seven genera and fourteen species are known to occur 
in British Columbia. Alberta is not much better represented, as only 
sixteen forms are recorded from that province—just two more than we 
have. It is interesting to note, however, that eight of the species occur 
in both provinces. Showing how poorly we are represented here in 
this family, I may mention that in the State of New Jersey alone fifty 
different species and forms are recorded. Before taking up the species 
in detail, perhaps it would be as well to say a few words about the 
different stages. 

Larvae. The larvae of this family are quite characteristic. As a 
rule they are large and rather remarkable in appearance, the body is 
cylindrical and naked and most of them have a caudal horn situated 


near the end of the body on the eighth abdominal segment. Sometimes 
in place of this horn is a polished eye-like spot. The majority of the 


species are of some shade of green in colour and usually have oblique 
stripes of a contrasting colour on the sides. The anterior segments 
are retractile and when at rest these segments are drawn back and the 
front portion of the body raised in the air. When in this posture they 
are supposed to represent the Egyptian Sphinx and it is to this resem- 
blance that the typical genus was named Sphinx. ‘The larvae feed upon 
leaves of trees and shrubs and are solitary, that is, they do not feed in 
colonies, but each one feeds by itself upon its appropriate food plant. 

Pupae. Most of the species pass the pupal state deep in the ground 
in simple cells made in the earth; a few species, however, transform on 
the surface of the ground in imperfect cocoons composed of leaves 
fastened together with silk. : 

Adults. The majority of the species of this family have very stout, 
long, conical bodies, with long narrow pointed wings, which, together 
with their rapid and powerful flight have given them their common 
name of Hawk-moths. Sometimes they are called Humming-bird 
Moths on account of their habit of remaining poised over a flower while 
extracting the nectar, holding themselves in this position by a rapid 
motion of the wings. ‘This attitude and the whirr of the vibrating wings 
gives them a strong resemblance to a humming-bird. The tongue as a 


_ rule is very long, sometimes longer than the body, and in some species 


<i 


‘ 
= 


it is nearly six inches in length when uncoiled. The antennae are 
somewhat peculiar, being fusiform (that is spindle shaped) and pris- 


matic; they are generally stouter in the male and usually hooked at 


the tip. They are, as a rule, crepuscular in their habits, flying at twi- 
light and-hovering over flowers from which they extract the nectar with 


aie | 


26 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


their long tongues. ‘They are the most elegant of all the Lepidoptera, 
the quiet but exquisite shades of olive, tan, brown, black and yellow, ~ 
with touches here and there of pink and blue, combine to make a most 
harmonious coloration. 

The different species in British Columbia arranged-in accordance 
with Barnes and McDunnough’s Check List are as follows: 

(1) 668 Sphinx vancouverensis Hy. Edw., or as it is commonly 


called, the Vancouver Sphinx. ‘This species is fairly common on Van- 
couver Island, although it is not well represented in British Columbia 


collections. It is greyish brown in colour, with shades of paler grey 
and a few scattered black lines. 

It feeds on snowberry and is on the wing in July. It occurs from 
Vancouver Island throughout Southern British Columbia to Kaslo and 
Rossland. Its range extends southward to about San Francisco and 
eastward to Alberta and Montana. % 

There is a variety of this species named albescens Tepper, which 
is supposed to fly with it, but I have not seen a specimen of it in any 
British Columbia collection. It occurs in Alberta, however, and also 
in Manitoba; it is a smaller insect, with the costa and outer margin 2 
of the primaries a very pale grey, as is also the centre of the thorax. 
In The Moth Book, p. 51, Holland speaks of albescens as having a very 
dark thorax; this is an error, as that description applies to vancou- 
verensis, although his figure on Plate VI is correct. 

(2) 690 Sphinx perelegans Hy. Edw., or the Elegant Sphinx. 
This is a species which has been overlooked in our collections. It is 
rather rare but may be more common than supposed, as it is very liable 
to be confused with vancouverensis, especially by those collectors who 
are not aware of a similar species occurring in our fauna. It has a 
much larger wing expanse and differs in the following particulars: it 
lacks the distinct narrow black line parallelling the outer margin of the 
primaries; the black sub-apical streak is disconnected, forming in this 
species two streaks, one slightly below the other; it has also a small 
brown discal spot on the primaries, and has a distinct whitish sub- 
marginal band. 

This species was first mentioned by the late Rev. G. W. Taylor in ~ 
the Can. Ent. Dec. 1909. He took five specimens with him to Ottawa 
and studied them in conjunction with Mr. Arthur Gibson, and after 
studying the descriptions of vancouverensis, albescens, vashti and per- 
elegans, found that they agreed perfectly with the latter. Of the five a 
specimens taken, four-were from Wellington and one from Peachland. 
The only three specimens I have seen are from the Duncan district, 
where they were taken by the late Mr. E. M. Skinner some twenty-five 
years ago. In the Bull. B. C. Ent. Soc. Sept. 1906, Mr. Cockle lists —_ 
S. drupiferarum A. & S. from Kaslo, identified from Holland’s Moth — 
Book, but I rather doubt this record and believe that it refers to per- 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921 o7 


elegans, as both species are closely allied, in fact perelegans is closer 
in maculation and size to drupiferarum than it is to vancouverensis. 
The species referred to by Mr. W. H. Brittain in Brit. Col. Ent. Socy. 
Bull. 4, 1914, as drupiferarum is probably perelegans. 

(3) 705 Smerinthus jamaicensis normal form geminatus Say. 
(The Twin-spot Sphinx). This beautifully coloured moth expands 
about 2% inches. The forewings are fawn, tipped and banded with 
brown, the hindwings are carmine in the middle, bordered with pale 
tan; near the anal angle is a large black spot in which there are two 
smaller blue spots, which gave rise to the specific name geminatus. 

This species was originally named and described by Drury in error 
as coming from the Island of Jamaica. He also was unfortunate in 
having for his type an aberrant specimen in which the large black spot 
contained only one blue one. Such specimens occur very occasionally, 
as also does one in which three blue spots occur in the ocellus and this 
is named tripartitus Grt. ‘The first specimens that I saw of geminatus 
in «British Columbia were two or three in the collection of Mr. W. 
Downes, taken at Armstrong, and which I recorded in Gibson’s Ent. 
Record for 1917, with a note that it was “the only record we have for 
B. C.”. Since then, however, I have seen several more specimens taken 
by Mr. A. L. Meugens at Kelowna. The larva féeds upon a variety of 

_trees, including apple, plum, elm, ash, willow and wild cherry. It is 
quite common in the Middle Atlantic States. 

(4) 706a. Smerinthus cerisyi race opthalmicus Bdvy. The Eyed 
Hawk Moth. This is without doubt the commonest species of this 
genus occurring on Vancouver Island; although in Eastern Canada it 
is comparatively rare. It is on the wing in late April and early May 
and can be found hanging to electric light cables in almost any street of 
our coast cities; on one occasion I took 9 specimens off one cable wire. 
The female lays eggs freely in confinement—large round white ones— 
like small pearls. The species is easily bred, the larvae feeding on 
different species of willow. The species is distributed from Vancouver 
Island to the foothills of the Rockies. 

(5) 706a. S. cerisyi opthalmicus form pallidulus Edw. This is a 
most beautiful form, as all the umber brown and grey colourings are 
replaced by shades of pale oliveaceous and light tan. It is rather rare 
in collections; I only know of five or six specimens being taken. I 
captured one on June-26th, 1913, and bred another one on July 14th 
of the same year. Mr. Phair of Lillooet has taken one specimen and 
Mr. Cockle of Kaslo one or two. It is interesting to note that these 
very pale forms do not emerge until from one to two months later than 


the typical forms. 

(6) 707 Paonias excaecata A. & S. (The Blind Sphinx). This 
genus differs from the preceding genera in that the head is crested and 
the apex of the costal margin of the hind wings is produced into a some- 


28 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


what broad lobe. There are only three species in this genus, two of 
which occur within the Province. Its range in British Columbia-is 
from Vancouver Island to the Kootenays, and it occurs right across the 
continent to the New England States, where it is quite common. It 
feeds upon various plants of the order Rosaceae but does not confine 
itself to these, as it will feed upon willow, poplar and other forest trees. 

(7) 708 Paonias myops Ab. & Sm. (The Small-eyed Sphinx). 
This is a smaller species than-the preceding and somewhat prettier in 
ornamentation. The food plants and localities are much the same as 
excaecatus but it is much less common. It is rather rare in British 
Columbia and has been reported from the Okanagan District and from 
East Kootenay. I do not think that it occurs on Vancouver Island; 
so far I have not seen it in any collection on the Island. 

(8) 711 Pachysphinx modesta R. & J. This species has two pop- 
ular names, the Modest Sphinx in allusion to the quiet modest tints in 
which it is clothed, and the Big Poplar Sphinx on account of poplar 
being its chief food plant, although it will also feed on willow. It is 
the largest of our local sphingids, measuring from 4 to 5 inches in wing 
expanse. ‘The body and basal third of the fore wing is pale olive, with 
the outer third of the wing a darker olive and the middle third darker 
still with a minute olive discal dot. The hind wings are dull carmine 
red in the centre with a bluish grey patch near the anal angle. The 
larva when full grown is about 3 inches long, of a pale green colour 
and coarsely granulated, the granules studied with fine white points, 
giving it a frosted appearance. This species is recorded from the 
Okanagan to the foothills of the Rockies, but is somewhat rare. Out- 
side of the Province it extends to the Atlantic coast and southwards into 
the northern portion of Mexico; but is not common in any locality. 

(9) 732 Haemorrhagia thysbe form cimbiciformis Steph. (Hum- 
ming Bird Clearwing). This section of the Sphingidae differs from all 


others in having the middle of all the wings transparent, that is, free — 


from scales. In many species the abdomen of the male ends in a fan- 


shaped anal tuft. 

In our 1906 “‘list,” thysbe is listed from the coast, but I have never 
been able to trace the specimens that the record refers to. The insect 
that occurs in British Columbia is the form cimbiciformis and it differs 
from thysbe in the outline of the inner margin of the broad outer band 
of the primaries; in our form the line is even or slightly sinuate, in 
thysbe the line is strongly dentate. It is the rarest Hawk Moth that 
we have in the Province, I only know of three specimens being taken, 
although there may be others of which I have no record. The speci- 
men shown was taken in the Bulkley Valley in June, 1914, and the late 
Wolley Dod records one taken at Field in 1909. Strange to say, it is 
the commonest species of the genus in Eastern Canada and the New 


England States. The larva feeds on viburum, honeysuckle and snow- | 


berry. 


PME DP ths 
ears 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921 29 


(10) 735d. Haemorrhagia diffinis race rubens Hy. Edw. (The 
Bumble-bee Hawk Moth). This species is very common in certain 
localities on Vancouver Island and occurs all through the Province as 
far as the East Kootenays. It is very difficult to capture on the wing 
as its flight is exceedingly rapid and when once struck at and missed it 
is gone for good. The best and easiest way to capture them is to stand 
perfectly still, before a patch of blossom which they are known to fre- 
quent, with ones net ready to strike, and as soon as one comes within 
striking distance, to make a sweep at it, creating as little disturbance 
as possible. One afternoon in early May several years ago I captured 
over 20 in an hour and a half in a small area about 6 yards long by 2 
yards in width. It feeds on snowberry and I have bred them from a 
species of barberry. 

It may not be known to all of you that when these moths emerge 
from their pupal state, their wings are covered with scales, which how- 
ever are somewhat loosely attached. ‘These scales become detached 
after the first flight, thus rendering the wings transparent, with the 
exception of a narrow border round the edges. 

In our 1906 Check List we have listed both thetis and palpalis, the 
latter is now a synonym of the former. The record is wrong, however, 
as rubens is the form that we get in British Columbia; thetis is a much 
smaller species and occurs in Wyoming and Colorado. 

(11) 752 Prosperinus clarkiae Bdv. (Clark’s Day-sphinx). This 
is rather a small but pretty species, the fore wings are a pale olive green 
with an oblique brownish median band and a triangular brownish patch 
near the apex. The hind wings are orange yellow margined with black. 
It is not a common species by any means. It emerges about the middle 
of May and is found hovering over flowers in the bright sunshine. It 
occurs on Vancouver Island and is recorded from Vernon. I also have 
one specimen from ‘Trail, but so far Mr. Cockle has not taken it at Kaslo. 

(12) 753a. Prosperinus flavofasciata race ulalume Strecker. This 
species is rather local but it is not uncommon where it occurs. It is a 
day-flier and like the preceding species is fond of hovering over flowers. 
In a certain orchard near Cobble Hill, it is very common round the 
cherry trees when they are in bloom. It is fairly common in late April 
and early May in some parts of Vancouver. It is also taken at Kaslo 
and I have it from Mission and Rossland. ‘The larvae are reported to 
have been found feeding on fireweed. 

(13) 761 Celerio gallii race intermedia Kirby. (The Bedstraw 
Hawk-moth). So called as the larvae feed upon the common bedstraw 
Galium triflorum. ‘This is the North American representative of gallii, 
which is very common in Europe. 

Dr. Dyar in his Catalogue made intermedia a synonym of gallii, 
but Rothschild and Jordan in their Revision of the Sphingidae have 
restored the name of intermedia, which is applied to our North American 


30 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


race. It is very common throughout the Province and it occurs all over 
Canada and the United States. It is often seen hovering over flowers 
in the twilight and is attracted by light. I have seen dozens of them 
flying around the arc-lights in the suburbs of Victoria. ; 
(14) 762 Celerio lineata Fab. (The Striped Morning Sphinx). 
This is supposed to be the commonest sphingid in North America and 
has probably the most extensive range of any of them. Southern British 
Columbia is probably its northernmost limit; it extends from coast to 
coast in the United States and ranges southward through Mexico to 
Central America. In Colorado they swarm about the electric lights in 
the streets of the cities, literally in hundreds. It is not so common as 
the preceding species in this Province, but is found in the same localities. 
The two species resemble each other in colour and markings, but are — 
easily distinguished by lineata having six oblique narrow white lines. 
crossing each of the forewings; the thorax is white striped. The 
larvae of this species show great diversity in markings and are the 
most variable of all sphingid larvae. It is almost omnivorous—feeding 
on a great variety of dissimilar plants, including apple, plum, currant, 
gooseberry, turnip and chickweed. It is closely allied to the Striped 
Hawk Moth of the Old World (Celerio livornica), which has only four 
white longitudinal stripes on the thorax instead of six as in our species. 


EARLY STAGES OF NEPYTIA PHANTASMARIA STRECKER | 
(LEPIDOPTERA) 


By Geo. O. Day a 


A female of this species captured flying at Quamichan, Vancouver 
Island, on 3rd Sept., 1915, and confined in a chip box, laid 69 eggs in _ 


small batches of from two to ten each, the ova securely attached by i 
their sides. Colour a dull light green of a yellowish tinge. Shape 
bluntly oval—upper and lower sides very slightly flattened—looked at - 
under hand lens no surface markings were visible. Micropylar end of 3 
egg rather flat with a central dot. After ten days or a fortnight the 2 


colour changed to a purplish gray as if the larva enclosed was in process 
of formation, but the eggs continued in this condition without hatching. 
On 17th October I cut one of the eggs open and found it filled with a> 
yellowish green fluid without any sign of larval development. No 
larvae appeared until the following May, when on the /th of that month 
I found two on the lid of the box, evidently just hatched out, and the 
remainder followed in the course of a few days. Length 3m.m.. Head 
and claspers wider than the rest of the body; head black. Skin behind — 
the head seemed to fold over it. This fold, and the anal claspers, — 
lighter in colour than the rest of the body, being a watery green. Two a 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921 31 


grayish stripes run the length of the body, separated by a black line of 
equal width, each of the grayish stripes being outwardly edged by black 
lines along the spiracles, and the black extends to the ventral surface, 
so that practically, with the exception of the anal claspers and the skin 
fold behind the head, the larva is striped on the dorsal area with lines 
of black and gray, the median line being black. On May 16th length 
5% m.m. Head black; the front part of the fold behind the head gray 
with a dark line behind it; body striped as before, but the colours are 
dirty green and grayish green. Larvae rather restless in their habits; 
fed on the tender new growth of Douglas Fir. 

On 27th of May length 10 m.m. Head as before. ‘The three pairs 
of front claspers also jet black. Some of the larvae were still of a dirty 
green as general tone, but others inclined to plum colour in the darker 

stripes. The longitudinal lines still distinct, but instead of being about 
equal breadth, the lighter lines have narrowed, leaving the dorsal central 
stripe much wider, and also the stripe above the light spiracular stripe 
slightly wider, in proportion, than before. The dorsal stripe is lighter 
in colour than the outer ones and is bordered (immediately adjoining 
the white stripe) with darker, and in this dark edge is situated a dot 
on each segment. 

On 13th June length 18 m.m. The stripes very clearly defined and 
colours more pronounced. General tone green (simulating the colour 
of the old spines of the fir), with conspicuous yellow spiracular lines and 
two other, narrower, light green lines. All the lines (stripes) have dark 
purplish brown margins. To go more into detail, the central dorsal 
stripe is broad, bordered by narrow dark lines, then a greenish white 
stripe again bordered by a dark line throughout its length; between 
this and the yellow spiracular stripe, the narrow space is occupied by 
an irregular series of broken dark lines; these dark irregular and slightly , 
wavy lines (5 or 6) are continued all over the ventral area, the ground 
colour of which is green. 

At this stage the head is green, with 14 dark spots. The anus also 
has black spots. 

When eating the larva starts at the outer end of the fir-spine and 
demolishes it across—not lengthways. 

On 3rd July length about 25 mm. General markings not much 
changed. Dark spots on head conspicuous. Broken dark lines on the 
green background not so noticeable. 

On 6th July three or four of the most forward larvae had spun a 
few strands of silk among the pine needles, each making a very flimsy 
cocoon preparatory to pupating, and on the 7th had changed to a bright 
green chrysalis with two white stripes down the back, and another 
stripe on each side extending from the outer margin of the wing-case 
to the tail. The wing-cases are also white with green veins. The 
white areas of the wing-cases increase towards the time of emergence, 


3° B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 

as if the white wings were showing through. “There are a number of 
dark speckles across each segment. ‘The antennae cases are also green 
—legs white—proboscis (?) green. Some of the more backward larvae 
did not pupate until the end of July—not until-several imagines from 
early pupae had emerged. 

The first moth (a female) emerged on 25th July, the second (a 
male) on the 29th, and the third (a female) on the 31st. In all, 29 
moths emerged—12 males and 17 females. In the wild state, the moth 
is sometimes found at rest on the trunks of trees, where it is a con- 
spicuous object; but it is easily disturbed and has a tendency to fly 
upwards among the branches of the firs. 


NOTES ON THE ECOLOGICAL DISTRIBUTION OF SOME 
ORTHOPTERA FROM THE CHILCOTIN DISTRICT 
OF BRITISH COLUMBIA 


By E. R. Buckell 


a 


In British Columbia there are some species of Orthoptera which 
do not frequent the same type of habitat in different parts of the Prov- 
ince, and the following notes on ecological distribution apply only to 
the Chilcotin District, and mainly to the Riske Creek Range situated 
in the angle made by the junction of the Fraser and Chilcotin Rivers. 

In dividing a number of species into “groups” or “associations of 
species” there are a number of plans which might be adopted. In the 
Chilcotin District, however; the topographical and floral characters lend 
themselves readily to the formation of four main divisions, populated 
by fairly distinct groups of species. These may conveniently be called 
the campestrian, sylvan, semi-sylvan and hygrophilous groups. The cam- 
pestrian group may, furthermore, be sub-divided into phytophilous, saxi- 
colous and geophilous species; and the hygrophilous group into humucolous 
and paludicolous species. ‘These sub-divisions are added to further 
emphasize the various types of environment chosen by the campestrian 
and hygrophilous species for their normal habitat (i.e., the habitat in 
which they are found in greatest numbers). A short description of the 
district will further explain the choice of these headings. 

The Riske Creek Range is an undulating, triangular, tableland, with 
an elevation ranging from 3,000 to 3,500 feet. It is bounded on two 
sides by the river valleys of the Fraser and Chilcotin Rivers, which are 
approximately 1,500 feet below the level of the main tableland. 

The steep river valley slopes and the main tableland are open 
grass lands bounded on the north by forests of fir, spruce and pine. 


This open grass covered area contains about 300 square miles and forms — 


the home of the campestrian species. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921 33 


_The lower slopes and benches of the river valleys are very much 
warmer than the upper tableland and are covered with tall bunch-grass 
and Chrysothamnus bushes, and are intersected by numerous rayines 
filled with rank herbage and small trees: It is here that we find the 
phytophilous campestrian species, whose habitat is a warm, dry loca- 
tion, plentifully covered with herbage such as the tall bunch-grass of 
the open slopes, or the tangled brush of the ravines. The colder and 
higher tableland above supports but little vegetation and has been so 
heavily overgrazed by cattle that we find nothing but a scant covering 


of low-growing grasses and small plants which soon dry up in the 


summer sun. ‘This is the home of the geophilous campestrian species, 
whose favourite habitat is a bare, sunbaked ground devoid of all tall 
herbage. — 

The tableland is composed of a layer of lava rock overlying deep 


beds of silt and gravel. ‘The rivers in cutting down through this vol- 
canic rock into the softer layers below, have left in many places, pre- 


cipitous cliffs along the upper edges of their valleys (locally known as 
“the rimrock’’). At the base of these cliffs there is the usual talus of 
broken rock which reaches down on to the upper slopes of the valleys, 
forming a favourable habitat for certain species which I am calling the 
saxicolous campestrian. 

The forests, bounding the open country on the north, are composed 
mainly of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga mucronata), Engelmann spruce 
(Picea engelmanni) and Lodgepole pine (Pinus murrayana). ‘There is 


' very little undergrowth, the ground being covered with pine-grass. In 


xem 


these forests we find the sylvan species. 

The semi-sylvan species are those which are found in the large 
natural clearings in the forest, where an abundance of tall herbage 
grows, and in the long grass beneath the aspen poplars which are always 
found fringing the edge of the forests and dividing them from the open 
grass-land. The species included under this heading naturally overlap 
the sylvan and geophilous campestrian species, but are never numerous 
away from their natural habitat. 

- Lastly, we have the hygrophilous group divided into the humicolous 
species inhabiting hay-fields, borders of streams, the thick herbage of 
“willow-bottoms,” and the margins of lakes, and the paludicolous species 
frequenting marshes and bogs. 

The following species were collected during the summer of 1920, 
and are arranged systematically with short notes on their Ecological 
Distribution. Family LOCUSTIDAE 

Anabrus longipes Caudell. Semi-sylvan. Found inhabiting open 
glades, Aspen groves on open mountain slopes, and in and around clumps 
of trees on certain portions of the open range. 

Steiroxys (trilineata?) Thomas. A semi-sylvan species, fairly plenti- 
ful, found in similar locations to Anabrus longipes. 


34 - B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 
Cyphoderris monstrosus Uhler. Sylvan. A nocturnal species. 
May be found during the day time beneath logs and flat stones in the 


forests. 
Family GRYLLIDAE 


Gryllus abbreviatus Serville. A saxicolous campestrian. An un- 
common insect in this locality found only in warm situations close to 
the Fraser River. Frequents rock-slides and stony ravines, where the 
males may be heard stridulating during the heat of the day. 

Oecanthus quadripunctatus Beut. A phytophilous campestrian. Found 
occasionally among tall plants and rose bushes in dry, warm ravines in 


the river valleys. 
Family ACRIDIDAE 


Tettiginae 
Acrydium-granulatum Kirby. A hwmicolous hygrophile. ‘Taken only 
in damp grass beneath willow and birch close to water. Both long and 
short-pronotumed forms were collected. 
Acrydium brunneri Bol. A Juunicolous hygrophile. Observed only 
in one small area among fallen leaves and moss under birch and willow 


around an upland spring. 
Tryxalinae 


Amphitornus bicolor McNeill. A phytophilous campestrian. Inhabits 
the bunch-grass slopes of the river valleys. A few found on upper table- 
land in depressions where the herbage was fairly plentiful. 

Chloealtis abdominalis Thomas. Sylvan. Very common.  Fre- 
quenting open forests, especially where logging operations have been 
conducted leaving the ground strewn with dead limbs. Less plentiful 
in aspen groves in semi-sylvan locations. 

Chloealtis conspersa Harris. Sylvan. Common. Inhabiting open — 
forests in company with C. abdominalis. 

Mecostethus gracilis Scudder. A paludicolous hygrophile. Collected — 
in wet marshes and flooded areas in wild hay meadows. Flies actively 
about in the tops of tall grasses and rushes. 

Chorthippus curtipennis Harris. A /uwmicolous hygrophile. A very 
common species in long rank meadow grass and under aspens in damp 
locations. Extending in places into distinctly sylvan surroundings. 

Platybothrus brunneus Thomas. <A geophilous campestrian. Was — 
found in great numbers over approximately 1,000 square miles of dry, . 
bare, overgrazed range. ‘The only geophilous species of this sub-family 
collected and, I believe, the first record of a Tryxaline occurring in ~ 
injurious numbers in Canada. 

Oedipodinae , 

Arphia pseudonietana Thomas. A phytophilous campestrian.. Rarely — 
seen. ‘I'aken in small numbers in hot, dry ravines, and among sage ~ 
brush near the Fraser River. 

Camnula pellucida Scudder. A geophilous campestrian. 'This common ~ 
and destructive species was found everywhere on the open range land. — 


ee a eo 


XA h 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921 35 


It is particularly fond of alkaline ground, especially for oviposition. A 
species with migratory tendencies and flies freely. This species 
migrated during August into sylvan, semi-sylvan and phytophilous 
locations in search of food, but returned to the range for oviposition. 

Hippiscus sp. A geoplilous campestrian. A typical geophilous cam- 
pestrian distributed all over the open range and rarely extending into 
semi-sylvan or phytophilous surroundings. 

Hippiscus (Xanthippus) latefasciatus Scudder. <A piytophilous cam- 
pestrian. This large brightly coloured insect is one of the earliest to 
appear in spring as it hibernates as a nymph. Commonly found on 
warm bunch-grass flats along the river valleys. Occasionally found 
on the upper range. 

Pardalophora tuberculata Beauv. Semui-sylvan. <A rare species, 
taken occasionally in dry mountain meadows. 

Spharagemon aequale Say. A phytophilous campestrian. Collected 
only on lower bunch-grass flats close to the rivers, where, in company 
with Metator pardalinus, it did considerable damage to the grass. 

Metator pardalinus Saussure. A. phytophilous campestrian. Very 
common on lower bunch-grass flats in company with Spharagemon 
aequale. Rare on upper range. Both yellow and red winged forms 
were seen. 

Circotettix carlinianus Thomas. <A geophilous campestrian. Found 
only on the dryest and barest parts of the upper range in small scattered 
colonies. 

Circotettix lobatus Saussure. A savicolous campestrian. Inhabits 
the steep rocky sides of ravines and the base of cliffs in warm locations 
on the river slopes. 

Circotettix suffusus Scudder. A sylvan species. This species was 
most frequently found in the Chilcotin district in, sylvan locations, but 
also inhabits semi-sylvan areas such as open clearings and road sides. 

Trimerotropis vinculata Scudder. A  phytophilous campestrian. 
Found locally on dry exposed areas on lower river benches. 

Trimerotropis sp. A geophilous campestrian. A typical geophilous 
spécies found commonly on the open range of the tableland. 

Acridinae 

Melanoplus atlanis Riley. A geophilous campestrian. Frequents dry,. 
sandy grass lands on sheltered parts of the range. 

Melanoplus femur-rubrum DeGeer. A /uwmicolous hygrophile. Re- 
stricted in the Chilcotin district to hay meadows and long rank grass; 
avoiding very dry areas. 

Melanoplus bivittatus Say. Mainly a semi-sylvan species, adapted, 
however, to a wide variety of conditions. It was found wherever there 
was a thick growth of succulent vegetation, such as the borders of 
streams, and also out on the open range in depressions where there was 
a good covering of grass. 


~ 


36 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


Melanoplus packardii Scudder. <A phytophilous campestrian, with 
geophilous tendencies. Only collected in one locality. Found among 
bushes on a dry, stony bank near the Chilcotin River at Hanceville. _ 

Melanoplus altitudinum Scudder. Semi-sylvan. Found only among 
the scrub along road sides and in aspen poplar groves. 

Melanoplus minor Scudder. A phytophilous campestrian. Frequents 
dry ground among bushes and low scrub, on the lower river valley flats. 
Found sometimes in typical semi-sylvan surroundings. 


Melanoplus bruneri Scudder. Semi-sylvan. Found most commonly 
in semi-sylvan locations, but extends into the geophilous campestrian 
area where the open range adjoins the forest. 


Melanoplus alpinus Scudder. <A sylvan species. Found throughout 
the open pine forests, usually above 3,500 feet elevation. 


Melanoplus infantilis Scudder. A geophilous campestrian. A typical 
geophilous species and the only Melanoplus found commonly on the open 
dry range. It chooses the barest of ground for its habitat, and never 
encroaches upon the semi-sylvan or phytophilous locations. 

Melanoplus borealis Fieber. A hwmicolous hygrophile. An inhabit- 
ant of the tall rank vegetation beneath birch and willow on the borders 
of streams. A sluggish species, usually seen resting on the leaves of 
nettles and other tall plants. A richly coloured insect, probably due 
to its humid surroundings. 

Melanoplus fasciatus Walker. Sylvay. A typical sylvan species 
found among low brush in the forest areas in the higher elevations. In 
addition to the species of Melanoplus enumerated above two species of 
wingless Melanpoli (genus and species not yet determined) were taken 
in considerable numbers. ‘They were typically semi-sylvan in their 
choice of habitats. They were found in dry mountain meadows and in 
aspen groves on the mountain slopes. 


TABLE OF THE “LOCUST ASSOCIATIONS” FOUND IN THE 
CHILCOTIN DISTRICT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA 
Group I. CAMPESTRIAN (Inhabiting Open Ground) 

PHYTOPHILOUS Species. 

Oecanthus quadripunctatus Beut. 

Amphitornus bicolor McNeill. 

Arphia pseudonietana Thomas. 

Hippiscus (Xanthippus) latefasciatus Scudder. 

Spharagemon aequale Say. 

Metator pardalinus Saussure. 

Trimerotropis vinculata Scudder. 

Melanoplus packardii Scudder. 

Melanoplus minor Scudder. 


“reel 
By 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921 


GEOPHILOUS Species. 
Platybothrus brunneus Thomas. 
Camnula pellucida Scudder. 
Hippiscus sp. 
Circotettix carlinianus Thomas. 
Trimerotropis sp. 
Melanoplus atlanis Riley. 
Melanoplus infantilis Scudder. 


SAXICOLOUS Species. 
Gryllus abbreviatus Serville. 
Circotettix lobatus Saussure. 


Group II. SYLVAN (inhabiting Forests) 
Cyphoderris monstrosus Uhler. 
Chloealtis abdominalis Thomas. 
Chloealtis conspersa Harris. 
Circotettix suffusus Scudder. 
Melanoplus alpinus Scudder. 
Melanoplus fasciatus Walker. 


Group III. SEMI-SYLVAN (Inhabting Borders of Forests, 
Open Glades, etc.) 

Anabrus longipes Caudell. 

Steiroxys (trilineata?) Thomas. 

Pardalophora tuberculata Beauv. 

Melanoplus bivittatus Say. 

Melanoplus altitudinum Scudder. 

Melanoplus bruneri Scudder. 


Group IV. HYGROPHILOUS 
HUMICOLOUS (Moisture-loving) Species. 
Acrydium granulatum Kirby. 
Acrydium brunneri Bol. 
Chorthippus curtipennis Harris. 
Melanoplus femur-rubrum DeGeer. 
Melanoplus borealis Fieber. 


PALUDICOLOUS (Marsh-loving) Species. 
Mecostethus gracilis Scudder. 


Poplar 


Groves, 


In conclusion it is worth mentioning the influence that man has 
had upon the distribution of some of the Orthoptera of the Chilcotin 
district. Before this country was settled, the whole of the tableland 
(geophilous campestrian location) was thickly covered with bunch- 
grass, and although undoubtedly somewhat colder than the river valley 
slopes (phytophilous campestrian location), I believe that the Orthop- 


teran fauna was very similar in the two localities. 


88 : B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


The use of this country as a cattle range has completely altered the 
condition of the tableland, or upper range, where the cattle have been 
allowed to graze unchecked. The bunch-grass has gone, and the range 
is bare and uncovered by any high growing plants. Species such as 
Metator pardalinus, Spharagemon aequale and Amphitornus bicolor no 
longer find the range to their liking and only a few of them can now be 
found in some of the depressions where there is an unusual abundance 
of grass. 

These species are now confined to the river valley slopes which 
have been fenced as “winter ranges” and are net overgrazed by the 
cattle. The overgrazing of the range, while it has caused the decrease 
of some species, such as Metator, Spharagemon and Amphitornus, has 
undoubtedly created ideal conditions for other species, probably hitherto 
comparatively uncommon. Among these may be mentioned Melanoplus 
infantilis, Camnula pellucida and Platybothrus brunneus. ‘The last 
species was extremely abundant, causing a serious outbreak over at 
least 1,000 square miles in the Chilcotin district alone, and as specimens 
were also secured from the Nicola Valley, it probably extended over 
2,000 to 2,500 square miles of open cattle range in British Columbia. 
This sudden outbreak, in large numbers, of a species never before 
recorded from the Province, and rarely taken in Canada, is remarkable. 

The following species from the above list are believed to be new 
records for the Province. 

Pardalophora tuberculata Beauv. 
Mecostethus gracilis Scudder. 
Platybothrus brunneus Thomas. 
Melanoplus fasciatus Walker. 
Melanoplus infantilis Scudder. 
Melanoplus borealis Fieber. 
Melanoplus minor Scudder. 
Melanoplus altitudinum Scudder. 


° PROCEEDINGS, 1921 39 


NOTES ON THE FAUNA AND FLORA OF MT. McLEAN, B. C. 
By R. Glendenning 


During the summer of 1920 this mountain was visited three times 
in connection with the Natural Control Investigations being carried on 
by the Dominion Entomological Branch. The insect being studied in 
this case was the Spruce Budworm, Tortrix fumiferana, which has been 
doing considerable damage to the Douglas Fir in these parts. Perhaps 
a brief description of the plant associations found on the mountain 
from base to summit would not be out of place, as no factor has greater 
bearing on the distribution of the insect fauna than the plant associations. 

The life zones encountered on this mountain according to the system 
of Merriam are as follows: 

Base-1000 Upper Sonoran. 
1000-1700 Arid Transition. 
1700-3700 Humid Transition. 
3700-6600 Hudsonian. 
6600-Top 7850 Arctic. 

At the base of the mountain lies the town of Lillooet in the Upper 
Sonoran area, i.e., the sage brush country; here the dominant plant is 
the sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) with Rabbit Bush (Bigelovia) 
and various small herbs of xerophytic habit as Chrysopsis the Golden 
Aster, and the handsome Gaillardia aristata. There are a few scattered 
trees of Yellow Pine (Pinus ponderosa, also a little Sumach (Rhus 
glabra). This association has to withstand the fiery heat of summer with- 
out relief from the showers which refresh our coast vegetation, or occur 
at higher elevations on the mountain. Life is at its zenith here early 
in the year, though throughout the long summer days the variously 
pitched songs of the Orthoptera are always to be heard. This sage- 
brush formation extends upwards to the 1,000 feet level, where it 
gradually merges into the Arid Transition area. It will be fully under- 
stood that there is no hard and. fast line of demarcation between plant 
formations, one is only gradually replaced by the next, and at times it 
is difficult to say which formation one is in. As well, elevation is not 
the sole factor governing the type of plant formation, as a southern 
exposure or a dry ridge will carry the association of a lower formation 
to higher levels, causing an irregular contour. ‘These remarks apply 
equally to the divisions between all the formations. 

In the Arid Transition we have as dominant trees, the Yellow Pine 
(Pinus ponderosa) and our versatile friend the Douglas Fir, and it 
might be as well to lay stress here on this quality of the latter tree; it 
being found in three if not four zones and ranging from 1,000 to 6,000 
feet, or to within 500 ft. of the limit of trees. These two trees form 
} an open woodland pleasant to pass through and collect in. ‘The under- 

brush i is light and consists of Snowbrush (Ceanothus sanguineus), a fay- 


40 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY - 
ourite food plant of many insects, June berry (Amelanchier), rose bushes 
(R. pisocarpa and nutkana), with a low covering of the evergreen False 
box (Pachystima myrsinites), and Spiraea lucida. This association 
persists on the drier ridges for about 1,000 ft. There is here ample 
material for wood boring insects, consequently Buprestids are-frequent. 
Ants also find congenial surroundings and are numerous both in species 
and individuals, and seem to delight in getting mixed up with ones food 
and crawling up ones legs at night. The mound building species are 
much in evidence; some of their domiciles were noticed that had been 
torn down by bears. For a student in myrmecology this would be an 
excellent place to locate. 

The Arid Transition and the Humid Transition have a range of 
elevation of approximately 2,700 ft. or from 1,000 to 3,700 ft. above 
sea level. They are very similar but the greater rain and snow fall 
in the upper half causes a ranker growth, and several plants drop out, - 
to be replaced by others. The woods of the Humid Transition have 
very much of the appearance we are familiar with on the coast. Salal 
(Gaultheria shallon) and Ocean Spray (Spiraea discolor), with bar- 
berries (Berberis nervosa and aquifolium) form the underbrush and the 
Douglas Fir is an almost pure stand and forms a much closer growth 
of timber than lower down. 

It is within these areas, the Arid and Humid ‘Transition, that the 
Spruce Bud moth is most active, and although the damage to the forests 
has been much less severe than in the Eastern States, a considerable 
amount of stripping has been noticeable for some years past in this 
district. In contrast with the outbreaks in New Brunswick, the out- 


breaks in British Columbia have always been checked in the course of - 


a few years by natural means and it was in order to study these natural 
control phenomena that time was spent on the mountain. 

As is so often the case, birds proved to be the greatest factor in 
control, and it was an interesting sight to see the flocks of sparrows, 
chickadees, vireos, warblers and other birds, including the brilliantly 
coloured western tanager, revelling in the abundance of food there to 


be found. These birds were exceedingly nimble and tame, and could be — 


watched at less than arms length hopping along a branch, systematically — 
side stepping on each branchlet to pick off the larva ensconced in its” 


nest at the tip. When the branch was finished, they would ascend to 4 


the next and work that similarly. So thoroughly was their work done, 
that considerable difficulty was experienced, and much time spent, in 


endeavouring to collect sufficient material for parasite rearing work. z 
Speaking from memory, at least 75% of the damaged tips examined for _ 


a larva were found to have lost their occupants. Various hymenop- — 


terous parasites, Apanteles, Pimpla, Limnerium and Meteorus were ‘6 


also at work but by far the greatest benefit is attributable to the birds, — 


who have now practically controlled the outbreak on Mt. McLean. ‘The 


« 


7: 


¢ 


4 


: 


. 
: X 
4 
3 
a 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921 41 


moths were very scarce during their annual flight during July this year, 
where in previous years hundreds were on the wing. 

The larva of the Bud worm has various methods of defence against 
predators and parasites, two especially being noticeable. Firstly, from 
their nest at the branch tips formed by the drawn together needles, the 
larva drops like a plummet on the jarring of the branch and conceals 
itself amongst the foliage of the branch below, or secondly, in the 
event of a close approach when the insect is out feeding, it retracts into 
its cell with great rapidity. This latter move being probably of much 
use in escaping from some hovering parasite. ‘There is no doubt that 
the more open nature of the forest in British Columbia than in New 
Brunswick is conducive to a greater bird population and is the missing 
factor in the natural control of this pest in eastern forests, where in 
the gloom of the balsam woods, birds are less plentiful. 

Another insect of some interest met with in this zone and the next 
was a species of stone cricket (Cyphoderris monstrosus). Our evening 
meal being over, the chores done, we would be sitting over the camp 
fire when as dusk fell, a high pitched churring would be heard from 
the neighbouring trees. To locate the maker of this vespertine music 
was a difficult task, as it was very nearly dark before it commenced, and 
was one of those curious sounds of all pervading intensity, and appar- 
ently ventriloquial. With much perseverance we at length located one 
of the musicians resting lengthwise on a branch. Very careful approach 
was necessary to effect capture, as they would simply drop to the 
ground and be lost in the gloom of the gathering night. Some two 
dozen specimens were captured during the summer, and the exact 
economy of this nocturnal serenade is not clear, as no females were 
encountered, though careful search was made. 

Insects are only tolerably abundant in this zone, being much less 
so than in the open flower slopes around 5,000 ft., but there were quite 
a few micros on the wing and large robber-flies were frequent; one 
being netted with a rare noctuid in his talons, quite uninjured and now 
in the collection of Mr. A. W. Hanham. 

After 3,700 ft. altitude is reached, more boreal conditions become 
evident. Our plant association alters once more and we are in the 
Hudsonian area. Of trees, the Douglas Fir still persists but others 
appear, the mountain representatives of our lowland conifers, namely, 
spruce (Picea engelmanni, balsam (Abies lasiocarpa), hemlock (Tsuga 
mertensiana), and two pines (Pinus contorta and albicaulis). ‘The 
mountain juniper (Juniperus sibirica), rhododenron (Rhododendron 
albiflorum), and Devil’s Club (Fatsia horrida) also occur. These form 
rather dense growth in the draws but on the ridges they give way to the 
flower slopes that in July are, I think I am safe in saying, unmatched in 
North America for beauty to the artist and for interest to the ento- 
mologist. Here herbs are at their zenith and a riot of colour is provided 


42 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 
for the eye and a feast of richness for the innumerable flower frequenting 
insects. Lupines, Pentstemons, Arnicas and Asters are amongst the 
commoner herbs, and syrphids, bombyliids and various hymenoptera 
and lepidoptera come in droves to the feast. A considerable amount of 
collecting was done in the neighbourhood of these flower slopes, as well 
as in the alpine meadows above timberline. Some of the material 
collected is named, but much is not and should provide many new and 
interesting records of alpine and subalpine species when worked over 
by specialists. Diptera and hymenoptera were the chief orders collected 
in, but on the occasion of my last trip in August I had the pleasure of 
the congenial and erudite company of Mr. A. W. Hanham, who gathered 
many choice specimens of lepidoptera and coleoptera, some of which 
are also yet undetermined. 

Five days were spent in camp at the 5,000 ft. level last August, and 
it might be as well to mention here that camping at this elevation in the 
dry belt of British Columbia is not at all unpleasant. The nights are 
not unduly cold, not nearly so cold as those experienced at 4,000 ft. on | 
Mt. Cheam in the wet coast strip. 

From the camping place on Mt. McLean at 5,000 ft. there is another 
1,500 ft. of open Hudsonian association before the timber line is reached 
at 6,500 ft. This last 1,500 ft. is very steep going but pleasant and open. 
Where water is near the surface, the vegetation is quite rank, and coarse 
growing herbs abound. Collecting was good here in August on the 
Umbellifers Angelica Lyallii and Heracleum lanatum. Aster foliaceus 
and Erigeron salsuginosus also were much patronized by insects and 
some fine Pachytas, a dull yellow Cerambycid, were taken here. Just 
before leaving the timber, under some horse dung, were found some long 
legged bugs, black with a reddish shield; they were apparently feeding | 
on the larvae of a dung beetle there. This proved to be a rather rare 
insect, Alydus scutellatus, and Mr. Downes, who identified it, informs 
“me only taken once before from British Columbia. 

To those who have toiled up a mountain side through the gloom 
of the forest I need not describe the joyous feeling attendant on emerg- 
ing from the timber and gaining the open slopes of an alpine summit. 


To those who have not, I will merely say they have a treat in store. 
The timber line on McLean is quite sharply defined, and from the edge 
of the trees upward the country consists of bare rocky ridges, with 
occasional dwarfed clumps of conifers. The ridges, although appar- 
ently bare, are not really so, as a close mat of prostrate herbs covers — 
them, prostrate perforce, the winds occasionally being so strong that — 
mounted Indians decline to face them while hunting. Grasses, sedges, 
potentillas, dwarf lupines, heathers, saxifrages, the moss campion and 
the handsome Eriogonum subalpinum are here at home, but perhaps the 
commonest plant is the alpine avens, Dryas octopetala. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1921 43 

These plants are arctic in distribution and persist-from timber. line 
to summit 7,850 ft. Some of them will be found up to 10,000 where that 
elevation is reached. 

On our visit early in July the snow was just commencing to go on 
these alpine slopes and but little was moving; but in August insect life 
was abundant in this zone. Various species of grasshoppers are to be 
found, lepidoptera are numerous and in fact all orders of insects are 
represented, often by rarely taken species, the joy of the cabinet system- 
atist. Parnassius butterflies were abundant here in August, as were 
blues of several species. That very common -habit of several alpine 
species of butterflies of closnig their wings and turning on their side 
was noticed. The most insect frequented flowers on these alpine slopes 
were the arnicas (A. latifolia and parryi), a solidago (S. corymbosa) and 
two species of Agoseris, dandelion-like plants. The richly coloured 
willow herb, Epilobium latifolium was neglected except by bees. 

I would like to record here while dealing with this subject an inter- 
esting little episode I witnessed. Away on the-side of one of these lone 
bare wind-swept ridges was a small semi-sheltered depression still 
green and carpeted with a lovely bunch of Arnicas: collecting was good 
here. On one of the clumps of arnica I noticed a very large, heavy 
bodied bumble bee; it was busy robbing one of the waving heads, which 
having completed, it attempted to cross to another nearby whenever the 
fitful gusts of wind blew one in its direction. Several unsuccessful 
attempts were made to hold with the front pair of legs the waving 
blossom, and at least half a minute passed before it was at length suc- 
cessful in holding and scrambling over on to another flower without 
having recourse to flight. I think this shows more reason, than that 
quality described as instinct by naturalists. 

Another interesting sight was some clumps of an alpine willow 
(Salix arctica) about 18 inches high covered with the pupae of a chry- 
somelid (leaf-eating) beetle. They had completely skeletonized the 
foliage and the adults were just commencing to emerge. It is a rare 
species and I have not yet received the name. ‘There must have been 
thousands on these few bushes and a strong inky odour was prevalent 
in their proximity. 

Some distance above timber line, at 7,000 ft. to be exact, two small 
lakes, each about '% acre in extent, were found. Here two species of 
water beetle, a tipulid (daddy-long-legs) and a dragonfly were noticed, 
also some caddis larvae. These lakes can only be free from ice for 
about eight weeks in the year. In the mud by the margin the footprint 
of a wader (curlew!) was noticed, thus exemplifying one of the methods 
by which water insects probably reach these isolated places. 

Insect life was common at or near the very summit; grasshoppers 
were plentiful and several small butterflies were taken within a few 
yards of the top, wherever a slight depression gave shelter from the 


44 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY ; 

J / 
wind, a copper (Heodes cupreus) and a blue (Plebius podarce) and 
several others not yet determined. These species are dwellers on the 
rock slides (not very good ground for chasing them) and frequented the 
clumps of Solidago and Aplopappus there to be found. Several speci- 
mens of noctuids of the alpine genus Syngrapha were also taken early 
in the afternoon. : j 

The usual alpine animals were seen. Hoary marmots whistled 
at our intrusion of their solitudes, and rock rabbits squeaked and hid 
in the rock slides. [wo willow ptarmigan in mottled summer plumage 
were very tame, and allowed good photographs to be taken. Pipits 
were encountered frequently and a golden crowned sparrow appeared 
to be nesting in a clump of wind depressed firs. There is certainly lots 
of insect food here for these birds during the brief summer. 

To anyone wishing to spend a short time collecting under alpine 
and subalpine conditions, no better mountain is known in these parts. 
There is an immense area of land above timber line available and by 
no means worked out. One can travel all day and not cover the same 
ground. There is a good horse trail from base to timber line, used 
by the local inhabitants when hunting or when opening their irrigation 
ditches, which convey the water from the melting snows to the parched 
land of the valleys. Camping is pleasant, mosquitos being scarce; and 
its proximity to the dividing line between wet and dry belts makes it a 
rich field botanically and therefore entomologically. 


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ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA 


The Twenty-first Annual Meeting was held in Victoria on Saturday, 
January 21, 1922. 

The President, L. E. Marmont, was in the chair, and 14 members 
were present. 

The Secretary’s Report and Financial Statement was read by 
Mr. R. Glendenning, Assistant Secretary, in the absence of Mr. Downes. 

The business and discussions upon it occupied nearly the whole of 
the morning session, the subjects being: 

The continuance of the Entomological Reeord; 

The Society’s Cup, offered for school competition ; 

The by-laws revised for incorporation, and 

The proposed increase in subscription to the parent society. 

The following motion was passed relative to the last subject: 


“That this Society thinks a subseription of $1 to the Ontario En- 
tomological Society is sufficient, in view of the decrease in prices.”’ 


The following papers were read: 


The Use of Spreaders in Poison Sprays............--...-...202seeees-e+ A. L. Lovett 
Hemisarcoptes Malus and Its Relation to Oyster Shell 
SSC cl] enemas) Re nee eee tet hee A Leh oe eee E. P. Venables 


Economie Insects of ives Year in the Lower Fraser Valley..R. Glendenning 
A Talk on the Chileotin Country and its Orthoptera, 


illstratedswith lantern slides: .2.2..:..2..02. 222) 22 E. R. Buekell 
The Teaching of Entomology in the Publie Schools................ J. W. Gibson 
Aerial Surveys as an Aid to Entomological Investigation......... E. Hearle 
ithe Inteeustory of the Poplar Sawfly.....22.2..2...2. W. Downes 
Rheskuropeansbarwic. im) BwCl ste eS R. C. Treherne 
Incidental Observations Regarding Certain Inseets............. W. H. Lyne 


Election of officers resulted as follows: 
EVO TVA CSUG CMG eee ese ce ce eee ree cen eee F. Kermode 
] PRESS (ey a a ee eee eee RS ee, Sa RP L. E. Marmont 
paras eS eee R. 8S. Sherman (Coast) 
eae ee M. H. Ruhmann (Interior) 
Advisory Board: The above and E. H. Blackmore, 
W. H. Robertson, J. W. Gibson, W. H. Lyne, E. Hearle. 


Hon. Secretary-Treasurer, R. Glendenning, Agassiz, B.C. 


Vice-Presidents 


4 Proceedings, 1922 


A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. W. Downes, the re- 
tiring secretary, for his valuable services. ; 
It was decided that the next meeting would be held in Vancouver. 


REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-TREASURER 


I have pleasure in presenting the report of the Secretary-Treasurer 
for the year 1921. 

During the past year the membership of the Society has been well 
maintained and some new names have been added to the lst. These 
are: F. E. Whitehouse, R. Hopping, G. E. Wilkerson and Miss Amy 
Woodland. The Society will be strengthened by the membership of the 
first named who are well known for their work in Odonata and Cole- 
optera respectively. Mr. Wilkerson is a former member whom we are 
elad to weleome back to our Society and Miss Amy Woodland has 
joined as an associate member. 

In accordance with the resolution passed at your last meeting, the 
matter of the incorporation of the Society was considered by the ad- 
visory board and a committee, consisting of Messrs. Gibson, Downes and 
White, appointed to go into the matter. It was found that under the 
Benevolent Societies Act that it was necessary to obtain the consent of 
the parent Society to this incorporation, our Society being a branch of 
the Ontario Entomological Society; also that a copy of the bylaws of 
our Society should be filed with the registrar. Therefore, before sub- 
mitting these bylaws it was necessary for the committee to revise them 
and add the resolutions that had been passed from time to time and then 
submit them to the parent Society for final approval and to ensure that 
they should not conflict with the constitution of the Ontario Entomo- 
logical Society. The most convenient time to do this was at the annual 
meeting of the Ontario Entomological Society on December 29 when a 
majority of the members of the council was present. This meeting I 
attended, and certain alterations and suggestions were made by the 
parent Society. Under our bylaws it will be necessary for these alter- 
ations to be considered: and passed at the annual meeting of our Society 
and if they meet with your approval they can be filed with the registrar 
and incorporation obtained without further delay. 

During the year the Society has published four numbers of its Pro- 
ceedings, two of which, numbers 13 and 15, were published in one bul- 
letin. The other two numbers are 16 and 18 of the Systematic series. 
Thus we have now no publications outstanding and it is satisfactory to 
know that our papers are no longer in arrears. There has been consider- 
able delay in getting out these numbers of the Proceedings and this is 
explained by the fact that some of the contributors lived a considerable 


Entomological Society of British Columbia 9) 


distance away and as the practice is now being followed of sending the 
proofs to the various authors for correction, it is natural that some delay 
has resulted. Nevertheless I believe the members will agree that this is 
the most satisfactory plan to pursue, but I would like to impress upon 
contributors the necessity of returning their proofs with as httle delay 
as possible. 

The matter of the amount of subseription which should be con- 
tributed by the members of the branches came up at the annual meeting 
of the Ontario Entomological Society and it was decided that in future 
the annual contribution from each member of a branch should be $1.50 
instead of $1.00. This is necessitated by the increased cost of printing 
and the faet that it is impossible any longer to supply the Canadian 
Entomologist to members of branches at the original low figure. This 
proposal is dependent upon its being accepted by the various branches 
coneerned and I would ask the meeting to consider the matter. Its ae- 
ceptance, however, will leave us with only 50 cents in hand from each 
member and I would ask the meeting to suggest some alternative plan. 

The challenge cup for school collections of insects was won again 
last fall by John Norquay Sehool, South Vancouver. In the event of 
this school winning the cup a third time, it will be necessary for the 
Society to provide another and I would ask you to bear this possible 
contingeney in mind when planning any expenditure for the coming 
season. 

I have to make an appeal to the members for assistance in supplying 
records of new species or rare captures to be published in the Entomo- 
logical Reeord which for some years has been compiled by Mr. Gibson 
and Mr. Norman Criddle and published by the Entomological Branch. 
The usefulness of this record is greatly diminished by the failure of 
collectors to send in their records and its non-appearance lately has been 
due to the lack of support from many of our collectors. The idea is to 
have all records listed, whether published or not, and the proper refer- 
ences to published records will of course be given. A record like this is 
obviously of-great value, but I am asked to state that its continuance is 
entirely dependent upon the degree of support that is given by collectors. 
I ask, therefore, that all collectors who have taken any new or rare 
species within the last two years that have not been recorded, send in 
these names at the earliest possible opportunity to Mr. Criddle, and in 
the case of new records the name of the specialist who determined them. 
The 1920 number of the Record is now at press, but its publication has 
been held up by a printers’ strike. 

The finances of the Society are in a very satisfactory condition, and 
the past season has closed with a balance of $112.56 in the bank and 
$4.45 ineash. To this must be added the sum of $26.00 due to the Society 


6 Proceedings, 1922 


from Smith College, Massachusetts, for printing separates and part of 
this sum has already been transmitted. The total assets of the Society 
amount to $143.01, which is a satisfactory balance to commence the year 
with. During the coming season our expenses will not be as heavy as 
last year for we have but one number of the Proceedings to pay for, the 
Eeonomie series being printed for us free of charge by the Provincial 
Department of Agriculture. I have also pleasure in stating that the 
Department has agreed to publish free for us the index to the Society’s 
Proceedings which has been prepared by Mr. Venables. The manuscript 
of this index is now in the printers’ hands and it is hoped that it may be 
issued before very long. 
; Respectfully submitted, 
W. DOWNES, 
Honorary Secretary-Treasurer. 


PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS 


To the Members of the British Columbia Entomological Society : 

Gentlemen,—It gives me very great pleasure, I can assure you, to 
welcome you to the Twenty-first Annual Meeting of our Society, and also 
to congratulate the Society on having attained its majority as a Society. 

Since the formation of our association, Entomology has taken great 
strides forward and I am gratified to find that we have members re- 
presenting almost all parts of our beautiful province. Nowhere else in 
the Dominion of Canada is there such a field for the pursuit of our 
favorite study, embracing as it does such a wide variation in climatic 
conditions, in addition to equally wide differences in natural conditions 
as to soil and vegetation. We have here every grade from alpine flora 
and fauna to those of more lowland areas, with all the various stages 
from the one extreme to the other. 

Naturally under these conditions British Columbia offers induce- 
ments second to none to those who have the inclination and leisure to 
pursue the study of Entomology and I am glad to find amongst us many 
who have not as much leisure as they would wish, but yet are so enthusi- 
astic that they devote what leisure they can find or make to our favorite 
study, and I am pleased indeed to recognize the good work done by 
such men and I feel sure that you will all heartily agree with me in 
according them our warmest praise for their good work. 

The secretary, Mr. Downes, is unfortunately unable to be present 
with us, on account of his duties calling him to Ottawa at this time, but 
I understand from his report that the affairs of the Society are in a 
flourishing condition. For myself I may say that owing to my con- 
nection with municipal affairs and other public business I have not been 


Entomological Society of British Columbia ie 


able to devote that close attention to matters of detail in connection with 
the Society’s business which I could have wished, and which they prop- 
erly demand, and I think it would be preferable to have someone in the 
position of president who is not hampered with other cares, if that is 
possible. 

Now, as to membership, I am afraid we are not getting as many 
recruits as we should do, and older members have dropped out from time 
to time due to removal or other causes. The thoughts of the younger 
generation unfortunately in these times seem to tend to more frivolous 
enjoyments and unless we can find some means to create more interest 
in young minds in the study of the thousand and one beauties of 
nature all around them, there is grave danger of our Society dwindling 
in membership. True, there is what is called nature study in the schools, 
but as far as my experience goes it is more or less of a perfunctory 
nature, and falls very far short of accomplishing anything worth while. 
At some period in every young person’s life some sort of collecting hobby 
takes hold of them and if it fortunately takes the form of collecting 
insects, the next desire is to know their names, habits and all about them, 
then follows a desire to have them classified properly and in due time we 
have an entomologist. So that the amateur collector is the first stage 
in the foundation of such a society as ours. 

Economie entomology is and must continue to be of the first im- 
portance as regards the commercial side, if I may so express it. There is 
scarcely a line of business in any way connected with producing the 
means of existence for the human race with which it is not intimately 
connected, and this fact is more and more recognized by the various 
governments which have their staffs of entomologists officered by 
splendid men, but let us not forget the systematic man, nay, let us en- 
courage even the mere amateur collector, for it is for those who follow 
our favorite study for the love of it that associations such as ours were 
primarily formed. There should, in fact, be close co-operation between 
the economic and systematic members of our Society; one should fit in 
with the other. It is sometimes the collector who first discovers the 
existence of a harmful species in a locality which might otherwise have 
escaped notice. 

There is a vast field for study for those who have the time and op- 
portunity to devote to it in working out the life histories as far as possible 
of the great majority of our species in the various orders. Probably most 
of us have noticed how few of the butterflies in Holland’s book have any- 
thing known of their earlier stages; it gets almost monotonous to read 
‘‘Karlier Stages Unknown,’’ varied with ‘‘At Present Unknown’’ or 
“These Await Description.’’ Even many of our prevalent species are 


8 Proceedings, 1922 


only known in the perfect form. Perhaps there may be some among us 
who will tempt Providence in this direction. 

In the various orders good work has been done during the past 
year. I would like particularly to mention the good work of Mr. E. H. 
Blackmore in extending our knowledge of the Micro-Lepidoptera of the 
province. Many new species have been discovered and a large number of 
known species added to the B. C. list. In this work he has had the 
assistance of many of the members in various parts of the province, and 
I may say that it has been my privilege to do my share in a small way in 
my own particular locality. This work is still in progress, and when the 
material is all determined, a very large addition will be made to the 
B: C. list. 

A feature of the past year has been the serious outbreak on the 
lower mainland of the European Satin Moth which bids fair, unless 
some means is found of checking it, to do immense damage to Lom- 
bardy and other poplars. Wherever there were Lombardy or Russian 
Poplars in New Westminster and district, the moths swarmed in July and 
early August and I fear the results will be only too apparent when the | 
foliage comes after the period of hibernation is over. 

It is with great regret that I have to note the removal of Mr. R. C. 
Treherne to Ottawa during the year. We shall miss him very much and 
we hope he will be able to return to British Columbia as a resident some 
time in the future. 

I will conclude these somewhat rambling notes with the hope that 
all the members of the Society may enjoy a very prosperous year, en- 
tomologically and in every other way. 

L. E. MARMONT. 


Entomological Society of British Columbia 9 


A LIST OF THE ORTHOPTERA AND DERMAPTERA RECORDED 
FROM BRITISH COLUMBIA PRIOR TO THE YEAR 1922, 
WITH ANNOTATIONS 


BE. R. BUCKELL 


The following list is intended as a basis upon which we may even- 
tually build up a complete and authentic check list of the British Col- 
umbia Orthoptera and Dermaptera. 

From the collections made during the past three years, and from the 
available literature, there are listed below the majority of the species 
which have been recorded from this Province prior to the year 1922, 
withholding only those whose specific determination at this time is un- 
certain, owing to the genera to which they belong being in the course 
of revision. It is the intention of the author to revise and add to this 
list from time to time, in order to include those species at present with- 
held and any new records which may be discovered, or to correct any 
errors in determination or synonymy which may occur in the present 
list. 

During recent years the careful and extensive researches conducted 
by Messrs. J. A. G. Rehn and Morgan Hebard, at the Academy of Natural 
Sciences of Philadelphia, have disclosed the fact that many of our west- 
ern Orthoptera are specifically distinct from, though closely related to, 
species found in central and eastern North America, and a number of 
new western species have been described. 

Some of our British Columbia records will undoubtedly be found, 


eventually, to belong to those new species—often Great Basin forms of 
the genus—and not to the species to which they are at present assigned, 
and Messrs. Rehn and Hebard have a number of our western genera in 
the course of revision. 

In the following list, however, all records are included, as it re- 
quires further study and collecting to definitely determine in some 
genera just which species we have in British Columbia. 

355 square miles, with 
such great diversity of topography and climate, and containing floral and 


In a Province containing approximately 355,! 


faunal zones ranging from Upper Sonoran to Arctic, often in close prox- 
imity, it is possible to find species inhabiting very different types of en- 
vironment within a comparatively short distance of one another. 

The humid and more mountainous sections of the Provinee such as 
the Coast district containing the Coast Mountains, and the Kootenay 
distriet with its neighboring Selkirk and Rocky Mountain Ranges have 


10 Proceedings, 1922 


as yet been very little explored for Orthoptera and doubtless many 
interesting species remain in these areas to be recorded. 

Acknowledgements are due to Messrs. James A. G. Rehn and Morgan 
Hebard of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, who have 
very materially aided the author, by determining a large percentage of 
the species collected during the past three years, and by straightening 
out many problems of synonymy and supplying many interesting notes 
on distribution, ete., and also to Dr. E. M. Walker of the University of 
Toronto, and Mr. Norman Criddle of the Dominion Entomological 
Branch, Ottawa, for the determination of material. 


List of Chief References 


Caudell, A. N. Notes on Some Orthoptera from British Columbia. 
sis Ent. News. XV. p. 62, (1904). 

The Genus Cyphoderris. Jour. N. Y. Ent. Soe. XII, 

p. 47 (1904). 

The Decticinae of North America. Proc. U. 8S. Nat. 

Mus., XXXII, p. 285 (1907). 

Notes on Some Western Orthoptera; with the Deserip- 

tion of One New Species. Proce. U. 8. Nat. Mus. XXXIV, 

p. 70 (1908). 

$s The Genera of the Tettiginiid Insects of the Sub- 

family Rhaphidophorinae Found in Ameriea North of 
Mexico. Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. XLIX, p. 655 (1916). 

Caulfield, F. B. A Sketch of Canadian Orthoptera. Rep. Ent. Soe. 
Ont. XVIII, p. 59 (1888). 

Rehn, J. A. G. Records of Orthoptera from Western Canada. Ent. 
News. XXI, p. 23 (1910). 

Seudder,S.H. A Revision of the Orthopteran Group Melanopli. Proce. 

U.S. Nat. Mus. XX, p. 1 (1897). 

The North American Ceuthophili. Proce. Amer. Acad. 

Arts. Sci. XXX, p. 17 (1894). 

Walker, E.M. Records of Orthoptera from the Canadian Northwest. 

Can. Ent. XXXVIII, p. 55 (1906). 

The Canadian Species of Trimerotropis. Can. Ent. 

XXXIV, p. 1 (1902). 

The Orthoptera of Western Canada. Can. Ent. XLII, 

p: 293 (1910). 


“ec 


Entomological Society of British Columbia Bi 


BRITISH COLUMBIA DERMAPTERA 
Order DERMAPTERA 
(The Earwies) 

We may describe the Earwigs as: *‘‘Inseets with slight post-embry- 
onie development, the nymphs being very similar to the imagines. The 
hind femora are suitable for running, the tarsi being of three segments 
usually without pulvillus. They are mute, stridulating organs being 
absent. Their bodies are elongate, the arrangements of the segments of 
the abdomen being imbricate and the abdomen beine terminated by 
cerei, Which take the form of callipers. The elytra are leather-like and 
much smaller than the wings, these latter being folded from the base 
and again in the middle of the anterior margin; many species, however, 
are wingless. Ocelli are absent.’’ 

The following are the records of British Columbia Earwigs: 

Euborellia annulipes Lucas, 1847. The Red-legged or Banded Har- 
wig. Lucas. Ann. Soc. Ent. France, (2), vol. 5, p. LXXXIV (1847). 

In the Vernon Entomological Laboratory collection there are two 
earwies collected by Mr. R. C. Treherne, of the Dominion Entomological 
Branch, on the S.S. Talthybius—a Blue Funnel lner—while this ship 
was in the Vancouver docks. They were taken in February, 1916. An 
examination of these specimens showed that one is a female Forficula 
auricularia Linnaeus, and the other a female Kuborellia annulipes Lucas. 

Euborellia annulipes Lucas is a dark colored wingless species, it is 
cosmopolitan, being practically a universally distributed species. This is, 
I beheve, the only Canadian record of this insect; it has been recorded 
from Massachusetts by A. P. Morse and from Connecticut. 

Locality records. S.S. Talthybius, Vancouver Docks, Feb. 1916 
(R. C. Treherne). 

Labia minor Linnaeus, 1758. The Little Earwig. (Introduced). 

Linnaeus, Carl von. ‘Syst. Nat., p. 423 (1758). 

This small earwig is common throughout Europe. It has been in- 
troduced into America where it now seems to be firmly established. It 
flies freely in the sunlight. It is not common in British Columbia. 

Locality records. Salmon Arm. August, 1917 (EK. R. Buekell). 

Forficula auricularia Linnaeus, 1758. The Common European Ear- 
wig. (Introduced). 

Linnaeus, Carl von. Syst. Nat., p. 423 (1758). 

This is the common Earwig of Europe. It has, like Labia minor, 
found its way to America and is now sufficiently numerous in some parts 


of the United States and Canada to cause considerable annoyance and 
damage. Iam informed by Mr. R. C. Treherne, Chief, Division of Field 


*W. J. Lucas. A Monograph of the British Orthoptera. P. 9. 


12 Proceedings, 1922 


Crop and Garden Insects, Dominion Entomological Branch, that this 
earwig has inereased to such an extent in the City of Vancouver during 
the past few years as to cause considerable discomfort and annoyance in 
houses and gardens throughout the City, and that it has spread to New 
Westminster and probably to Victoria on Vancouver Island also. In 
examining a considerable series of these insects collected by Mr. Tre- 
herne in Vancouver it is apparent that the long-callipered variety (For- 
ficula auricularia var forcipata Stephens), is common and in the material 
examined was found to be more numerous than the typical auricularia 
Linnaeus. 

Locality records. Vancouver, 1916. New Westminster, 1921 
(R. C. Treherne). 


BRITISH COLUMBIA ORTHOPTERA 
Order ORTHOPTERA 


(Straight-winged Insects) 


All true insects can be placed into one of two main divisions, de- 
pending upon their method of development from the egg to the adult. 
In the first division—the Metabola—are placed those insects having a 
““eomplete metamorphosis.’’ In this division the insect passes through 
four distinct phases; the egg, the larva, the pupa and the imago. 

In the second division—the Heterometabola—are placed those 
insects having an ‘‘incomplete metamorphosis.’’ In this division, to 
which the Orthoptera belong, the young insect on emerging from the egg 
resembles the adult in general form, but is wholly wingless and the 
sexual organs are undeveloped. These young insects are known as 
nymphs, and the change from the newly hatched nymph to the adult—or 
imago—is gradual and searcely noticeable. 

As the Orthopterous nymph grows it sheds its skin from five to seven 
times, varying in the different families of the Order. The wings gradu- 
ally develop until at the final moult it emerges mature or in the imago 
stage. 

The insects of the Order Orthoptera may be distinguished from those 
of the other Orders of the division Heterometabola by the following char- 
acteristics: Mouth parts formed for biting and chewing; the fore 
winegs—or tegmina,—when present, stiff but not horny, usually protec- 
ting the larger and more delicate hind wings, which, when at rest, are 
folded fanwise. Legs adapted for running—Grylloblattidae, Blattidae, 
Phasmidae, Mantidae—or for leaping—Acrididae, Tettigoniidae, Gryl- 
lidae. 


Entomological Society of British Columbia 15 


The Order Orthoptera may be divided into seven families. 
1. GRYLLOBLATTIDAE. 
2. BLATTIDAE (The Cockroaches). 
3. MANTIDAE (The Soothsayers or Praying Insects). 
4. PHASMIDAE (The Leaf and Stick-Insects). 
5. ACRIDIDAE (The Short-horned Grasshoppers). 
6. TETTIGONIIDAE (The Long-horned Grasshoppers). 
7. GRYLLIDAE (The Crickets). 

At the present time we have representatives of five out of the seven 
families recorded from British Columbia. 

No Grylloblattidae 01 Phasmidae have as yet been recorded from 
this province. The family Grylloblattidae contains but a single species 
Grylloblatta campodeiformis. E. M. Walker. This species was described 
from two females which were found running about like centipedes under 
the stones of a talus-slope at an altitude of about 6500 feet on Sulphur 
Mountain, Banff, Alberta, on June 29th, 1913, by Dr. E. M. Walker. 


Family 1. GRYLLOBLATTIDAE 


Grylloblatta campodeiformis EK. M. Walker. This species has not as 
yet been recorded from British Columbia. The type material was 
secured by Dr. E. M. Walker on Sulphur Mountain, Banff, Alberta; 1913. 
This new family, genus and species is described by Dr. Walker in the 
Canadian Entomologist, Vol. 46, p. 93, 1914. 

Owing to the proximity of Banff to the British Columbia boundary 
line it is probable that further search will find these exceedingly inter- 
esting insects in the British Columbia Rockies as well as in the Alberta 
Rockies. 

Family 2. BLATTIDAE 
(The Cockroaches) 

The Blattidae may be defined as: *‘Orthoptera with all the legs 
more or less alike; the large and free coxae entirely covering the ventral 
surface of the thorax and the base of the abdomen; tarsi of five segments. 
Head in repose, bent under the thorax, so that the fore part points back- 
wards; antennae long and slender (there being often nearly a hundred 
segments). Pronotum shield-like, frequently quite concealing the head. 
Wines with the anal region capable of fan-like folding (but the alar 
organs are variable and sometimes entirely absent). Cerei, variable in 
shape and size, present in both sexes; a pair of slender styles also usually 
present in the male.’’ 

Records of British Columbia Blattidae 

Although a considerable number of exotie insects, including Blat- 

tidae, are doubtless received at the Port of Vancouver in shipments of 


*W. B. aca’ A Monograph of the British Orthoptera, p. 63, 1920, 


14 Proceedings, 1922 


foreign merchandise, and fruits, such as bananas, but few authentic 
records have been kept. 

Blattella germanica Linnaeus. 1767. Croton-bug, Steam-fly, Rus- 
sian Roach, Prussian Roach. (Introduced). 

Linnaeus, Carl von. Syst. Nat. ed XII, Vol. 1, p. 668, (1767). 

This species occurs wild in woods in Russia as well as in Prussia and 
must be considered as a ‘‘naturalised alien’’ on the North American Con- 
tinent. It is the only species of roach which has become firmly estab- 
lished in British Columbia. It is found in most cities and towns at 
least in the southern half of the Province where it frequents dwelling 
houses, particularly warm buildings such as bake-houses and hotel base- 
ments. 

Locality records. Vancouver, 1901 (R. C. Treherne). Vernon, 1920; 
Victoria, Vancouver, 1921 (E. R. Buekell). 

Periplaneta americana Linnaeus, 1758. The American Roach. (In- 
troduced). 

Linnaeus, Carl von. Syst. Nat. ed X, Vol. 1, p. 424 (1758). 

This large reddish brown roach is a native of tropical and subtropical 
America. It is, however, cosmopolitan, and has spread to all parts of the 
earth. It has been ‘taken on the Vancouver wharves. 

Locality records. Vancouver. 

Panchlora cubensis Saussure, 1862. The Green Cuban Roach.  (In- 
troduced). 

Saussure H. de. Rev. et Mag. Zool., XIV, p. 230 (1862). 

This pale green roach is a tropical American species of wide distri- 
bution. It is sometimes found in shipments of bananas at the Port of 
Vancouver. 

Locality records. Vancouver, 1916 (R. C. Treherne). In bananas. 

Nyctibora noctivaga Rehn, 1902. The Great Brown Roach. (In- 
troduced). : 

Rehn, J. A. G. Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., XXIX, p. 3 (1902). 

This large brown species is a native of Central America and Jamaica. 
Occasional specimens are brought to the Port of Vancouver in foreign 
cargoes. 

Locality records. Vancouver. 

Family 3. MANTIDAE 
(The Soothsayers or Praying Insects) 


*“This family is composed of slow moving, elongate insects, the most 
notable character of which is the possession of a front pair of legs so 
modified as to be fitted for grasping and holding their prey. The old 
name given to the group by Westwood was therefore Raptoria or 


Entomological Society of British Columbia 15 


graspers. The head is short, much wider than long, triangular, vertical, 
and loosely jointed to the thorax in such a manner as to be freely mov- 
able; antennae slender, usually filiform, rarely half as long as the body ; 
eyes very large, convex, prominent; ocelli three in number, arranged on 
a triangular elevation just above the insertion of the antennae; pro- 
notum usually several times longer than broad, with the broadest part 
in front of the middle and above the point of attachment of the long fore 
eoxae; both inner and outer wings usually present but often shorter than 
the abdomen in the females; the abdomen of that sex often much broader 
than that of the male, and without a visible ovipositor. 

‘Both sexes have a pair of short jointed cerei attached to the sides 
of the supra-anal plate, while the males have also a pair of much shorter 
styles near the apex of the subgenital plate. They have the fore legs 
stout and raptorial, the tibiae terminating in a long claw and with the 
long, slender, five-joimted tarsi, when at rest, bent back into a groove on 
the under side of the spinous femur; middle and hind pairs of legs long, 
slender, and fitted for slow motion.”’ 

A single species of this family has been recorded from the Province. 

Litaneutria minor Scudder, 1872. 

Seudder, Samuel H. Rep. U.S. Geol. Surv. Nebraska, p. 251 (1872). 

A specimen of this insect was taken in the Lower Okanagan Valley at 
Osoyoos in 1920 by Mr. E. Hearle, of the Dominion Entomological Branch. 
It was found on a Sage-brush (Artemisia tridentata) plant. We are 
indebted to Mr. Morgan Hebard, of the Academy of Natural Sciences of 
Philadelphia, for the determination of this specimen. Mr. Hebard says 
‘“The Mantid is a specimen of the very common and widely distributed 
Litaneutria minor Scudder. The record is, however, of the greatest 
interest, as you note, the first native species of Mantidae, from Canada. 
The species is found generally over the arid and semi-arid regions of the 
Western United States and adjacent Mexico.”’ 

Locality records. Osoyoos, 1920 (EK. Hearle). 

Family 4. PHASMIDAE 
(The Leaf and Stick-Insects) 

No representatives of this family have as yet been recorded from 
British Columbia. 

Family 5. ACRIDIDAE 
(The Short-horned Grasshoppers) 

The family Acrididae includes an immense number of species. The 
members of this family may be defined as: Orthoptera with fore and 
middle legs of nearly equal size and hind legs longer than middle legs 
with their femora enlarged; tarsi of three segments; the terminal or 
third segment furnished with two strong claws, an arolium or pad is 
found between the claws of the tarsi (except in the Acrydiinae). Teg- 


16 Proccedings, 1922 


mina and wings, when in repose, rest partly horizontal on the back of the 
abdomen, and partly deflexed against the sides. The antennae are com- 
posed of from six to twenty-four joints; shorter than the body, rarely 
exceeding half its length; they may be filiform, clubbed or ensiform in 
shape. Auditory organs situated on the sides of the first abdominal 
segment. Ocelli present. Ovipositor consisting of four short, horny 
pieces, the so-called valves, projecting from the tip of the abdomen, two 
of which curve upward and two downward. 

There are four subfamilies of Acrididae represented in British Col- 
umbia. 


Subfamilies 
1. ACRYDIINAE (The Pigmy or Grouse Locusts). 
2. TRYXALINAE (The Oblique-faced Locusts). 
3. OEDIPODINAE (The Band-winged Locusts). 
4. ACRIDINAE (The Spine-breasted Locusts). 


Subfamily I. ACRYDIINAE 
(Pigmy or Grouse Locusts) 

The species of this subfamily are all of small size and are often 
mistaken for the young of other locusts. They may readily be separated 
from the other three subfamilies by the following characters; size small; 
pronotum extending back over the abdomen; no arolium or pad between 
the claws of the tarsi; tegmina rudimentary; wings usually present and 
well developed. 

They pass the winter with us as nymphs and adults in hibernation. 

The following species have been recorded from British Columbia. 

Acrydium granulatum Kirby, 1837. The Granulated Grouse Locust. 

Kirby, William. Fauna Boreali-Americana. Insects, p. 251 (1837). 

This species is the commonest of our Grouse Locusts. It is found 
most frequently in rough swampy meadows. Both macropterous (Acry- 
dium granulatum granulatum) and brachypterous (Acrydium granu- 
latum variegatum) forms are found but the macropterous form greatly 
predominates. 

Locality records. Vancouver, (S. H. Scudder). Victoria, 1888 
(Rev. G. W. Taylor). Victoria, 1920 (W. Downes). Agassiz, 1897 
(BE. M. Walker). Field, 1906 (J. A. G. Rehn). Mission, 1919 (R. C. 
Treherne). Fairview, Penticton, Vernon, Salmon Arm, Celesta, Chil- 
cotin, 1920-21 (EB. R. Buckell). Noteh Hill, 1921 (C. R. Barlow). 

Acrydium brunneri Bolivar, 1887. Brunner’s Grouse Locust. 

Bolivar, Ignatio. Ann. Soe. Belg., XX XI, p. 266 (1887). Bruxelles. 

This Grouse Locust was seen frequently among dead leaves under 
willow bushes, in spruce swamps, and along streams in the Chileotin 
district during the summers of 1920 and 1921. Both short and long- 
winged forms were secured. The brachypterous form was found to be 


Entomological Society of British Columbia 17 


much the most numerous. There are an enormous number of colour 
patterns to be found in these locusts. 

Locality records. Field, 1906 (J. A. G. Rehn). Kaslo, 1913 (A. N. 
Caudell). Chileotin, Quesnel, Barkerville, 1920-21 (KH. R. Buekell). 

Acrydium ornatum Say, 1824. The Ornate Grouse Locust. 

Say, Thomas. Amer. Ent., I, p. 8 (1824). 

’ A single specimen was taken in the Lower Okanagan Valley in 1919 
(EK. R. B.); it belonged to the brachypterous form (Acrydium ornatum 
abbreviatum Morse). It has also been recorded from Kaslo by Caudell. 

Locality records. Kaslo, 1913 (A. N. Caudell). Fairview, 1919 
(1d. R. Buekell). 
Subfamily II. TRYXALINAE 
(The Oblique-faced Locusts) 


In the Tryxalinae the vertex of the head is nearly horizontal, the face 
quite oblique, generally forming an acute angle at the union with the 
vertex. Lateral foveolae are usually well developed, although some- 
times absent. The eyes are usually longer than that portion of the genae 
below their orbits. The antennae are variable, being acecuminate, de- 
pressed, or rarely clavate, and situated between or below the middle of 
the eyes. The pronotum has the front and rear margins of the disk 
nearly equal in width; all the carinae are usually distinct, the median 
carina cut by one suleus and not raised in the form of a crest. The 
tegmina and wings are often short and rudimentary, but sometimes fully 
developed in members of the same species. In our British Columbia 
species the inner wing is always transparent, without bright colours or 
a black band. 

British Columbia Tryxalinae 


Pseudopomala brachyptera Scudder, 1862. The Bunch-grass Locust. 

Seudder, Samuel H. Materials for a Monograph of the N. A. Orth., 
p. 454 (1862). 

A few specimens of this species have been taken in the Okanagan 
Valley. It is a sluggish insect and apparently by no means common in 
British Columbia. It has been found in dry, rough pastures and in rank 
growth of Bunch-grass. 

Locality records. Fairview, Vaseaux Lake, Vernon, 1919 (KE. R. 
3uekell). 

Amphitornus nanus Rehn and Hebard, 1908. 

Rehn, J. A. G. and Hebard, Morgan. Proce. Acad. Nat. Sei. Philad., 
1908, p. 376. 

A common insect on the Bunch-grass slopes of the Fraser and Chil- 
eotin Valleys in the Chileotin district. It probably oeeurs throughout 
the central Dry Belt of the Province wherever warm, dry, grass cov- 
ered slopes are found. Mr. Rehn informs me that ‘‘The situation in the 


18 Proceedings, 1922 


genus Amphitornus is that we have three nominal species, which may 
prove to be geographic races of one, or one of them may be a synonym of 
another. Of these, ornatus and nanus are very close, nanus more ex- 
treme in development than ornatus, but whether it will stand as a re- 
cognizable race remains to be determined. British Columbia is appar- 
ently a point of intergradation of races or forms which have been sup- 
posed to be distinet to the southward, how distinct remains to be ascer- 
tained. Coloradus (or bicolor) is the Great Plains type; where it passes 
into the other form or forms, if it does, is yet to be established.”’ 

Locality records. Big Bar, Williams Lake, Chilcotin, 1920-21 (K. R. 
Buckell). 

Amphitornus coloradus Thomas, 1872. The Bicolored Locust. 

Thomas, Cyrus. Prelim. Rep. U. 8. Geol. Surv. of Montana, p. 465 
(1872). 

This species was found to be common on the dry Bunch-grass flats 
in the Southern Okanagan Valley in 1919. (This species was previously 
incorrectly recorded by the writer as Akentetus unicolor McNeill in the 
Report of the Ontario Entomological Society, No. 36, p. 54, 1919). 

Locality records. Vernon, 1897 (EK. M. Walker). Fairview, Pentic- 
ton, 1919 (E. R. Buckell). 

Orphulella salina Scudder, 1899. 

Scudder, Samuel H. Can. Ent., XXXI, p. 9 (1899). 

A few specimens of this species were collected in 1919 on a small 
patch of alkaline ground close to the Okanagan River near Fairview, on 
what is now the townsite of Oliver, in the new Land Settlement area in 
the Southern Okanagan Valley. Both green and brown specimens were 
secured. (This species was previously incorrectly recorded by the 
writer, as Orphulella pelidna Burmeister, in the Report of the Ontario 
Entomological Society, No. 36, p. 54, 1919). Mr. Rehn, to whom these 
specimens were submitted for determination, says ‘‘This is a Great Basin 
form, here at its northern known limit.’’ It has been recorded from 
Colorado by Gillette and from Utah by Scudder. 

Locality records. Fairview, 1919 (KE. R. Buckell). 

Chlealtis conspersa Harris, 1841. The Sprinkled Locust. 

Harris, Thaddeus W. Ins. Inj. Veg., p. 149 (1841). 

This is a fairly common and evenly distributed species throughout 
the lightly timbered areas of the interior of the Province from the United 
States Boundary to at least the 52nd parallel. 

All the females of this species that have as yet been seen from British 
Columbia are brachypterous. 

Locality records. Salmon Arm, Vernon, 1919. Chnton, Williams 
Lake, Chileotin, 1920-21 (E. R. Buekell). 

Chlealtis abdominalis Thomas, 1873. 


Entomological Society of British Columbia 19 


Thomas, Cyrus. Syn. Acrid. N. A., p. 74 (1873). 

This species is found in the same type of location as Chlealtis con- 
spersa, but is usually very much more numerous. In woods where logging 
operations have been conducted and the ground is left strewn with slash 
and treetops this species is often to be found in great numbers. <A few 
specimens of macropterous females can usually be found, but the ma- 
jority are brachypterous. 

Locality records. Salmon Arm, Vernon, 1919. Clinton, Williams 
Lake, Chileotin, Tatla Lake, Anahim Lake, 1920-21 (KE. R. Buekell). 

Stirapleura sp. 

This species is common in the early summer in the Lower Okanagan 
Valley where it is found on the open stony areas among the Sage-brush on 
both sides of the Okanagan River and around the Osoyoos Lake. It hib- 
ernates during the winter in about the second nymphal stage, and appears 
in the spring as soon as the ground is free from snow. The specific name 
of this insect has not at the present time been definitely determined and 
is left for a future date. 

Stirapleura decussata Scudder, has been recorded from Alberta, 
Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and our British Columbia specimens may 
possibly belong to this species and were recorded as such by the writer 
in the Report of the Ontario Entomological Society, No. 36, p. 54 (1919). 

Locality records. Osoyoos, Fairview, Okanagan Falls, Vaseaux 
Lake, Penticton, Naramata, Keremeos, 1919 (KE. R. Buekell). 

Ageneotettix occidentalis Bruner, 1905. 

Bruner, Laurence. Biol. Centr.-Amer., Orth. IT, p. 109 (1905). 

This was one of the commonest species in the Lower Okanagan Valley 
during the summer of 1919. Although a small species they are easily 
seen on the ground on account of their white antennae and bright red 
hind tibiae. They are an active species with great Jumping powers. The 
males make a shrill squeaky stridulation while in pursuit of the females. 
(This species was recorded as Ageneotettix scudderi Bruner in the Report 
of, the Ontario Entomological Society, No. 36, p. 54, 1919). 

Locality records. Osoyoos, Fairview, Westbank, 1919 (E. R. Bue- 
kell). 

Aulocara elliotti Thomas, 1870. 

Thomas, Cyrus. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philad., p. 82 (1870). 

This species was found plentifully on the open Bunch-grass flats in 
the Lower Okanagan Valley in company with Ageneotettix occidentalis 
Bruner during the summer of 1919. This is a larger insect than Agen- 
eotettix occidentalis Bruner but with very similar habits. The females 
are very much larger than the males and vary considerably in coloration, 
some having the white markings on the pronotum very distinet, while in 
others these markings are hardly visible. The males appeared to be far 


20 Proceedings, 1922 


more numerous than the females and were very active, running on the 
ground with considerable speed. On several occasions from three to five 
males were observed following a female. In each case the female was 
hopping while the males were running rapidly behind, stopping occasion- 
ally to stridulate. 

Locality records. Vernon, 1895 (J. Fletcher). Osoyoos, Fairview, 
Westbank, 1919 (EK. R. Buckell). . 

Mecostethus lineatus Scudder, 1862. The Striped Sedge Locust. 

Seudder, Samuel H. Bost. Jour. Nat. Hist. VII, p. 462 (1862). 

A few specimens of this species were found in company with Meco- 
stethus gracilis Scudder in the Chileotin District during the summer of 
1921. They were found in a small beaver-meadow among the tall wild 
grasses and rushes which had grown up around the area flooded by the 
beavers. 

Locality records. Chileotin, 1921 (HK. R. Buckell). 

Mecostethus gracilis Scudder, 1862. The Northern or Graceful Sedge 
Locust. 

Seudder, Samuel H. Bost, Jour. Nat. Hist. VII, p. 463 (1862). 

This species was fairly common in the swamps and beaver-meadows 
in the Chileotin District, and a fair series was collected. The females 
are sluggish, heavy bodied insects and were rarely seen to fly, they 
usually slipped down among the vegetation and hid when approached, 
and they were found among the thick soft grass on land not actually 
flooded with water. The males on the other hand are trim, active insects 
and were often heard uttering their distinctive chirruping notes (re- 
sembling schirrup—schlip-schlip-schlip) far out in the beaver-meadows, 
where a thick growth of water-loving plants grew up, through several 
feet of water. This species was also found in damp locations in hay 
fields and in the vegetation bordering streams. The notes of the male 
are loud, distinetive, unvarying, and quite unlike the call of any of our 
other British Columbia Orthoptera. 

Locality records. Chilcotin, 1920-21 (EK. R. Buckell). 

Chorthippus Series. 

Chorthippus oregonensis Scudder, 1899. 

Scudder, Samuel H. Proce. Amer. Acad., XXXV, p. 50 (1899). 

and 

Chorthippus curtipennis Harris, 1835. The Meadow Locust. 

Harris, Thaddeus W. Cat. Ins. Mass., p. 56 (1835). 

During the past three years a number of species of Chorthippus 
have been collected by the writer in different parts of British Columbia 
and these were submitted to Mr. J. A. G. Rehn for examination. It would 
appear that British Columbia is an area of intergradation between two 
‘oeographie races.’ Mr. Rehn says ‘‘Chorthippus curtipennis and Chor- 


Entomological Society of British Columbia 21 


thippus oregonensis are merely ‘geographic races’ of the same species. 
This never has been established in print but your series demonstrates it. 
The area of intergradation is covered by your specimens and they flue- 
tuate between the two much as follows: Vernon specimens, nearer ore- 
gonensis; Anahim Lake specimens, nearly typical curtipennis to distinetly 
intermediate; Chileotin specimens, from typical curtipennis to typical 
oregonensis — the majority being intermediate.’’ 

This species frequents moist grass land and hay fields and is com. 
mon throughout the Province wherever collecting has been done. 

Locality records. Sandon, Vernon, 1897 (E. M. Walker). Lloyd- 
minster, Greenwood, 1906 (W. J. Alexander). Lillooet, 1918 (R. C. 
Treherne). Osoyoos, Fairview, Okanagan Falls, Penticton, Westbank, 
Summerland, Salmon Arm, 1919; Williams Lake, Chileotin, Anahim 
Lake, Barkerville, Quesnel, 1920-21 (E. R. Buckell). 

Platybothrus brunneus Thomas, 1871. 

Thomas, Cyrus. Rep. U.S. Geol. Surv., Wyoming, p. 280 (1871). 

This species was very common throughout the Chileotin and adjoin- 
ing districts during the years 1920 and 1921, and did considerable damage 
to the grass on the eattle ranges. It was present in the form of a serious 
outbreak over some 2000 square miles of dry range country from the 
Chileotin country south to the Nicola Valley. 

Locality records. Grand Prairie, Nicola Valley, Big Bar, Clinton, 
Williams Lake, Chileotin, 1920-21 (KE. R. Buekell). 


Subfamily III. OEBDIPODINAE 
. (The Band-winged Locusts) 


This subfamily includes those genera having the prosternum without 
a tubercle or spine; head with the vertex sloping downward, the face 
nearly vertical, rounded where joined to the vertex. Foveolae present. 
Eyes rather small, shorter than the portion of the genae below their orbit. 
Antennae filiform or sublinear, and usually inserted above the middle of 
the eyes, sometimes almost above the eyes themselves. Disk of the 
pronotum with the rear margin much wider than the anterior margin. 
Surface of the pronotum wrinkled or covered with tubercles. Lateral 
earinae faint or wanting. Median carina often raised in a sharp crest, 
and cut by one or two sulci (except in the genus Arphia). Tegmina and 
wings always fully developed. Wings usually brightly colored, and with 
a median black band. Most of the British Columbia Oedipodinae pro- 
duce a snapping or rattling sound when in flight. 

British Columbia Oedipodinae 

Among the Oedipodinae collected during the past three years in 
British Columbia there are some whose correct specifie determination is 
not possible at this time. In the genus Trimerotropis there are several 


22 Proceedings, 1922 


species withheld until the revision of this genus, which Mr. J. A. G. Relin 
has in hand, is completed, and it is possible to give accurate specific 
determinations. The genus Xanthippus also needs further study, and 
more collecting done, before a complete enumeration of the British Col- 
umbia species is possible. 

Arphia pseudonietana Thomas, 1870. The Northwest Red-winged 
Locust. 

Thomas, Cyrus. Proce. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philad., p. 82 (1870). 

A common insect in late summer and fall in the British Columbia 
Dry Belt, particularly south of the Canadian Pacifie Railway. In the 
more northern portion of the Province it appears to be confined to cer- 
tain warm sections such as the Chileotin River Valley and around the 
townsite of Williams Lake. 

Locality records. Vernon, Victoria, 1876 (EK. M. Walker). Van- 
couver Island, 1884 (Saussure); Walhachin, 1918; Osoyoos, Fairview, 
Penticton, Westbank, Salmon Arm, 1919; Kamloops, Ashcroft, Williams 
Lake, Chileotin, 1920-21 (EK. R. Buckell). 

Arphia frigida Scudder, 1875. 

Seudder, Samuel H. Dawsons Rep. Geol., 49th Parallel, p. 344 
(1875). 

Locality records. Alaskan Peninsular, 1884 (H. de Saussure). Vie- 
toria, Vancouver Island, 1917 (W. B. Anderson). 

Chortophaga viridifasciata DeGeer, 1773. The Northern Green- 
striped Locust. 

DeGeer, Karl. Mem. des Ins., Vol. 3, p. 498 (1773). 

There is one male specimen of this species in the Vernon collection , 
it is labeled ‘‘ Victoria, B. C.’’ without record of collector or date. 

Locality records. Victoria, B. C. 

Camnula pellucida Scudder, 1862. The Clear-winged Locust. 

Seudder, Samuel H. Jour. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., VII, p. 427 (1862). 

This species is one of our most injurious Canadian Locusts, and has 
caused more damage in British Columbia than any other species. It 
oceurs from time to time in the form of serious outbreaks often covering 
many hundreds of square miles and the insects are so abundant that the 
native vegetation and cultivated crops are almost entirely destroyed in 
the infested areas. One of the most injurious habits that this locust has 
in British Columbia is that of concentrating upon the cattle ranges and 
destroying the feed of the cattle to such an extent that serious loss often 
oceurs. 

Locality records. Victoria, 1888 (Rev. G. W. Taylor). Nelson, 1906 
(W. J. Alexander). Kaslo, 1903 (A. N. Caudell). Beavermouth, 1906 
(J. A. G. Rehn). Osoyoos, Fairview, Vaseaux Lake, Okanagan Falls, 


Entomological Society of British Columbia 23 


Kaleden, Penticton, Keremeos, Naramata, Westbank, Vernon, Celesta, 
Salmon Arm, 1919; Nicola Valley, Kamloops, Walhachin, Asheroft, Clin- 
ton, Big Bar, Alkali Lake, Dog Creek, Canoe Creek, Williams Lake, 
Chileotin, 1920-21 (E. R. Buekell). Huntingdon, Victoria, 1920 (W. 
Downes). 

Pardalophora apiculata Harris, 1835. The Coral-winged Locust. 

Harris, Thaddeus W. Cat. Ins. Mass., p. 576 (1835). 

This species appears to be rare in British Columbia. It occurs early 
in the spring, the nymphs having hibernated. 

Locality records. Alkali Lake, Chileotin, 1920-21 (E. R. Buekell). 

Xanthippus neglectus Thomas, 1870. 

Thomas, Cyrus. Proe. Acad. Nat. Sei. Philad., p. 81 (1870). 

A common species both in the Okanagan Valley and in the Chileotin 
District. The Okanagan specimens show great variation in the color of 
the disk of the wings and the hind tibiae, while those from the Chileotin 
are of one uniform type. 

Locality records. Nelson, 1906 (W. J. Alexander). Lillooet, 1914 
(R. C. Treherne). Osoyoos, Vaseaux Lake, Fairview, Penticton, Nara- 
mata, Westbank, Vernon, 1919; Chileotin, Alkali Lake, Williams Lake, 
Dog Creek, Big Bar, Clinton, 1920-21 (E. R. Bueckell). 


Xanthippus obscurus Scudder, 1892. 

Scudder, Samuel H. Psyche, Vol. V, No. 6, p. 359 (1892). 

This species has been taken in the Okanagan Valley but was not 
found in the Chileotin District. This species seems to vary a great deal 
in coloration and is very hard to distinguish from Xanthippus neglectus 
Thomas in the field. : 

Locality records. B. C. 1892 (G. R. Crotch). Osoyoos, Fairview, 
Vaseaux Lake, Penticton, Keremeos, 1919 (KE. R. Buckell). 

Xanthippus latefasciatus Scudder, 1892. 

Seudder, Samuel H. Psyche., VI, p. 273 (1892). 

This appears to be the only record of this species from British Col- 
umbia; it is hoped that further collecting will enable us to get some more 
recent records of this species if it is a resident of this Province. 

Locality records. B. C., 1892 (S. H. Seudder). 

Xanthippus vitellinus Saussure, 1854. 

Saussure, H. de. Mem. Soe. Geneve. XXVIII, p. 90 (1884). 

Two specimens of this species have been identified by Mr. J. A. G. 
Rehn, from material collected in the Lower Okanagan Valley in 1919. 

Locality records. Osoyoos, 1919 (W. B. Anderson). Fairview, 1919 
(E. R. Buekell). 

Leprus intermedius Saussure, 1884. 

Saussure, H. de. Mem. Soc. Geneve. XXVIII, p. 95 (1884). 


24 Proceedings, 1922 


Seudder records this species from British Columbia in Psyche., Vol. 
9, p. 75 (1900). 

Locality records. B.C., 1900 (G. R. Croteh). 

Dissosteira carolina Linnaeus, 1758. The Carolina Locust. 

Linnaeus, Carl von. Syst. Nat. (ed. X.) I, p. 433 (1758). 

A very common insect in dusty locations throughout the southern 
part of the Province but does not seem to occur for any distance north of 
the Canadian Pacific Railway. It could not be found in the Chileotin 
District. 

Locality records. Vernon, 1897 (HK. M. Walker). Victoria, Van- 
couver Island, 1888 (Rev. G. W. Taylor). Osoyoos, Fairview, Penticton, 
Westbank, Naramata, Salmon Arm, Kamloops, Walhachin, Ashcroft, 
1919 (KE. R. Buekell). 

Spharagemon aequlae Say, 1825. 

Say, Thomas. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philad., IV, p. 397 (1825). 

A common species throughout the Interior Dry Belt of British Col- 
umbia. Sometimes very abundant locally. Occurred in injurious numbers 
on the Bunch-grass river benches in the Chileotin District in 1920. 

Locality records. Kamloops, 1906 (W. J. Alexander). Fairview, 
Westbank, Penticton, Vernon, Kamloops, Walhachin, 1919; Williams 
Lake, Chileotin, 1920-21 (K. R. Buekell). 

Metator nevadensis Bruner, 1905. 

Bruner, Laurence. Biol. Centr.-Amer., Orth. II, p. 175 (1906). 

This species oecurs throughout the Dry Belt of British Columbia 
from the United States Boundary to the Chileotin District on Parallel 
52. Both red and yellow-winged varieties occur, the yellow-winged being 
the most plentiful. (This species was incorrectly recorded by the writer 
as Metator pardalinus Saussure in the Proceedings of the British Col- 
umbia Entomological Society, No. 18, p. 35, Systematic Series, 1921). This 
was a very abundant species in the Chileotin District in 1920, where, with 
Spharagemon aequale Say, they caused an outbreak of considerable 
extent along the Bunch-grass terraces of the Fraser and Chileotin Rivers, 
and damaged the grass on the winter cattle ranges. 

Locality records. Osoyoos, Fairview, 1919; Williams Lake, Chil- 
eotin, 1920-21 (KE. R. Buckell). 

Mestobregma kiowa Scudder, 1900. 

Scudder, Samuel H. Psyche., Vol. IX, p. 91 (1900). 

As far as present records go this species seems to be very local in 
its distribution. It has been taken on hot, dry patches of gravelly ground 
at Okanagan Landing and in the City Limits of Kamloops close to the 
Kamloops Hospital. 

Locality records. Okanagan Landing, 1919; Kamloops, 1920 
(EB. R. Buekell). 


Entomological Society of British Columbia 25 


Conozoa wallula Scudder, 1880. 

Seudder, Samuel H. 2nd. Rep. U.S. Ent. Comm. p. 27. (1880). 

This species is found in the southern part of the Interior Dry Belt 
of British Columbia. It frequents dry, sandy spots, congregating to- 
gether in small colonies. It is particularly partial to dry wagon roads 
crossing the sandy flats in the Southern Okanagan Valley, especially in 
the neighbourhood of Fairview. 

Locality records. Vernon, 1897 (HE. M. Walker). Kamloops, 1906 
(W. J. Alexander). Fairview, Westbank, Okanagan Landing, 1919 (E. 
R. Buekell). 

Aerochoreutes carlinianus Thomas, 1870. 

Thomas, Cyrus. Proe. Aead. Nat. Sei. Phila. p. 81. (1870). 

This species has, until recently, been included in the genus Circo- 
tettix but has now been found to constitute a new genus (Aerochoreutes). 
This new genus consists of the above species which is divisible into two 
subspecies; descriptions of genus and subspecies are given in a recent 
publication by Mr. J. A. G. Rehn; (Descriptions of new and critical 
notes upon previously known forms of North American Oedipodinae ; 
second paper; from the Trans. Amer. Ent. Soe. 47, p. 171, No. 811. Issued 
December 22nd, 1921). 

The following extracts are taken from the above paper. 

‘*A eritical examination of the species which have been referred 
by authors to the genus Circotettix, shows most conclusively that we 
have a’number of aggregations represented in that assemblage, and of 
these but a few show sufficient affinity to be retained in restricted Circo- 
tettix, the genotype of which is, as originally stated by Seudder, Oedi- 
poda undulata Thomas.”’ 

“The first section which it is necessary to segregate is that containing 
the forms of the carlinianus type. This we find to represent a valid 
genus, showing slightly more affinity with the Old World genus Bryo- 
dema Fieber, than with true Circotettix.’’ ‘‘The genus is composed of 
one species, which is divisible into two well-marked geographic races, 
each occupying a considerable territory and their intergradation demon- 
strated in the material before us. Of these races, one (carlinianus’ car- 
linianus) is eastern and northern, occuring in the northern Great Plains, 
northern Rocky Mountains and central British Columbia, while the 
other, which is new (carlinianus strepitus), is a form of the Great Basin 
and Green River regions.’’ 

“Actual intermediates between the two races are before us from 
Chileotin, British Columbia; La Chapples, Yakima River, Washington; 
and Salt Lake Valley, Utah. When the distribution of typical carlinianus 
is compared with that of the subspecies strepitus, it will be seen that the 
former is a more northern and eastern type, and that it is not stable 


26 Proceedings, 1922 


nor fully typical in the Snake River country of Idaho. It is also in a 
stage of what might be called equal fusion with A. c. strepitus in regions 
as related to the Snake River country as the Salt Lake Valley district, 
and to the Great Basin region as the Columbia Plains (Yakima River) 
and the dry interior of British Columbia (Chileotin).’’ 

During the summers of 1920 and 1921 this species was found to be 
very common in certain areas in the Chileotin range country, frequenting 
particularly the high, gravelly, dry ridges on the open eattle ranges at 
an elevation of from 3000 to 4500 feet. The prolonged, harsh buzzing 
sound made by this species in flight make it easy to detect. The sound 
-which it makes as it leaves the ground at one’s feet is extremely similar 
to the buzzing produced by the rattle-snakes which frequent the warmer 
parts of southern British Columbia. 

Locality records. Vancouver Is., 1906 (S. H. Seudder). Big Bar, 
Alkali Lake, Williams Lake, Chileotin, 1920-21 (E. R. Buckell). 

Circotettix rabula Rehn and Hebard, 1906. 

Rehn and Hebard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sei. Phila., p. 393. (1906). 

This species has been recorded from Glenora, British Columbia, by 
Rehn. Glenora is on the Stikine River a little south of Telegraph Creek 
on latitude 58 N. in the Cassiar District. 

Locality records. Glenora (Rehn). 

Circotettix undulatus Thomas, 1871. 

Thomas, Cyrus. Rep. U. 8. Geol. Surv. Montana. p. 460. (1871). 

This a common species in the Interior Dry Belt of British Columbia 
frequenting rock-slides, cliffs, and rocky ravines. As this species is now 
considered to be synonymous with Circotettix lobatus Saussure, the loeal- 
ity records of both are included below. 

Locality records. Victoria, 1888 (J. Fletcher). Wernon, 1897 (EH. 
M. Walker). Walhachin, Savona, 1918; Fairview, 1919; Ashcroft, 
Clinton, Big Bar, Williams Lake, Chileotin, 1920-21 (E. R. Buekell). 

Circotettix suffusus Scudder, 1876. The Black Locust. 

Seudder, Samuel H. Bull. U.S. Geol. Surv. Territ. 11, p. 265 (1876). 

This is one of the most evenly distributed species in British Columbia, 
being found everywhere that ight open woodlands occur. It is partic- 
ularly fond of roads through the forests, and a number of these insects 
may often be seen sunning themselves on the roads during the heat of 
the day. The males will frequently leave the ground and circling about 
in the air they will often go for considerable flights through the woods, 
returning again to the same spot in the road. During this flight they 
will rise to a considerable height in the air and cireling to and fro will 
make, continuously throughout their flight, the loud snapping notes so 
characteristic of this species and of its near relative Circotettix verrucu- 
latus Kirby. 


Entomological Society of British Columbia 27 


Locality records. Donald, Revelstoke, Rossland, Robson, Vernon, 
Agassiz, Discovery Is., near Victoria, 1897 (EK. M. Walker). Kaslo, 
1903 (A. N. Caudell). Cranbrook, Greenwood, Kamloops, Kitchener, 
Nelson, 1906 (W. J. Alexander). Beavermouth, Field, 1910 (J. A. G. 
Rehn). Osoyoos, Fairview, Vaseaux Lake, Okanagan Falls, Kaleden, 
Penticton, Naramata, Westbank, Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby, Sicamous, 
Salmon Arm, Celesta, Chase, Kamloops, Savona, Walhachin, Asheroft, 
1919; Clinton, Big Bar, Alkali Lake, Dog Creek, Canoe Creek, Gang 
Ranch, Williams Lake, Chileotin, Tatla Lake, Quesnel, Barkerville, 1920- 
21. (E. R. Buekell). 

Circotettix verruculatus Kirby, 1837. The Snapping Locust or 
Broad-winged Locust. 

Kirby, William. Faun. Bor.-Amer. IV, p. 250 (1837). 

This is a common species in eastern Canada where it takes the place 
of our common Circotettix suffusus Scudder. This species has, however, 
been recorded from British Columbia by 8. H. Scudder and A. N. Caudell. 

Locality records. Vancouver, 1898 (S. H. Seudder). Kaslo, 1903 
(A. N. Caudell). 

Trimerotropis caeruleipes Scudder, 1880. 

Seudder, Samuel H. 2nd Rep. U. 8. Ent. Comm., p. 28 (1880). 

This species is plentiful around Victoria and southern Vancouver 
Island, but does not seem to have been recorded with certainty, from the 
the mainland. The records below are all from Vancouver Is. 

Locality records. Nanaimo, Duncans, Discovery Is., 1897 (BE. M. 
Walker). Wellington, Nanaimo, 1907 (A. N. Caudell). Victoria, 1920 
(W. Downes). 

Trimerotropis ferruginea McNeill, 1900. 

MeNeill, Jerome. Psyche. LX. p. 30. (1900). 

This species is fairly common in the Okanagan Valley and at Salmon 
Arm. It seems to be particularly fond of dusty, cultivated land such as 
clean-eultivated orchard land. 

Locality records. Fairview, Westbank, Vernon, 1919; Salmon Arm, 
Kamloops, Chileotin, 1920-21 (E. R. Buckell). 

Trimerotropis monticola Saussure, 1884. 

Saussure, H. de. Mem. Soc. Geneve, XXVIII, p. 167 (1884). 

This species was found to be very common indeed in the Chileotin 
district during the summers of 1920 and 1921. It frequents the dry open 
cattle ranges. All the many thousands of specimens observed and the 
several hundred collected showed very little variation in color, but 
the notching of the median carina of the pronotum varied considerably ; 
in some specimens the notching of the prozonal carina was so faint as 
to give the pronotum the appearance found in the genus Spharagemon. 


28 Proceedings, 1922 


The hind tibiae of all the specimens seen were yellow or yellowish brown 
and not red as generally recorded for this species. 
Locality Records. Vernon, 1897 (E. M. Walker). Vernon, Kamloops, 
Big Bar, Williams Lake, Chileotin, Alkali Lake, 1920-21 (E. R. Buckell). 
Trimerotropis citrina Scudder, 1876. The Citrus-winged Locust. 
Seudder, Samuel H. Bull. U. 8. Surv. Territ. II. p. 265 (1876). 
Locality records. Vernon, 1905 (KE. P. Venables). Vernon, 1906 
(J. Fletcher). 


Trimerotropis longicornis E. M. Walker, 1902. 

Walker, E. M. Can. Ent. Vol. 34. No. 1. p. 4. (1902). 

This species was described by Dr. E. M. Walker from a male taken 
at Vernon. 

Locality records. Vernon, 1897 (E. M. Walker). 

Trimerotropis vinculata Scudder, 1876. 

Seudder, Samuel H. Proe. Bost. Soe. Nat. Hist. XVIII. p. 270 (1876). 

This large species is a common insect in certain sections of the 
Province where warm, sandy areas are to be found. It is usually found 
in colonies frequenting, in many cases, only a small portion of land. 
These locations are usually well sheltered, warm, dry spots, devoid of any 
thick vegetation. The males fly with a quick zig-zag flight, keeping close 
to the ground; at each turn of the flying insect a soft squeaking sound is 
produced. The males are markedly smaller than the females. 

Locality records. Victoria, 1888 (Rev. G. W. Taylor). Revelstoke, 
Vernon, Agassiz, 1897 (E. M. Walker). Ashcroft, 1905 (Rev. W. M. 
Roger). Savona, Greenwood, Kamloops, 1906 (W. J. Alexander). Fair- 
view, Penticton, Westbank, Vernon, Walhachin, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, 
1919: Chileotin, Williams Lake, 1920-21 (KE. R. Buckell). 


Subfamily IV. ACRIDINAE 
(The Spine-breasted Locusts) 


The species of this subfamily are readily separated from those of 
the three preceding subfamilies by the presence of a prominent spine 
or tubercle on the prosternum, between the front pair of legs. There is 
considerable variation in size and coloration among the members of this 
subfamily. The head is smaller and less swollen than in the Tryxalinae 
and Oedipodinae, and the pronutum is free from tubercles or distinct 
wrinkles. Tegmina usually well developed, but in some species very 
short, and in a few, wholly wanting. Inner wings in all the British 
Columbia species transparent and without the black band. and bright 
colors found in the Oedipodinae, and all pass the winter in the egg stage. 
All are silent in flight. Some of our most injurious species belong to this 
subfamily. 


Entomological Society of British Columbia 29 


BRITISH COLUMBIA ACRIDINAE 

Bradynotes chilcotinae Hebard, 1922. 

Hebard, Morgan. 

This species, which has been described as new by Mr. Hebard, was 
found plentifully throughout the Chileotin district during the summers 
of 1920 and 1921. Its nymphs are the first of the: Melanopli to hateh in 
the spring. This species is particularly fond of dry hill sides and moun- 
tain slopes covered with Balsam-Root (Balsamorhiza sagittata Nutt) and 
both nymphs and adults feed upon this plant. The nymphs begin hatch- 
ing in early May, and the first adults appear during the first week in June. 
Oviposition takes place during July and by the end of August only a few 
adults can be found. The females are heavy insects and do not jump 
very actively, but the males are very active. The young nymphs are very 
soft and many fall prey to ground spiders and ants. 

Locality records. Riske Creek, Chileotin, June 7th, 1920. Big Bar, 
Alkali Lake, Williams Lake, Chileotin, 1920-21 (KB. R. Buckell). 

Bradynotes expleta Scudder has been recorded from Mt. Cheam 
where a single specimen was taken at an elevation of 7000 ft., on Aueust 
15th, 1906. Dr. E. M. Walker, who records this species in the Orthoptera 
of Western Canada, Can. Ent. Vol. 41, p. 333, tells me that he does not 
think that this should be considered as an authentic record until further 
material has been secured as the specimen was in very bad condition 
and a positive determination not possible. This was, however, a true 
Bradynotes and the first of this genus to be recorded from Canada. 

Asemoplus somesi Hebard, 1919. 

Hebard, Morgan. Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., XIV, p. 271 (1919). 

This species was collected below the Kitchener Glacier on Mt. 
Kokanee in the Kootenay District of British Columbia by Mr. A. N. 
Caudell, and was at first recorded as Podisma polita Scudder. 

Locality records. Kitchener Glacier, Mt. Kokanee, 1903 (A. N, 
Caudell). 

Asemoplus hispidus Bruner, 1885. 

Bruner, Laurence. Can. Ent., XVII, p. 12 (1885). 

Syn.—Asemoplus nudus Walker. 

This species was recorded from British Columbia by Dr. E. M. 
Walker from Sandon in the Kootenay District. 

Locality records. Sandon, 1898 (EK. M. Walker). 

Asemoplus montanus Bruner, 1855. 

Bruner, Laurence. Can. Ent., XVII, p. 16 (1885, 

This species has been recorded from Nelson in the Kootenay Dis- 
trict and from Vernon in the Okanagan Valley. 

Locality records. Nelson, 1906 (W. J. Alexander). Vernon, 1898 
(EK. M. Walker). 


3 Proceedings, 1922 


Melanoplus flabellifer Scudder, 1879. 

Seudder, Samuel H. Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., XX, p. 68 (1879). 

This species was taken in considerable numbers in the Chilcotin 
River Valley on a sage-brush flat. Mr. Morgan Hebard, who kindly 
determined this species for me, says: ‘‘It is a common Great Plains 
species but very interesting from your region. I have taken it on the 
summits of the Colorado Rockies.’’ 

Locality records. Chilcotin, 1921 (KE. R. Buckell). 

Melanoplus bruneri Scudder, 1897. Bruner’s Locust. 

Scudder, Samuel H. Proce. Amer. Phil. Soc., XXXVI, p. 19. (1897). 

A very common species on the cattle ranges in the Chilcotin District 
during the summers of 1920 and 1921. It was found most plentifully in 
the long grass bordering clumps of Aspen Poplars and in grassy depres- 
sions on the open range. 

Locality records. Spilmacheen, 1897 (S. Henshaw). Big Bar, 
Alkali Lake, Williams Lake, Chileotin, 1920-21 (E. R. Buckell). 

Melanoplus mexicanus bilituratus Ff. Walker, 1870. 

Walker, Francis. Cat. Derm. Salt. Brit. Mus., IV, p. 679 (1870). 

The similarity to the next ‘‘geographic race’’ makes it difficult to 
determine the validity of some of the records of this insect and it is 
hoped that further collecting will show more clearly the range of this 
race in British Columbia. 

Locality records. Victoria, Vancouver Island; Sicamous, 1897 (S. H. 
Seudder). Donald, Vernon, Kelowna, Duneans, Nanaimo, Riddle, Van- 
couver Island, 1901 (J. Fletcher). 

Melanoplus mexicanus atlanis Thomas, 1873. The Lesser Migratory 
Locust. . i 
Thomas, Cyrus. Syn. Acrid. N. Amer., p. 22 (1873). 

This ‘‘geographie race’’ is very common in British Columbia and 
has caused serious damage to cultivated crops on a good many oceasions. 
It is very variable in size and wing length in British Columbia. 

Melanoplus affinis and Melanoplus spretis have occasionally been 
recorded from British Columbia in the past, but it is considered probable 
that these were varieties of Melanoplus mexicanus atlanis. In the case 
of spretis it was probably an example of the optimum migratory con- 
dition developed in atlanis. 

Locality records. Vancouver, 1880 (S. H. Scudder). Agassiz, Ver- 
non, Kelowna, 1901 (J. Fletcher). Cranbrook, Nelson, Greenwood, Kam- 
loops, 1906 (W. J. Alexander). Beavermouth, 1906 (Prof. S. Brown). 
Kaslo, 1913 (A. N. Caudell). Osoyoos, Bridesville, Rockereek, Fairview, 
Vaseaux Lake, Okanagan Falls, Summerland, Penticton, Westbank, 
Peachland, Kelowna, Okanagan Centre, Okanagan Landing, Vernon, Arm- 
strong, Enderby, Mara, Sicamous, Salmon Arm, Tappen, Noteh Hill, 


Entomological Society of British Columbia Sa 
Celesta, Sorento, Chase, Kamloops, Quilchena, Savona, Walhachin, 1919: 
Asheroft, Lytton, Clinton, Big Bar, Dog Creek, Canoe Creek, Alkali Lake, 
Gang Ranch, Williams Lake, Chileotin, Hanceville, Alexis Creek, Tatla 
Lake, Soda Creek, Quesnel, 1920-21 (E. R. Buekell). 

Melanoplus devastator Scudder, 1898. 

Seudder, Samuel H. Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., XX, p. 198 (1898). 

This species has been recorded from Vancouver Island by A. N. 
Caudell. 

Locality records. Vancouver Island, 1908 (A. N. Caudell). 

Melanoplus dawsoni Scudder, 1875. Dawson’s Locust. 

Seudder, Samuel H. Dawson’s Rep. Geol. Res., 49th Parallel, p. 343 
(1875). 

This species has been taken in the neighborhood of Kaslo; the 
specimens collected belonged to the brachypterous form. 

Locality records. Bear Lake near Kaslo, 6500 feet; 1903 (A. N, 
Caudell). 

Melanoplus dodgei huroni Blatchley, 1898. The Huron Short-winged 
Locust. 

Blatchley, W. 8S. Psyche. VIII, p. 195 (1898). 

Not a common species in British Columbia but found sparingly in 
the Chileotin District in upland mountain meadows and at the edge of 
timber in dry situations. 

Locality records. Chilcotin, 1920-21 (E. R. Buekell). 

Melanoplus fasciatus Walker F. 1870. The Banded Locust or Hue- 
kleberry Locust. 

Walker, Francis. Cat. Derm. Salt. Brit. Mus., IV, p. 680 (1870). 

A common species in the pine woods in the Chileotin District. The 
majority belong to the short-winged form but a few long-winged speci- 
mens were found among them. 

Locality records. Kaslo, 1903 (A. N. Caudell). Chileotin, 1920-21 
(KE. R. Buekell). 

Melanoplus borealis monticola Fieber, 1853. The Northern Locust. 

Fieber, F. X. Lotos. III, p. 120 (1853). 

.This species is found among rank herbage along the edge of streams 
and in hay fields. It is usually found perched high up on the plants. Mr. 
Morgan Hebard, who kindly identified these for me, says: ‘‘The speci- 
mens submitted were all Melanoplus borealis monticola, no typical 
borealis borealis being present.’’ 

Locality records. Field, 1908 (Prof. S. Brown). Chileotin, Tatla 
Lake, Anahim Lake, 1920-21 (E. R. Buekell). 

Melanoplus femur-rubrum femur-rubrum De Geer, 1773. The Red- 
legged Locust. 

DeGeer, Karl. Mem. Ins. Orth. IIT. p. 498. (1773). 


32 Proceedings, 1922 

A common insect throughout the Provmee in fairly moist locations. 
Particularly common in the more humid sections of the Province such 
as the Fraser Valley, where it has done considerable damage to hay and 
vegetables. 

Locality records. Vancouver Island, 1897 (S. H. Scudder). Agassiz, 
1897 (E. M. Walker). Kaslo, 1903 (A. N. Caudell). Fairview, Vaseaux 
Lake, Okanagan Falls, Kaleden, Penticton, Westbank, Summerland, 
Okanagan Landing, Vernon, Salmon Arm, Walhachin, 1919; Big Bar, 
Chilcotin, 1920-21 (KE. R. Buckell). 

Melanoplus cinereus Scudder, 1878. The Ash-colored Locust. 

Seudder, Samuel H. Proce. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., XTX, p. 288 (1878). 

This pale grey species makes its home among the Sage-brush and 
Rabbit-brush in the warmest sections of British Columbia. In some of 
these locations it is quite common. Its habit of remaining in the Sage- 
brush bushes makes its capture difficult during the day time. At night, 
however, it ‘‘roosts’’ high up on the topmost twigs of the bushes and is 
easily captured with the hand on moonlight nights or with the aid of 
a light. The nymphs of this species are a creamy white. 

Locality records. Fairview, 1919; Chilcotin, 1921 (E. R. Buckell). 

Melanoplus packardii Scudder, 1878. Packard’s Locust. 

Seudder, Samuel H. Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., XTX, p. 287 (1878). 

This species is common in many parts of the Interior Dry Belt of 
British Columbia. All the specimens as yet examined from this Province 
have bright red hind tibiae. The Chileotin specimens are dark and 
richly marked, while those from the Okanagan Valley are pale yellowish 
in color. 

Locality records. B. C., 1897 (S. H. Scudder). Nicola Valley, 1901 
(J. Fletcher). Osoyoos, Fairview, 1919; Chileotin, Hanceville, 1920-21 
(EB. R. Buckell). 

Melanoplus alpinus Scudder, 1897. 

Seudder, Samuel H. Proce. Amer. Phil. Soe., XXXVI, p. 28 (1897). 

A fairly common species in the dry Douglas Fir forests in the 
Chileotin District. Specimens with both red and blue tibiae were 
collected, the majority of the males having blue tibiae, while in,the 
females the majority have red. 

Locality records. Chilcotin, 1920-21 (EK. R. Buckell). 

Melanoplus infantilis Scudder, 1879. 

Scudder, Samuel H. Proe. Bost. Soe. Nat. Hist., XX, p. 65 (1879). 

This small Melanoplus was very common throughout the Chileotin 
District during the summers of 1920 and 1921 on the open cattle ranges. 

Locality records. Big Bar, Alkali Lake, Williams Lake, Chilcotin, 
Hanceville, 1920-21 (KE. R. Buckell). 

Melanoplus confusus Scudder, 1897. The Little Pasture Locust. 


Entomological Society of British Columbia 33 


Scudder, Samuel H. Proc. Amer. Phil. Soe. XXXVI. p. 29. (1897). 

This species was taken in the Chilcotin District; it was found on the 
open cattle range country in the shallow depressions and gullies where 
the growth of grass was more vigorous than on the majority of the range. 

Locality records. Chileotin, 1920-21 (E. R. Buekell). 

Melanoplus bivittatus Say, 1825. The Yellow-stripped or Two- 
striped Locust. 

Say, Thomas. Jour. Acad. Nat. Scei., Philad., IV, p. 308 (1825). 

This common grasshopper is found throughout the Provinee, but 
it is much more plentiful in the southern part of the Provinee, especially 
in the more humid sections. The hind tibiae of British Columbia speci- 
mens are very variable, and all gradations can be found together from the 
typical bivittatus to the typical femoratus. In the more humid sections 
the red-legged variety is considerably commoner that the blue-legged. 

Locality records. B. C., 1883 (lL. Bruner). Victoria, 1888 (Rey. 
G. W. Taylor). Vernon, 1897 (E. M. Walker). Chase, Kamloops, 
Savona, Walhachin, Asheroft, Lytton, 1918; Osoyoos, Fairview, Brides- 
ville, Rockcreek, Midway, Greenwood, Grand Forks, Vaseaux Lake, 
White Lake, Okanagan Falls, Kaleden, Penticton, Keremeos, Naramata, 
Summerland, Westbank, Kelowna, Coldstream, Lavington, Lumby, Ver- 
non, Armstrong, Enderby, Mara, Sicamous, Salmon Arm, Celesta, 1919: 
Knutsford, Quilchena, Merritt, Clinton, Big Bar, Alkali Lake, Gang 
Ranch, Empire Valley, Hanceville, Alexis Creek, Redstone, Tatla Lake, 
Chelanko Forks, Chileotin, Williams Lake, Soda Creek, Quesnel, 1920-21 
(EE. R. Buekell). 

Melanoplus washingtonianus Bruner, 1855. 

Bruner, Laurence. Can. Ent., XVII, p. 14 (1885). 

Dr. E. M. Walker informs me that he took several males and females 
of this species on a mountain at Nelson in 1920, though they are much 
larger, paler and somewhat longer-winged that the washingtonianus 
that is found on the summit of Banff and at Lake Louise. He also eon- 
siders that the record of Melanoplus validus from Nelson in 1906 is 
referable to this species. 

Locality records. Nelson, 1906 (W. J. Alexander). Nelson, 1920 
(E. M. Walker). 

Family 6. TETTIGONIIDAE 
(The Long-horned Grasshoppers) 


The Tettigoniidae may be defined as: Orthoptera with the hind. 
legs longer that the fore and middle legs, and having the femora swollen 
at the base; tarsi of four segments; auditory organs, when present, situ- 
ated one on each front leg near the basal end of the tibae; antennae very 
long and slender; ovipositor usually long and sword-shaped; musical 


34 Proceedings, 1922 


apparatus, when present, situated on the basal portion of the tegmina 
of the male; many wingless species. . 

There are five subfamilies of Tettigoniidae represented in British 
Columbia. 

1. STENOPELMATINAE (The Sand Crickets). 

2. RHAPHIDOPHORINAE (The Cave, Stone or Camel 

Crickets). 
DECTICINAE (The Shield-backed Crickets). 
CONOCEPHALINAE (The Meadow-Grasshoppers). 
PHANEROPTERINAE (The Bush Katydids). 

Subfamily. I. STENOPELMATINAE 
(The Sand Crickets) 

Three species of this subfamily have been recorded from British 


OV ® cs 


Columbia. 

Stenopelmatus fuscus Haldeman, 1852. 

Haldeman, 8. 8S. Stansbury Expedition to Utah, p. 372 (1852). 

A single specimen of this curious ericket was found by the writer in 
the Southern Okanagan Valley near Fairview. It was found under a 
log on dry, sandy ground. 

Locality records. Fairview, 1919 (E. R. Buckell). 

Stenopelmatus longispina Brunner, 1888. 

Brunner, von Wattenwyl, Carl. Vehr. zool-bot. Gesellsch. Wein., 
XXX VIII, p. 261 (1888). 

This species has been recorded from Vancouver by Brunner. 

Locality records. Vancouver, 1888 (C. Brunner). 

Cyphoderris monstrosus Uhler, 1564. 

Uhler, P. R. Proe. Ent. Soc. Philad., II, p. (1864). 

This species is common in the timbered seetions of the Provinee. It 
is nocturnal, keeping under logs and stones during the day. The males 
stridulate at night and are distinctly ventriloquial. They hibernate 
during the winter months as nymphs beneath stones and logs, the nymphs 
digging themselves shallow burrows. 

Locality records. Ainsworth, 1903 (A. N. Caudell). Peachland, 
1907 (Wallis). Vernon, Salmon Arm, Chileotin, Alexis Creek, 1920-21 
(EB. R. Buekell). 

Subfamily II. RHAPHIDOPHORINAE 
(The Cave, Stone or Camel Crickets) 

Tropidischia xanthostoma Scudder, 1861. 

Seudder, Samuel H. Proce. Bost. Soe. Nat. Hist., VIL, p. 12 (1861). 

This interesting species has been recorded from the Province by 
A. N. Caudell in ‘The Genera of the Tettiginiid Insects of the Subfamily 
Rhaphidophorinae found in America North of Mexico’; from the Pro- 
ceedings of the U. 8S. National Museum, Vol. 49, p. 658 (1916). The 


Entomological Society of British Columbia BY) 


records given are: ‘‘One male and one female from British Columbia, 
taken by Harvey Hadden in 1911, in the British Museum in London. 
One male from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, taken by E. M. 
Anderson, March 10,-1913, in collection of the United States National 
Museum.’’ It would appear that very few specimens of this insect have 
been collected. It has been recorded from California, Oregon and Wash- 
ington in addition to British Columbia. During December of 1921 a fine 
male specimen of this species was brought to the office of the Depart- 
ment of Agriculture in Vancouver. Further particulars concerning 
place and date of capture are not available, but it was undoubtedly 
collected in or close to the City of Vancouver. Since this specimen was 
obtained Mr. R. C. Treherne informs me that he has seen a second 
specimen of this species in a private collection in Vancouver. This 
specimen was collected in Stanley Park in the City of Vancouver. It is 
hoped that further specimens of this interesting species will be obtained. 

Locality records. Vancouver Island, 1908:(Dr. A. G. Huntsman), 
recorded by Dr. E. N. Walker in Ent. Record for 1914. B. C., 1911 
(Harvey Hadden), in British Museum in London. Vancouver Island, 
1913 (E. M. Anderson), in collection of U.S. National Museum. Van- 
couver, 1921; received at Office of Agricultural Department, Court House, 
Vancouver; in the Canadian National Collection, Ottawa. Stanley Park, 
Vancouver; in a private collection. 

Geuthophilus agassizii Scudder, 1561. 

Seudder, Samuel H. Proce. Bost. Soe. Nat. Hist., VHT, p. 11 (1861). 

This species was found to be fairly common in stone heaps and 
under flat rocks amongst the Sage-brush in the Chileotin River Valley 
in 1921. S. H. Seudder recorded this species from Victoria in 1899 as 
Ceuthophilus celatus Scudder. (See A. N. Caudell, N. A. Rhaphidophor- 
inae, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. 49, p. 666, 1916). 

Locality records. Victoria, Vancouver Island, 1899 (S. H. Seudder). 
Chileotin, 1921 (E. R. Buekell). 

Ceuthophilus californianus Scudder, 1862. 

Seudder, Samuel H. Bost. Jour. Nat. Hist., VII, p. 488 (1862). 

There are records of this species from Vancouver and from Victoria, 
Vancouver Is. 

Locality records. Vancouver, 1869 (F. Walker). Victoria, 1888 
(Rev. G. W. Taylor). 

Pristoceuthophilus celatus Scudder, 1894. 

Seudder, Samuel H. Proc. Amer. Acad., XXX, p. 97 (1894). 

A few specimens of this species have been taken in recent years in 
moist locations and under the bark of decayed trees in the neighborhood 
of the Okanagan Valley. The Vaneouver Island record was recorded 
by Scudder as Ceuthophilus henshawi Scudder, and the Kaslo record as 


36 Proceedings, 1922 


Marsa henshawi Scudder; see A. N. Caudell, N. A. Rhaphidophorinae. 
Proce. U. 8. Nat. Mus., Vol. 49, p. 671, 1916). 

Locality records. Vancouver Island, 1894 (S. H. Scudder). Kaslo, - 
1903 (A. N. Caudell).. Vernon, 1919 (BK. R. Bueckell). Ranata, Lower 
Arrow Lakes, 1921 (H. J. Blurton). 

Pristoceuthophilus pacificus Thomas, 1872. 

Thomas, Cyrus. Ann. Rep. U.S. Geol. Surv. Terr., V, p. 436 (1872). 

There is a male specimen of this species in the U. 8. National Museum, 
from Ainsworth in the Kootenay Distriet of British Columbia. (See 
A. N. Caudell, N. A. Rhaphidophorinae, Proce. U. 8. Nat. Mus.; Vol. 49, 
p. 675, 1916). 

Locality records. Ainsworth, (A. N. Caudell). 


Subfamily III. DECTICINAE 
(The Shield-backed Grasshoppers) 

Apote notabilis Scudder, 1897. 

Seudder, Samuel H. Can. Ent., XXIX, p. 73 (1897). 

A single female was taken by the writer in the Okanagan Valley in 
1919. It has also been recorded from Vancouver Island by Caudell. 

Locality records. Vancouver Island, 1907 (A. N. Caudell). Osoy- 
oos, 1919 (E. R. Buekell). 

Anabrus simplex var maculatus Caudell, 1907. 

Caudell, A. N. Proce. U. 8. Nat. Mus., XXXII, p. 356 (1907). 

A few specimens of this species were taken in the Southern Okan- 
agan Valley by the writer in 1919. It has also been recorded from Fort 
Walsh by Caudell. 

Locality records. Fort Walsh, 1907 (A. N. Caudell). Osoyoos, 
1919 (HK. R. Buckell). 

Anabrus longipes Caudell, 1907. 

Caudell, A. N. Proe. U. S. Nat. Mus:, XXXII, p. 361 (1907). 

This large ericket is quite common throughout the greater part of 
the Province. It has occurred in sufficient numbers on one or two oceca- 
sions to cause small local outbreaks over a few square miles of country. 

Locality records. Nelson, 1906 (W. J. Alexander). Osoyoos, Fair- 
view, Vernon, 1919; Clinton, Big Bar, 100-Mile House, Williams Lake, 
Alkali Lake, Chileotin, 1920-21 (KE. R. Buekell). 

Steiroxys sp. 

Females of this long-legged, slender cricket were seen in large 
numbers during the summers of 1920 and 1921 in the Chileotin District. 
Careful search was made for the males but entirely without result. These 
crickets were found all over the open cattle ranges wherever there was 
sufficient grass to afford them some cover. It was noticed that these 
females were attracted to the stridulation of the large males of Anabrus 


Entomological Society of British Columbia Si 


longipes Caudell, the latter, however, paid no attention to them. The 
fact that these female crickets were attracted to the stridulation of males 
of another genus and species and that careful search during two summers 
entirely failed to discover any males is interesting. The absence of 
males makes it difficult, if not impossible, to determine the species of 
these female crickets. 

Locality records. Chileotin, 1920-21 (BE. R. Buekell). 

Neduba carinata I". Walker, 1869. 

Walker, Francis. Cat. Derm. Salt. Brit. Mus., II, p. 251 (1869). 

This species has been recorded from Vancouver Island and from the 
Okanagan Valley. 

Locality records. Wellington, Vancouver Island, 1907 (A. N. Cau- 
dell). Parksville, Vancouver Island, 1913 (W. B. Anderson). Osoyoos, 
1919 (KE. R. Buekell). 

Subfamily IV. CONOCEPHALINAE 
(The Meadow pa a 

Conocephalus fasciatus DeGeer, 1773. The Slender Meadow Grass- 
hopper. 

Geer, de Karel. Mem. Hist. Ins., HI, p. 458 (1773). 

Very few specimens of the species in this subfamily have been eol- 
lected in British Columbia during the past few years and it is hard to 
say, until long series have been obtained, whether this species is at all 
common in the Province or whether it is entirely replaced by Conoce- 
phalus fasciatus vicinus Morse. 

Locality records. Agassiz, 1897 (EK. M. Walker). Peachland, 1916 
(Wallis). 

Subfamily V. PHANEROPTERINAE 
(The Bush-Katydids) 

Scudderia furcata Brunner, 1878. The Forked-tailed Bush-Katydid. 

Brunner, von Wattenwyl, Carl. Monogr. Phaner., p. 239 (1878). 

This is the only species of Scudderia that has been recorded from 
British Columbia. It is fairly common in the apple orchards throughout 
the Okanagan Valley, but has not been recorded to the north of the 
Canadian Pacifie Railway. 

Locality records. Kaslo, 1906. (Recorded in Ent. Reeord, 1915, by 
Dr. E. M. Walker). Vernon, Salmon Arm, 1919 (KE. R. Buekell). 

Family 7. GRYLLIDAE 
(The Crickets) 

We may define the British Columbia Gryllidae as: Orthoptera with 
slender, usually long antennae. Auditory organs on the fore tibiae, and 
stridulatory organs on the wing covers of the males. They differ from 
the Tettigoniidae in having but three segments to the tarsi, and an awl- 
like or needle-like ovipositor. They are mainly nocturnal. 


3 Proceedings, 1922 


Three subfamilies of Gryllidae are represented in British Columbia. 
1. GRYLLINAK. (The Field Crickets). 
2. MYRMECOPHILINAE. (The Ant-loving Crickets). 
3. OECANTHINAE. (The Tree Crickets). 


Subfamily I. GRYLLINAE 
(The Field Crickets) 

Gryllus assimilis Fabricius, 1775. The Common Field Cricket. 

Fabricius, Johann C. Syst. Ent., p. 280 (1775). 

This ericket was fairly common in dry gullies in the Chileotin 
District. It was only found in the warmest situations in the river 
valleys. 

Locality records. Chileotin, 1920-21 (EK. R. Buckell). 

Subfamily II. MYRMECOPHILINAE 
(The Ant-loving Crickets) 

Myrmecophila Lae Bruner, 1884. 

Bruner, Laurence. Can. Ent., XVI, p. 42 (1884). 

These minute oe ts live as ‘guests’ in the nests of several of our 
common ants. They live on the cutaneous secretions and the thin coat- 
ing of saliva with which the ants cover one another. (See Prof. 
Wheeler’s ANTS, p. 393). 

Locality records. Victoria, 1888; Vancouver, 1898 (G. W. Taylor). 
Wellington, Vancouver Island, 1908 (A. N. Caudell). 


Subfamily III. OECANTHINAE 
(The Tree Crickets) 

Oecanthus niveus DeGeer, 1773. The Snowy Tree Cricket. 

Geer, de Karel. Mem. Ins., III, p. 522 (1773). 

This species has been recorded from Penticton in the Okanagan 
Valley. 

Locality records. Penticton, 1908 (Mrs. Fowler). Ent. Record, 
1916. 

Oecanthus quadripunctatus Beutenmuller, 1894. The Four-spotted 
Tree Cricket. 

Beutenmuller, W. Bull. Mus. Amer. Nat. Hist., VI, p. 271 (1894). 

A common species in most parts of the Province. 

Locality records. Peachland, 1912 (Wallis). Okanagan Tandsne 
1913 (KH. M. Walker). Fairview, Penticton, Summerland, Vernon, Sal- 
mon Arm, Kamloops, Walhachin, 1919; Asheroft, Williams Lake, Chil- 
eotin, 1920-21 (E. R. Buckell). 


Entomological Society of British Columbia 


A CONCISE LIST OF THE ORTHOPTERA AND DERMAPTERA 
RECORDED FROM BRITISH COLUMBIA PRIOR 
TO THE YEAR 1922. 


DERMAPTERA 
1. KEuborellia annulipes Lucas. 
* 2. Labia minor Linnaeus. 
3. Forficula auricularia Linnaeus. 


ORTHOPTERA 
(Blattidae) 
4. Blattella germanica Linnaeus. 
5. Periplaneta americana Linnaeus. 
6. Panchlora cubensis Saussure. 
7. Nyctibora noctivaga Rehn. 


* * & 


MANTIDAE 
8. Litaneutria minor Scudder. 


ACRIDIDAE 
(Acrydiinae) 
9. Acrydium granulatum Kirby. 
10. Acrydium brunneri Bolivar. 
11. Acrydium ornatum Say. 
(Tryxalinae 
12. Pseudopomala brachyptera Scudder. 
13. Amphitornus coloradus Thomas. 
14. Amphitornus nanus Rehn & Hebard. 
15. Orphulella salina Scudder. 
16. Chloealtis conspersa Harris. 
17. Chloealtis abdominalis Thomas. 
18. Stirapleura sp. 
19. Ageneotettix occidentalis Bruner. 
20. Aulocara elliotti Thomas. 
21. Mecostethus lineatus Scudder. 
22. Mecostethus gracilis Scudder. 
23. Chorthippus cregonensis Scudder. 
24. Chorthippus curtipennis Harris. 
25. Platybothrus brunneus Thomas. 
(Oedipodinae) 
26. Arphia pseudonietana Thomas. 
27. Arphia frigida Scudder. 
28. Chortophaga viridifasciata DeGeer. 
29. Camnula pellucida Scudder. 


*Adventive Species. 


40 


St Tae nt Confer Cal 
ns 


Or 
(oa) 


co bo 


a OV 


~ 


Proceedings, 1922 


Pardalophora apiculata Harris. 
Xanthippus neglectus Thomas. 
Xanthippus obscurus Scudder. 
Xanthippus latefasciatus Scudder. 
Xanthippus vitellinus Saussure. 
Leprus intermedius Saussure. 
Dissosteira carolina Linnaeus. 
Spharagemon aequale Say. 
Metator nevadensis Bruner. 
Mestobregma kiowa Scudder. 
Conozoa wallula Scudder. 
Aerochoreutes carlinianus Thomas. 
Circotettix rabula Rehn & Hebard. 
Circotettix undulatus Thomas. 
Circotettix suffusus Scudder. 
Circotettix verruculatus Kirby. 
Trimerotropis caeruleipes Scudder. 
Trimerotropis ferruginea McNeill. 
Trimerotropis monticola Saussure. 
Trimerotropis citrina Scudder. 
Trimerotropis longicornis EH. M. Walker. 
Trimerotropis vinculata Scudder. 
(Acridinae) 
Bradynotes chilcotinae Hebard. 
Asemoplus somesi Hebard. 
Asemoplus hispidus Bruner. 
Asemoplus montanus Bruner. 
Melanoplus fiabellifer Scudder. 
Melanoplus bruneri Scudder. 


Melanoplus mexicanus bilituratus F. Walker. 


Melanoplus mexicanus atlanis Thomas. 
Melanoplus devastator Scudder. 
Melanoplus dawsoni Scudder. 
Melanoplus dodgei huroni Blatchley. 
Melanoplus fasciatus F. Walker. 
Melanoplus borealis monticola Fieber. 


Melanoplus femur-rubrum femur-rubrum DeGeer. 


Melanoplus cinereus Scudder. 
Melanoplus packardii Scudder. 
Melanoplus alpinus Scudder. 
Melanoplus infantilis Scudder. 
Melanoplus confusus Scudder. 


Entomological Society of British Columbia 


Melanoplus bivittatus Say. 
Melanoplus washingtonianus Bruner. 


TETTIGONIIDAE 
(Stenopelmatinae) 
Stenopelmatus fuscus Haldeman. 
Stenopelmatus longispina Brimer. 
Cyphoderris monstrosus Uhler. 
(Rhaphidophorinae) 
Tropidischia xanthostoma Scudder. 
Ceuthophilus agassizii Scudder. 
Ceuthophilus californianus Scudder. 
Pristoceuthophilus celatus Scudder. 
Pristoceuthophilus pacificus Thomas. 
(Decticinae) 
Apote notabilis Scudder. 
Anabrus simplex var maculatus Caudell. 
Anabrus longipes Caudell. 
Steiroxys. 
Neduba carinata F. Walker. 
(Conocephalinae) 
Conocephalus fasciatus DeGeer. 
(Phaneropterinae) 
Scudderia furcata Bruner. 


GRYLLIDAE 
(Grylinae) 
Gryllus assimilis Fabricius. 
(Myrmecophilinae) 
Myrmecophila oregonensis Bruner. 
(Oecanthinae) 
Oecanthus niveus DeGeer. 
Oecanthus quadripunctatus Beutenmuller. 


41 


42 Proceedings, 1922 


KARNY’S KEY TO THE PHLOEOTHRIPIDAE 
R. Cc. TREHERNE, Entomological Branch, Department of Agriculture, Ottawa. 

A few years ago I placed before the members of the British Columbia 
Entomological Society certain suggestions in key form to determine the 
Aeolothripidae and I followed this with a similar key for the Phloeo- 
thripidae. I was kindly allowed place on the programme of one of our 
annual meetings for an explanation of this latter division of the Thysan- 
optera. I did not at the time present my paper which I had then pre- 
pared because I did not feel it was complete enough for issuance in our 
Proceedings. I had made an endeavour to separate and then to bring 
together again the information on this group at that time in my posses- 
sion. I am very glad indeed, however, that I did not present my paper 
for publication for the reason that recently there has come into my pos- 
session a very complete and excellent paper written by Dr. H. Karny, and 
received direct from him at his laboratory at Buitzenzorg in Java. This 
work covers the work I had attempted and is, from such an authority, a 
most complete resume of our present knowledge of the Thysanoptera. 
It appeared in Treubia, Volume I, Part 4, 1921, and I have to the best of 
my ability translated this paper from the original German into English 
and herewith present that part of it which has reference to the Phloeo- 
thripidae, to the members of our Society for their information. 


PHLOEOTHRIPIDAE 
1. Cheeks set with bristle-bearing warts..............2.......2.24.-. Phloeothripinae 
1. Cheeks without bristle-bearing warts. 
2. Cheeks not set throughout their entire length with thorn-like 


bristles. 
3. Head not much swollen towards the posterior margin. 
4. Mouth cone sharply pointed at end.........................- Liothripinae 


4. Mouth cone rounded at end. 
5. Wings narrowed in the middle, sole-like; when absent, the 
prothorax along the posterior margin is not much broader 
thant sth wheal ys eae tga ae ee on Haplothripinae 
5. Wings reduced or not narrowed in the middle. Prothorax 
along posterior margin clearly broader than the head. 
6. Head not at all or slightly longer than the prothorax. 
fe Hone: tilbieyunmanmie diye: seent ee eases Trichothripinae 
7. Fore tibia with a tooth on the inside extremity 
enh UD CARNE SL BSA eee Cs ARE BOE NACo Sth RAR EN Kladothripinae 
6. Head clearly longer than the prothorax. 
7. Head seldom more than twice as long as wide, its 
sides fairly regularly formed. Antennae not notice- 


Entomological Society of British Columbia 43 


ably long and thin and without teeth-like projections 
ati blVe ty) OMS ieee ee Cryptothripinae 
. Head: more than twice as long as wide, usually con- 


~l 


stricted behind the eyes and in front of the posterior 

margin; the sides between the two constrictions 

arehed. Antennae noticeably long and thin or sev- 

eral joints on the dorsal side at the extremity with a 

tooth-like: projection. (22.27. Compsothripinae 

3. Head viewed dorsally narrowed alone the posterior margin, 
viewed laterally much swollen in dorsal aspeet-2..---.... 


Ps eA Sie Bye IO ee ok Be Sa Docessissophothripinae 

2. Cheeks equally set throughout their length with numerous short 

remake fone Ges ee eee cee ee eee ee Macrothripinae 
PHLOEOTHRIPINAE 


. Compound eyes moderately large, not taking in the whole of the fore 
part of the head. 
2. Fore femora in both sexes unarmed. 


3. 8th abdominal segment (perhaps only in the male) with tooth- 
like processes on the sides...................------- Odontinothrips Priesner 
3. 8th abdominal segment simple. 
Ane Will O'St PRESET cc2--co--0=. fa. ace eee ee Phloeothrips Haliday 
AMEE Se Te GUC e Gl Nees tia ees ceed eraser ees oe Malacothrips Hinds 


2. Fore femur toothed in the male. 
3. Fore femur in the male armed on inner side with two teeth, in 


the female usually unarmed........................ Hoplandrothrips Hood 
3. Fore femora in both sexes armed in inner margin with one 
{FOX lie eet apie so ae ere (RL eet oa et Acanthothrips Uzel 


. Compound eyes very large, occupying the whole front part of the 
head, leaving only a small area for the ocelli_cf. Eupathithrips Bagnall 


LIOTHRIPINAE 


. Fore wings not narrowed in the middle. 
2, Antennae 8-jointed. 
3. Head not at all or not much longer than the prothorax. 
4. 7th and 8th antennal segments clearly separated from one 


ING Gite Teasers Pee orton atte eee te eevee omer ees Eurhynchothrips Bagnall 
4. 7th and 8th antennal segments apparently closely joined to- 

eether. 

5. Head not at all or scarcely longer than broad................ 


Leen cael hie ee WEA ME ee Rhynchothrips Hood 
5. Head markedly longer than broad......Horistothrips Morgan 
3. Head noticeably longer than the prothorax. 


. 


44 Proceedings, 1922 


4. Wings fully developed. 
5. Tube in most cases clearly more than half as long as the 
head. 
6. Antennae and legs short and thick...........-.--02...02..- 
Na eis re eR ee NE Rat nce 2a Liophloeothrips Priesner 


6. Antennae and! legs slender ...222 4 Liothrips Uzel 
5. Tube only about half as long as the head. Very strong 
anteocular bristles anteriorly directed........ Trybomia Karny 


4. Wines reduced or absent. 
5. 3rd antennal joint pronouncedly longer than the others. 
EN Le a Ce cries cy aca: SERED ef. Leptogastrothrips Trybom 
5. 3rd antennal joint not at all or searcely longer than the 
others. 
6. 3rd antennal joint noticeably shorter than the 8th. 
CE ST RSE Pen Se ee tee ee ....... Lissothrips Hood 
6. 3rd antennal joint clearly longer than the 8th. 

7. The whole thorax adorned with a snow-white line, on 
each side, continued into the first abdominal segments. 
TA i Se Mia BO ooh EEN, Uae Poecilothrips Uzel 
One colour, the thorax without white lines. The 7th 
and 8th antennal segments with a broad surface Join- 
ing one another, apparently entire... Neothrips Hood 

De Ambemmiae niiajOUmbe Gee eee -ceeesans cereeess eee: ef. Symphyothrips H. & W. 

1. Wings always well developed, narrowed in the middle, sole-lke. 
2. Head long and narrow, gradually narrowing posteriorly, twice as 
Pome eraser: alc] eee cee ue ese eee ee Renee Dolichothrips Karny 
2. Head at the most a third longer, with slightly arched cheeks. 
Le Oe ERE Lee ech PER ea fe cherye ct. Neoheegeria Schmutz 


=I 


HAPLOTHRIPINAE 


1. Bristles of the prothorax simple, sharp or elub-like, never funnel- 
shaped. 
2. Fore femora unarmed. 
3. Fore tibia unarmed. 
4. 3rd antennal joint noticeably short, shorter than the 8th. 
W RSE A At ed Ph tees eee eae eee ef. Lissothrips Hood 
4. 3rd antennal joint pronouncedly longer than the 8th. 
5. Prothorax alone posterior margin not much broader than 
the head. : 
6. Mouth cone reaching almost to the mesosternum...... 
cg el es Sry lols Bhd ls MO ccd en Gnophothrips H. & W. 
6. Mouth cone short, reaching to the middle of the pros- 
GEnnUIn ets ee, eee Cephalothrips Uzel 


Entomological Society of British Columbia 45 


5. Prothorax along posterior margin clearly broader than the 
head. 

6. Head normal. 

7. Bristles on tube and 9th abdominal segment notice- 
ably long, about half as long as the tube. The re- 
maining abdominal bristles elub-like. Head and 
body extremity dark; body centre lght, yellowish. 
Dee ENG HAE are tear ae Maas see tame ES, Hindsiana Karny 
Bristles not as above. Body equally coloured. 

8. Anterior ocellus on a little rising on the vertex of 
the head, which does not rise at the front above the 
base of the antennae. 

9. Tube at the base without close-lying seales. 
Head usually not at all or only a little longer 
than the prothorax. 

10. Mouth cone rounded off... 

Peer PEEP enzn sete Re ae Haplothrips Serville 

10. Mouth cone pointed....Neoheegeria Schmutz 

9. Tube in the male with close lying scales at the 
base on each side. Head pronounecedly longer 
than ‘the! prothorax.! 225 Zygothrips Uzel 

8. Anterior ocellus on the elongated vertex of the 
head, rising above the base of the antennae at the 
AMONG eee oe cee trates ete ee ef. Leptothrips Hood 

6. Head narrowed along posterior margin, with a highly 
ar Ce deviCrite Xe eee cc-ceceseee cesses Craniothrips Bagnall 

3. Fore tibia at the extremity with a sharp tooth-like process. Fore 
tarsus also armed with a strong tooth ............... Podothrips Hood 

2. Fore femur armed on the inside with a powerful tooth...2.. 
Ne dag aba senate Se bao ented cee A ef. Cryptothripinae 

. Bristles of the prothorax funnel-shaped, transparent, often only recog- 

nizable on close examination. 

2. 6th antennal joint clearly separated from the 7th. Fore femur in 
thetmaleswath one tooth tt ae eae Scopaeothrips Hood 

2. The last three antennal joints seemingly joined together... 


et ee ee gee NES ee a nOpaloshripse dood 
TRICHOTHRIPINAE 


. Fore angles of the breast with two finger-lke thorns, and at their side 

Sevieralesmiailller ones... ss tec ceeceter eee. Tetracanthothrips Bagnall 

. Fore angles of the breast without finger-like processes. 

2. Bristles of prothorax funnel-shaped, transparent..................... 
oi eC Pree a cf. Haplothripinae 


46 Proceedings, 1922 


2. Bristles of prothorax simple, sharp or clubbed at end, not funnel- 
shaped. 
3. Head pronouncedly broader than long. 
4. Head slightly tapering along the posterior margin. The 7th 
and 8th antennal joints together longer than the third... 
EN coen ti, SN Beak ENS Vt) Veli Brachythrips Reuter 
4. Head broadest along posterior margin. The 7th and 8th an- 
tennal joints clearly separated from one another, each as long 
AS jib hile grb Haile gee Aes WN ca oes IN es Es Austrothrips Brethes 
3. Head as lone as broad or longer. 
4. Antennae 8-jointed. ; 
5. Posterior part of head broadest with sides clearly tapering 
towards the front. 
6. Abdomen not broader than the pterothorax............ 
Sh LU ee tee ee ee he eer eke ok A as Cecidothrips Kieffer 
6. Abdomen noticeably broad, much broader than the 
TOCET OIL LO Texas es ee ee eee Eurythrips Hinds 
5. Head not broader along posterior margin. 
6. Abdomen with quite short, weak bristles or with none. 
7. Abdominal bristles present. Antennal joints not 
noticeably short and thick............ Gymnothrips Karny 
7. Abdominal bristles absent. The middle antennal 
joints noticeably short and thick.....Lispothrips Reuter 
6. Abdomen covered sparsely with long bristles. 
7. Mouth cone as long as the vertex of the head......... 
or ee Re seers ee a ef. Eurhynchothrips Bagnall 
7. Probosecis pronouncedly shorter than the rest of the 
head. 
8. Fore tibia armed at the end with a tooth......... 
eee) Steen MU A Foes et ra ee eee ae See Lsoe Plectrothrips Hood 
8. Fore tibia without teeth. 
9. Tube not noticeably short, without longitudinal 
sutures. 

10. Labrum sharply pointed, rising above the 
gently rounded off mouth cene. Antennae 
more than twice as long as the head......... 

Me aren tad yea in "..... Trichothrips Uzel 

10. Labrum blunt; when not, the antennae are 
less than twice as lone as the head. 

11. Fore femur in both sexes much thick- 
ened lee ef. Mesothrips Zimmerman 
11. Fore femur (in both sexes?) weak. 
12. Head clearly longer than broad. 


Entomological Society of British Columbia 47 


13. Fore tarsus armed with a dis- 
tinct tooth..Dolerothrips Bagnall 

13. Fore tarsus without tooth or only 
supphed with a very small crook- 
ed tooth. - 

14. Prothorax clearly widening 
along the posterior margin. 
Me sitceeR ees Eothrips Hood 
14. Prothorax gently tapering 
towards the posterior margin 
at the most two-fifths broad- 
er than the head............... 
... Kumorphothrips Schmutz 
12. Head not at all or seareely longer 
than broad. Eyes very small. 

13. Ocelli and wings lacking. Body 
length lepine ee ee 
en Oedemothrips Bagnall 

13. Ocelli and wings present. Body 
lene@th 4.5 mm. .2.2-2ec22 
ee a eh cf. Holothrips Karny 

9. Tube about one-third shorter than the head, 
with several deep longitudinal sutures... 
Ep dates Semen reer eee eaeae ren eerie ee Barythrips H. & W. 
4. Antennae 7-jointed. 

5. Eyes very prominent; head behind eyes constricted very 
much. The upper surface of the body with polygonal net- 
Ihikev structures! 2:4 tie tee Sa eee! Glyptothrips Hood 

5. Eyes not prominent; head behind not constricted. No net- 
like seulpturing. 

6. Ocelli present. 
7. Fore femur much thickened, as a rule, more than 
twice as long as the tibia... Nesothrips Kirkaldy 
7. Fore femur not so powerful. Fore tarsus in both 
sexes with a prominent tooth..Symphyothrips H. & W. 
6. Ocelli absent. Wings stunted or absent. Allothrips Hood 


KLADOTHRIPINAE 


. Prothorax more than twice as long and 3-4 times as broad as head. 
Sree ep eer oe Ee EE Eurynothrips Bagnall 
. Prothorax not at all or only a little longer than the head. 
2. Head with parallel sides, about twice as long as broad. 

3. Antennae 8-jointed. Body uniformly dark. 


48 Proceedings, 1922 


4. Tube about as long as the head. Claws of the fore tarsus very 
powerful, longer than the tarsi. Fore tibia noticeably short 
and broad, only about one and a half times as long as broad. 
hte FSW ahs way AO Ee, peeseceeseses-es-e Onychothrips Karny 

4. Tube about half as long as the head. Fore tarsi about as long 
or even longer than their claws. Fore tibia not noticeably 
short, about three times as long as broad.....Oncothrips Karny 


3. Antennae 7-jointed. Blaek, Pterothorax and first abdominal 

seement -y.ellow=ie eases Se ee. Kladothrips Froggatt 

2. Head tapering towards the posterior margin, not much longer than 
broad. 


3. First antennal joint much shorter than the second. 
4. Fore wings not narrowed in the middle, with eight fringes. 
SESH ER Bale seP bee Sk el ee cf. Plectrothrips Hood 
4. Fore wings narrowed in the middle, sole-like, without fringes. 
rae AS OE EPAGLS 2 COT eco Re ess cf. Podothrips Hood 
3. First antennal joint as long or longer than the second and much 
Strom cer eee he ne eee Agnostochthona Kirkaldy 


CRYPTOTHRIPINAE 


1. Fore femur, at least in the male, armed with a strong tooth. 
2. Tooth of the fore femur present in both sexes. Fore tibia unarmed. 
3. Antennae twice as long as the head. Prothorax along the pos- 
terior margin only one-third broader than the head... 
eee Se ee ierocanthothrips Bagnall 
3. Antennae rarely more than one and a half times as long as the 
head. Posterior margin of prothorax one and a half times, 


usually twice as broad as the head................... Androthrips Karny 
2. Tooth of the fore femur only present in the male. Fore tibia in the 
male on the inner side with three little teeth... 


ER See ee eee Se ee Aleurodothrips Franklin 
1. Fore femur in both sexes unarmed. 
2. Fore tibia armed with one tooth........... ef. Agnostochthona Kirkaldy 
2. Fore tibia unarmed. 
3. Head not at all or scarcely longer than broad, but longer than 
the Sprothorax, 6 a: Mae esa eee Gastrothrips Hood 
3. Head much longer than broad. 
4. Antennae, 8-jointed. 
5. A well developed bristle on each side of the anterior ocellus. 
Apt wi ee SS Diceratothnips Barna 
5. No very large bristles beside the fore ocellus. 
6. An unusually long, strong bristle on each side behind the 
hind ocellus............. Bier, See Dichaetothrips Hood 


Entomological Society of British Columbia 49 


6. No strong bristles behind the hind ocellus. 
7. Eyes very large, almost touching...Holopothrips Hood 
7. Eyes not very large. 
8. 7th antennal joint clearly separated from the 6th. 
9. Fore ocellus placed on the elongated vertex 
rising above the antennal base, directed anter- 
TOT ya aaa ates ee ee! Leptothrips Hood 
9. Fore ocellus on a little rising on vertex, not 
rising above base of the antennae. 
10. Fore femur, at least in a female, slender. 
11. Fore femur much bent with a broadly 
angular coneave inner margin... 
oe esmel shes NN See Rhaebothrips Karny 
11. Fore femur not noticeably bent with an 
almost straight inner margin. 
12. Head not much longer than broad. 
Body length 4.5 mm.................... 
ADELE Ny ee, eR PORN Holothrips Karny 
12. Head clearly longer than broad. 
13. Wines stunted or narrowed in 
middle. 

14. Mouth cone broadly rounded 
off. 

15. Fore femur in the male 
very much thickened. 
ee cf. Crytothrips 

15. Fore femur in both sexes 
slender... Pseudocrypto- 
dma ete thrips Priesner 

14. Mouth cone narrowed, not 
rounded off until the end. 
Fore femur in both sexes 
slender......... Zygothrips Uzel 

13. Wings fully developed, not nar- 
rowed in the middle. 

14. Light yellow and mottled 
purplish. Fore tarsi in both 
sexes with one tooth... 

14. Coloured differently. Fore 
tarsi, at least in the female, 
unarmed. 


50 


Proceedings, 1922 


15. Fore femur in both sexes 
slender. 


16. 


16. 


Head no more than 

one - quarter longer 

than broad. ef. @yn- 
eee, aikothrips Zimm 

Head at most two- 

thirds longer than 

broad. 

17. Tube nearly as 
long or longer 
than the head. 

- Gynaikothrips 
Zimm 

17. Tube clearly 
shorter than the 
head. 

18. Antennae less 
than twice as 
long as the 
head. ef. Gyn- 

. aikothrips 
Zimm 

18. Antennae 
about twice 
as long as 
the head. 
19° Mo re 

be lal Ey saa 
10 fring- 
es. Dark 
with out 
mechan 
lighter 
colouring. 
Hoodia 
Karny 
19. Less than 
10 fring- 
es. Red- 
dish yel- 
low or 
hae telisy, 


Entomological Society of British Columbia dl 


red with 
light yel- 
low slant- 
ing lines, 
Chroma- 
tothrips 
Sehmutz 
15. Fore femur in the male 
thickened. Fore tarsus, 
at least in the male, 
armed at most with one 
tooth... Cryptothrips Uzel 

10. Fore femur in both sexes thickened. 

11. Labrim not sharply pointed. Abdomin- 
al bristles not noticeably long... 
ee eee Mesothrips Zimmerman 

11. Labrum sharply pointed, rising above 
the mouth cone. The bristles on the 
last abdominal segment extending be- 
yond the tube. Middle antennal joints 
very. lone and! slender... 2 
ee are renee Megalomerothrips Watson 

8. The last three antennal joints joined together with 

a broad surface apparently entire.................--.- 
bs sueghe Me 0M Nis re he Sean aoe Dermothrips Bagnall 

4. Antennae 7-jointed. 

5. Head much longer than broad, slightly but clearly tapering 

towards the middle, broadest on posterior margin... 
Sees oer ees ti ......... Polyphomothrips Schmutz 
5. Head hardly longer than broad, broadest about the middle, 
stronely constricted above this point, by the hind margin 
Of the Compound! eyes...25.22. 5... ef. Glyptothrips Hood 


COMPSOTHRIPINAE 


. Fore femur armed on inside with a row of small sharp humps. 
1 ae a ee SON Re Sore Pep Peay Pee Fae ef. Macrothripinae 
. Fore femur unarmed. 

2. At the end of the 5th and 6th antennal joint a leaf-like three cor- 
nered process that normally appears across the short tooth that lies 
on the following joint. 

3. Wings absent. 
4, Mouth cone narrowed to the point. Cheeks almost parallel. 
Botte eataee ee reds o, ceaecet treat stern ares co. Leptogastrothrips Trybom 


52 Proceedings, 1922 


4. Mouth cone broadly rounded. Cheeks arched................... 
Se ee oe lr Ee ee Compsothrips Reuter 
SIWHITO'S! PRESeM basset ten eeeee ceecerar easy Lophothrips Karny 
2. Antennal joints without processes. 
3. Tube shorter or as long as the head. A pair of long strong 


thorns or bristles near the anterior ocellus. 
4. Antennae 8-jointed. 
5. Tube shorter than the head. Two very long anteriorly- 
directed bristles in front of the fore ocellus.............-.. 
Ae RDA Seen ee .... Ophidothrips Schmutz 
5. Tube as long as the head. A moderately-long very strong 
outwardly-directed bristle on each side beside the anterior 
OcelSi4 ) Ao tants Cot rerpcal eee ef. Anactinothrips Bagnall 
4. Antennae 7-jointed................ _...¢ef. Polyphemothrips Schmutz 
3. Tube clearly longer than the head. No thorns or bristles by the 
amiter1ono.cellsh 2.5 ee ee ef. Gigantothrips Zimmerman 


DOCESSISSOPHOTHRIPS 


1. Head sharply constricted towards the side more than one-quarter of 
the whole body length. Dorsal aspect strongly arched, ventral side 
almost bent out at right angles when seen in lateral view................. 

RR Pe, STE Ny eT A a care sect Egchocephalothrips Bagnall 

1. Ventral side of head not at all or hardly coneave.............-...-..--.------ 

Si ae ee nen Be Docessissophothrips) Bagnall 


MACROTHRIPINAE 


1. Fore femur without a row of teeth. 
2. Fore hips without a horn. 
3. On each side of the fore angles of the middle breast, two finger- 
like thorns and beside them several smaller ones..................--. 
Aig chy, 2G A ae I ef. Tetracanthothrips Bagnall 
3. Fore angles of the middle breast unarmed or with a forked 
process. 
4. Tube only about half as long as the head...cf. Trybomia Karny 
4. Tube about as long as the head or longer. 
5. Fore angles of the middle breast in the male, with a forked 
Nes yPEO CESS. ete ee ee Dinothrips Bagnall 
5. Fore angles of the middle breast in both sexes unarmed. 
6. Fore tibia unarmed..................... Adiaphorothrips Bagnall 
6. Fore tibia with a sharp claw-like tooth..................... 
Oo RnR Se BU LS Neh > Meo aed fe agers Daa ae A Diaphorothrips Karny 
2. Fore hips with an angularly-bent heel-like or straight cone-like 
Fone 2S RS a PE 5 ete een ere Macrothrips Bagnall 


Entomological Society of British Columbia 53 


. Fore femur in the male on inner side with a row of teeth. Female 
unknown. 


9 


Teeth of fore femur large and slender, tap-shaped. Fore tarsus with 
EwiOyalibblestee tines: = 1 ee BO Ti cee Machatothrips Bagnall 
Teeth of fore femur small and hump-like. Fore tarsus with a 
powerful tooth. 
3. The end of the fore tibia with a tooth-like process................. 

Bie oe ee eee ee ee ISChyrotnripsschnaiutz 
3. Fore tibia unarmed Eulophothrips Schmutz 


IDOLOTHRIPIDAE 


. Second to the eighth abdominal segments with a tooth. Tube less 
than five times as long as the ninth abdominal segment. 


9 


bo 


Head projecting not at all or only a little beyond the eyes; fore 
angles of the prothorax and fore femur unarmed. Tube longer than 
the 9th abdominal segment. 

3. Head shorter. Cheeks without thorns. Prothorax clearly slant- 
ing without sculpturing or little humps. Tube at least four 
times as long as the 9th abdominal segment................-....-.------ 

Ld ee eee Glgantothrips| Zimmerman 

3. Head longer. Cheeks set with more or less strong thorns. Pro- 
thorax with sculptures or httle humps. Tube less than four 
times as long as the 9th abdominal segment. 

4. A strong sickle-shaped stunted bristle on the outside in front 
of the knee on the fore femur of the male. 

A het eee Ale A ae DS Ce Eee ae eA oe Dicaiothrips Buffa 

4. Fore femur of the male without sickle-shaped bristles. 
Bee es tc aa Be eA Se SO cat Li ag ES eee ocean Elaphrothrips Butta 

Head projecting far in front of the eyes. The end of the fore 

femur in front usually with a tooth. 

3. Tube not at all or only a little longer than the 9th abdominal 
segment. 

4. Fore angles of the prothorax with a large thorn............. 
a, Oe CO ee er EL Se Mecynothrips Bagnall 

4. Fore angles of the prothorax unarmed..... Klinothrips Bagnall 

3. Tube about three times as lone as the 9th abdominal segment. 
Fore femur (at least in the male) very much enlarged. 

4. <A strong blunt hump on the middle of the inner margin of 
fore femur in the male. Fore tibia at the end armed with a 
sharply angular tooth.......... Soe ae ee ee Phoxothrips Karny 

4. The middle inner margin of the fore femur without little 
humps. Fore tibia at the end only bluntly-angularly 
broadened !::!s 2 en toee ei ee ee Kleothrips Schmutz 


ul: 


Proceedings, 1922 


. Second to eighth abdominal segments (at least in the male) armed at 


the side with a posteriorly directed tooth. Tube 5-7 times as long as 
the 9th segment. 
2. Head about twice as long as broad. Ist antennal joint armed with 
apstrone@sbrishle..1.2 42 eee ae TTS SP eee Actinothrips Bagnall 
. Head not quite three times as-long as broad. Ist antennal joint 
without a thorn. 
3. Bristles on the head normally developed, not very long. 
So RCREN ERS NILES LEU NS 2 ok ttl oh Se ees 1 AN ee Idolothrips Haliday 
3. A short, thick sidewise-direeted thorn on each side of the anterior 
ocellus. Postocular bristles and a pair between them and the 
posterior margin clearly developed, much longer than the width 
Ofathethealdeks say eM es te Bee eel Anactinothrips Bagnall 


MEGATHRIPIDAE 


bo 


. Fore ocellus further distant from the two side ones than these are 


POMOC MANOLHe res 2 nee eeete ens eEeL ie ....Subfamily Bactrothripinae 


. Fore ocellus not further distant from the two side ones than these are 


fn OTMMO MEM AMO tive Ty seen mee tee eee Re ee ee Subfamily Megathripinae 


BACTROTHRIPINAE 


. Fifth abdominal segment (in the male) with a pair of posteriorly 


directed stunted processes on the side; the sixth segment with a shorter 
straight pair near the last third of the segment; posterior angles of 
the ninth segment forming thorned humps............. Eidothrips Bagnall 


. Fifth abdominal segment in the male without horned processes. 


2. Horned process of the sixth male abdominal segment lone, reach- 
ing to about the posterior margin of the 7th segment, scarcely 
diverging towards the back. The 7th and 8th segments on each 
side with a clear tooth-like process................... Bactridothrips Karny 

2. Horned process of the 6th male abdominal segment shorter and less 
markedly diverging, hardly reaching to the middle of the 7th seg- 
ment, the latter on each side with a short tooth-like process. The 
8th segment marked with irregular knobby markings. 


3. Horned process of the 6th male abdominal segment somewhat 


shorter, still diverging at the end..................... Bactrothrips Karny 

3. Horned process of the 6th male abdominal segment longer 

slightly diverging at the distal end................ Krinothrips Bagnall 
MEGATHRIPINAE 


Horned process of the 6th male abdominal segment as a rule extending 


past the end of the 7th segment, bent outwardly. 


Entomological Society of British Columbia 5D 


2. Tube of the female, six times as long as the 9th segment... 
ict eat ap ea abe Geert ay Pea ee, SORRY oa) RAED PN . Caudothrips Karny 
2. Tube at the most, four times as long as the 9th segment. 

3. Prothorax much broader than long. 8th abdominal segment in 
the male, simple. Body bristles comparatively long. Antennae 
fairly short, the middle joints not very sharply clubbed. 
Bee Lechter dae tn eee, 5 veveeeseeeeseeeeeeeses---s Megalothrips Uzel 

3. Prothorax not so markedly slanting. 8th abdominal segment in 
the male with a pair of side processes. Body bristles eompara- 
tively short, the antennae longer, the middle joints clearly 
Clulbbedte es nee Meet See Megathrips Targioni-Tozzetti 

1. Horned processes of the 6th male abdominal segment not reaching to 
the end of the 7th segment, straight or bent towards the inside. 
2. Body broad and strong. Prothorax much broader than long. Head 
twice as long as the prothorax. Horned process of the 6th male 
abdominal segment bent sharply inward. 7th and 8th segments 
STI) Creer Aenea es Mie a ee ee ee oat eae Siphonothrips Buffa 

2. Body slender and linear. Prothorax not so sharply slanting. Head 
three times as long as the prothorax. The processes of the 6th male 
abdominal fairly straight and parallel. The 7th and 8th segments 
wathiar pai of Side processes...2.....2.f.c.-seceeeeeeeee cee Bacillothrips Buffa 


HYSTRICOTHRIPIDAE 
1. Head only a little elongated in front of the eyes. 
2. Head one and one-half times as long as broad, broadest across the 
compound eyes. Cheeks set with two strong bristle-bearing humps. 
Forewings set with 20-25 fringes.....................-.. Hystricothrips Karny 
2. Head short and broad, tapering towards the front. Cheeks arched, 
set with numerous short bristles without warts. Forewines without 


TSI 6 gee eee ere a ee SL i ee ee Leeuwenia Karny 
1. Head process in front of eyes very long, its length three-quarters the 
remaimuno head leno: thi. Holurothrips Bagnall 
CHIROTHRIPOIDIIDAE 
OnillyOney CHS eee ree ee Chirothripoides Bagnall 
UROTHRIPIDAE 
Hee Acre TI Ty ae anf) ON CCl seen Beeee ely Geese ee Urothrips Bagnall 


1. Antennae 4-5 jointed. 
2. Antennae 5-jointed 
3. Fifth antennal joint clearly separated from the 4th. 
Oe an IO de Rd OR ot EE DE Bebelothrips Buffa 
3. Fifth antennal joint bound to the 4th with a broad surface, ap- 
parently making a whole............00.0...... Stephanothrips Trybom 
2. Antennae 4-joimted oo... cc...cceccecceccececeneecenenceenne Amphibolothrips Buffa 


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vy CPROCEEDINGS 


OF THE 


ENTOMOLOGICAL 
SOCLE EY 


BRITISH COLUMBIA 


(INCORPORATED) 


wy 
L924 


NUMBER TWENTY-ONE 


Ww 
( 
tee 
Printed by 
Evans & Hastings, 576 Seymour Street, Vancouver, B.C 


‘PROCEEDINGS 


OF THE 


EN TOMOLOGICAE 
SOC Y 


‘BRITISH COLUMBIA 


(INCORPORATED) 


Ww 
LOZ: 
NUMBER TWENTY-ONE 


O) 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 


Report of the Secretaty—lireasuners cet crete: oleseun  eNoteneteeieistegs 
resid entiraluA dd nes sis... skopend)<.ccie. ba oth eo aichoieie woven s enemesehone ens 


Additions and Corrections to the List of British Columbia 


Bar RMBuckell Sivacccct ce} shen eae 


Orthoptera 
“Vespa”: The First Paper Maker—W. B. Anderson... 


Notes on Collecting at Flowers and Blossoms—A. W 
Elicorabreamrigcns eictos oct sharers tech stant Rea rac eta oer re eee eae Be 


Entomologists, Modern and Ancient— R. S. Sherman..... 


Leaf-Rollers Attacking Trees in the Okanagan Valley—E. P. 
AGOGO IEEE Sahin e.s HERS IIa BAe iain Res ee ers Gib exae tic 


New Records of Hemiptera from British Columbia—W. 
IDORR NSS eae oO OU CA OEM eo om on eon oes o 


The Elm-Currant Aphis (Eriosoma ulmi L.)—R. Glendenning 3: 


Preliminary List of Aphididae of British Columbia—R. Glen- 
GNI Samra eae Amen oO rna a mae Gant 


RaiCGatreherne. » dineMemoniamprs sc. see et ieee pete erate 


WeiStroteMiembenrsSi svat Chee oe cael eevee Site eee aoe 


‘BRITISH COLUMBIA 
ENTOMOLOGIGAE: SOCIETY 


- 
ot 


REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-TREASURER 
FOR THE YEAR 1923 


I beg to submit the following report on the activities of the Society 

for the past year: 
FINANCES 

The Financial Statement shows a eredit balanee of $133.75. This 
compares very favourably with the balance of last year, $73. 

Membership fees amounted to $52 this year, half of this goine to 
the Ontario Society. 

We received the usual grant from the Provineial Governmen: of 
$250, which enables us to publish our Proceedings, 

This cost $156, a reduction of $1.25 per page in the cost of printing 
was obtained this year, thus allowing a saving of about $57. 


PROCEEDINGS 


One number has been published this year. This, Nos. 17 and 19 
combined of the Economic Series, contained several very useful con- 
tributions and has been in considerable demand. 


We have now published twenty numbers of our Proceedings. 


INCORPORATION 


I am glad to be able to report that this has at length been aecom- 
plished. The cost as mentioned was $24.75, plus a lot of paper and ink. 


MEMBERSHIP 


The membership has remained stationary at thirty-two; a few have 
dropped out, but their places have been taken by most desirable sub- 
stitutes. 


SUMMER MEETING 


The summer meeting in the Okanagan, proposed by Mr. Venables; 
which was to synchronize with the visit of the Dominion Entomologist, 
Mr. Gibson, was not held. Mr. Gibson did not visit British Columbia 
this year, and it was found that few if any of the coast members could 
make the trip. 


6 B. C. ENToMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR 1923. 


Receipts Expenditures 
Balance from W922) 2 sss $ 73.80 Subseription to ‘*‘Psyche’’$ 2.09 
Banke interestes 4.05 IFES] RGSS ieee see ee er ee ee 4.86 
Subscriptions, 1922 _____... 2.00 Postages {28 te ee 22.00 
Subscriptions, 1923 _.......... 52.00 SUG Si ee eee 6.00 
Provincial Grant, 1923 ...... 250.00 | Incorporation Fees ........... 24.75 
Dues to Ontario Society —. 32.17 
| Printing Proceedings _...... 156.23 
| Balance in Bank ............... 13340 
$381.85 $381.85 


R. GLENDENNING, 
Hon. Secretary-Treasurer. 
Audited and found correct, 
W.S. MOORE. 


PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS 
To THE MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH CoLtuMBIA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY :— 
GENTLEMEN, 


It is with much pleasure that I welcome you to the 23rd Annual 
Meeting of the B. C. Entomological Society. 


I am not going to weary you with a lengthy address, but will merely 
toueh on a few matters which I think will form the subject of discussion 
during the meeting. 


As you have learned from the report of the Secretary-Treasurer, 
the financial condition of the Society is satisfactory, there being a good 
balance on the right side. 


The meeting this year is much later than usual owing to the fact 
the Secretary was in Ottawa most of the winter, and this may possibly 
militate to a certain extent against the attendance, especially in view 
of the fact that the spring is so much earher than usual, and, as a con- 
sequence, field work is almost in full swing. 


In a territory so extensive as the Province of B. C., it is always a 
very difficult matter to get many of the members together at any one 
time, scattered as they are over such a wide area, but more co-operation 
is possible through correspondence and exchange of material, ete., bet- 
ween members, and I should like to see more of this than exists at present, 
in fact to those of us who take up the study of entomology and who 
desire to have anything like a representative collection of B. C. material 


PROCEEDINGS, 1924 


in any of the orders, it is almost necessary, as the imsect fauna of the 
different climatic belts of the province vary so much. We have moist 
belts, dry belts, high and low altitudes, and I think we have active mem- 
bers in all of these. 


Our active members in the various orders have continued their work 
during the past year and have added considerably to our knowledge of 
the Entomology of B.C. I would particularly mention the work of the 
following members who specialize in their orders: Messrs. E. H. Blaeck- 
more, in Geometridae and Microlepidoptera; R. S. Sherman, in Diptera; 
R. Glendenning, in the Aphids; W. Downes, in the Hemiptera; E. R. Buek- 
ell, in the Orthoptera. Many other members have also been active in 
gathering material which has added vastly to the list of known species 
occuring in B.C. 


In such generally studied order, even as the Lepidoptera, we have no 
cheek list anywhere near up to date, and here is a labor of love and value 
for such as have the necessary knowledge and the enterprise to carry it 
out. 


Some of the other orders are almost virein fields as far as B. C. is 
concerned, and offer to those who take them up the incentive of almost 
untrodden ground and new discoveries. 


Life is never dull for those who have the desire to delve into the 
mysteries and beauties of nature, and a hobby, if you like to eall it such, 
is a grand thing to fall back upon, and, I have even heard, conduces to 
longevity. 


I trust our deliberations may result in much benefit to the Society 
during the coming year. 


L. E. MARMONT. 


ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO THE LIST OF 
BRITISH COLUMBIA ORTHOPTERA 


By E. R. BucKELL. 


In the Proceedings of the British Columbia Entomological Society 
for 1922 (Systematic series No. 20.) there was published a list of the 
Dermaptera and Orthoptera recorded from British Columbia prior to 
1922. The list was intended as a basis on which to build up an authentic 
check list of the Dermaptera and Orthoptera of British Columbia. 


In the present paper twelve species are added to the list, some 
necessary corrections made, and occasional notes of interest are added 
to species previously listed. 


8 B. C. ENtToMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


IT am indebted to Messrs. J. A. G. Rehn and Morgan Hebard for many 
of the corrections made and for the determination of material and permis- 
sion to use certain racial names. 


New Recorps. 
Family Arcrididae 
Subfamily Oedipodinae 

Xanthippus leprosus (Saussure), 1854. 

SaussurE, H. pe. Mem. Soc. Geneve, XXVIII., p. 89 (1884). 

This large red-winged species is found throughout the interior dry 
belt from the Chileotin district to the southern Okanagan valley. he 
winter is passed as a nymph in hibernation. 

Locauity Recorps. Oliver, 1919; Chileotin, Williams Lake, Big Bar, 
Rock Creek, Nicola, Minnie Lake, Douglas Lake, Chapperon Lake, Aspen 
Grove, Knutsford, Beresford, Kamloops, Vernon, 1922; Merritt, Prinece- 
ton, Hedley, Keremeos, Osoyoos, 1923 (E. R. Buekell). 

Dissosteira spurcata (Saussure), 1854. 

Saussure, H. pE. Mem. Soc. Geneve, XX XIIT., p. 134 (1884). 

Two males of this species have been taken in August at Oliver, in 
the southern Okanagan valley. They were found on a sandy flat close to 
the Okanagan river, amonest a secant erowth of Sage-brush (Artemisia 
tridentata Nutt.), Rabbit-bush (Bigelovia graveolens Nutt.), and Ante- 
lope-bush (Purshia tridentata D. C.). 


Locauiry Recorps. Oliver, 1922-23 (E. R. Buckell). 
Trimerotropis gracilis (Thomas) 1872. 
Tuomas, Cyrus. Rep. U. S. Geol. Surv., Montana, p. 461 (1872). 


This is not a common species in British Columbia, but occurs in small 
colonies amongst Sage-brush in warm, sheltered localities. 


Locauity Recorps. Chileotin, 1921; Kamloops, 1922; Nicola, 1923 
(E. R. Buckell). 
Subfamily Acridinae 


Melanoplus scriptus (I°. Walker) and Melanoplus repletus (IF. Wal- 
ker) were recorded from Vancouver Island by Francis Walker and 
deseribed by him in the Cat. Derm. Salt. Brit. Mus., IV., pp. 680 and 678 


(1870). 

Mr. B. Uvaroy has recently been revising the Walkerian types in 
the British Museum of Natural History and has sent me the following 
notes on these species. ‘*There is no doubt that M. scriptus (F. Walker) 
is a synonym of M. bilituratus (F. Walker), and the types agree abso- 
lutely with Secudder’s description and figure in his Monograph.’’ The 


PROCEEDINGS, 1924 9 


type of M. repletus (F. Walker) has apparently been lost, and Mr. Uva- 
roy believes that a female of Melanoplus femur—rubrum (De Geer) from 
““N. America’’ is the actual type of repletus, although he cannot as yet 
find any actual proof of it. 

Melanoplus borealis junius (Dodge) 1876. 

Doper. Canad. Ent. VIII., p. 9 (1876). 


This geographic race of Melanoplus borealis (Fieber) has been erect- 
ed for Melanoplus junius (Dodge) by Mr. Morgan Hebard, who kindly 
identified a small series of specimens from Anahim Lake, in the northern 
Chileotin district, as this race. They were taken in a shady situation at 
the edge of a big bog. 

Locauity Recorps. Anahim Lake, 1921 (E. R. Bucekell). 

Phoetaliotes nebrascensis (Thomas) 1872. 


Tuomas, Cyrus. Rep. Geol. Surv., Montana, p. 455 (1872). 


This species was found commonly on certain stony hillsides, in the 
southern Okanagan valley, at Oliver. All the specimens seen were 
brachypterous. 


Locauity Recorps. Oliver, 1922-23 (E. R. Buckell). 
Bradynotes pinguis (Scudder), 1898. 
ScuDDER, SAMUEL H. Proce. U. 8S. Nat. Mus., XX., pp. 81, 85 (1898). 


In 1922 a few specimens of this wingless species were found on the 
higher slopes of the hills, near Rock Creek in the Kettle river valley, 
where they were associated with Asemoplus montanus (Bruner). In 
June, 1923, a large colony was seen on the western slope of Anarchist 
Mountain, above Osoyoos Lake, in the southern Okanagan valley. They 
were found in open grassy glades in the forest above the 3,000-foot line. 

. This habitat was similar in every way to that in which Bradynotes chil- 
cotinae (Hebard) has been found in other parts of the province, but the 
two species have not as yet been found inhabiting the same area. 

Locauity Recorps. Rock Creek, 1922; Anarchist Mt., 1923 (E. R. 
Buekell). 

Family Tettigoniidae 
Subfamily Stenopelmatinae 

Cyphoderris piperi (Caudell), 1907. 

CaupELL, A..N. Ent. News. XVIII., p. 335 (1907). 

The records of this species in British Columbia have been incorporat- 
ed in the past under Cyphoderris monstrosa (Uhler). Since the striking 
differences in the male genitalia of the two species were pointed out to 
me by Mr. B. B. Fulton, an examination of the available British Colum- 
bia material has shown that both species are present and that there are 
cons‘derably more males of piperi than of monstrosa in the collections. 


10 B. C. ENTroMoLoGICAL SOCIETY 


Both species have been seen at Nicola in large numbers during late 
May feeding together upon flowers of Amelanchier cusickii (Fer.), Ame- 
lanchier florida (Lindl.), and Mlaeagnus argentea (Pursh). 

Locaurry Recorps. Peachland, 1907; Lillooet, 1920 (A. B. Baird) ; 
Nicola, 1922-23 (E. R. Buckell). 

Subfamily Decticinae 

Peranabrus scabricollis (Thomas) 1872. The Coulee Cricket. 

Tomas, Cyrus. Hayden’s Rep., Geol. Sury., Montana, p. 441 (1872). 

Small colonies of the Coulee cricket were found at Stump Lake and 
near Aspen Grove in the Nicola valley im 1922. All the specimens found 
were bright apple green. 

Locauiry Recorps. Stump Lake, Aspen Grove, 1922 (E. R. Buckell). 

Steiroxys trilineata (Thomas) 1870. 

Tuomas, Cyrus. Proe. Acad. Nat. Sei., Philad., p. 76 (1870). 

This species was recorded in the previous list as Steiroxys sp. (Proce. 
B. C. Ent. Soe. p. 36. Systematic series No. 20, 1922). 

A number of males were secured in 1922, making the determination 
of the species possible. 

Locauity Recorps. Chileotin, 1920-21; Nicola, Aspen Grove, Kam- 
loops, Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos, Rock Creek, 1922-23 (E. R. Buckell). 

Family Gryllidae 
Subfamily Gryllinae 

Nemobius fasciatus (De Geer), 1773. 

Dr Greer. Mem. 1’Hist. Ins., III., p. 522 (1773). 

This species occurs commonly in fields at Kelowna, on the Okanagan 
Lake. It has not been found elsewhere in the province. ‘ 

Locauiry Recorps. Kelowna, 1922-23 (E. R. Buckell). 

CorRRECTIONS AND Notes OF INTEREST. 

Since the first list was prepared it has been found necessary to make 
certain corrections and alterations, which are here set down in the order 
in which they occur. Notes of interest on some of the species are also 
included. 

The Grylloblattidae were placed in the previous list as a sub-family 
of the Orthoptera. This is incorrect, as they are considered to constitute 
a distinct order, the Notoptera (Crampton, 1915), or Grylloblattaria 
(Bruner, 1916). 

Acrididae 


In the genus Xanthippus (Saussure) a large number of specimens of 
Xanthippus neglectus (Thomas) and Xanthippus obscurus (Scudder) 


PROCEEDINGS, 1924 11 


have been collected. Series of these were sent to Messrs. J. A. G. Rehn 
and Morgan Hebard, who informed me that they consider Xanthippus 
obscurus (Scudder) to be an absolute synonym of Xanthippus neglectus 
(Thomas) ; and it must therefore be struck off the list. 


It is further considered that the species listed in the present paper 
as Xanthippus leprosus (Saussure) and the species listed in the former 
paper as Xanthippus latefasciatus (Scudder) probably represent one spe- 
cies in British Columbia. 


They find that the material submitted to them for determination dur- 
ing the past few years agrees with material determined by Seudder as 
leprosus, but may not be identical with the leprosus of Saussure, which 
was described from Mexico. The genus is a difficult one, and more work 
is needed to definitely determine what species we have represented in 
Canada. The two names, leprosus and latefasciatus, are temporarily re- 
tained until further work can be done on the genus. 


Mr. Rehn informs me that in the genus Trimerotropis the species 
listed as Trimerotropis ferruginea (McNeill) will probably be found to 
be a synonym of Trimetropis caeruleipes (Scudder). 


The record of Trimerotropis citrina (Scudder) was made from a 
sinele specimen collected by Mr. E. P. Venables at Vernon in 1905 and 
recorded by Dr. James Fletcher as this species. The specimen has been 
examined and found to be a male Spharagemon aequale (Say) in which 
the notching of the median carina of the pronotum closely resembles a 
member of the genus Trimerotropis, as there is a distinct second notch, a 
feature which oceasionally occurs in specimens of Spharagemon aequale 
(Say). 

It is probable that Trimerotropis citrina (Scudder) will not be found 
in Canada. 

The type specimen of Trimerotropis longicornis (EK. M. Walker) was 
recently compared by Prof. Walker and the author to material collected 
in British Columbia which had been determined by Mr. Rehn as Trimero- 
tropis monticola (Saussure), and found to be very close to if not identical 
with this material. In British Columbia Trimerotropis monticola (Saus- 
sure) has yellow hind tibiae and does not bear much superficial resemb- 
lance to the monticola found on the prairies in Canada. It is thought, 
however, that Trimerotropis longicornis (E. M. Walker) may eventually 
be found to be Trimerotropis monticola (Saussure). 


Mr. Morgan Hebard informs me that he finds Melanoplus flabellifer 
(Seudder) to be an absolute synonym of Melanoplus occidentalis (Tho- 
mas). 


In the previous list I placed Thomas as the author of Melanoplus 
Mmexicanus atlanis; this is incorrect and should read (Riley) Ann. Rep. 
Ins. Mo. VIL., p. 169 (1875). 


12 B. C. EnromMonoGical Sociery 


The author of Melanoplus borealis monticola is Scudder and not 
Fieber, as I stated, and should read: Scudder, 8. H. Proce. Amer. Phil. 
Soe. XXXVL., p. 24 (1897). The spelling is incorrect in Melanoplus was- 
hingtonianus, and should read: Melanoplus washingtonius (Bruner). 


Tettigoniidae 


In the previous list Cyphoderris monstrosus (Uhler) should be 
Cyphoderris monstrosa (Uhler), Proce. Ent. Soe. Philad., IL, p. 501 
(1864). 


The use of varietal names in so variable an order as the Orthoptera 
is not generally considered advisable and Anabrus simplex var. maculo- 
sus (Caudell) is best recorded as Anabrus simplex (Haldeman). Stans- 
bury, Exped. Great Salt Lake of Utah, p. 372 (1852). 

Further study in the British Columbia material of Conocephalus 
fasciatus (De Geer) by Messrs. Rehn and Hebard has shown that Cono- 
cephalus fasciatus fasciatus (De Geer) and intermediates between this 
geographic race and Conocephalus fasciatus vicinus (Morse) occur, but 
probably true vicinus will not be found in British Columbia. 


“VESPA”’ 
The First Paper Maker 


BY W. B. ANDERSON. 


We, of this age of inventions, of useful commodities of all kinds, of 
thousands of things little and big which have been evolved for the con- 
venience and the comfort of us pampered humans, seldom if ever pause 
to think of the long trails made by patient toilers, which lead eventually 
to the successes as we know them. Do we ever consider, when looking at 
and admiring a beautifully finished sword, that the first sword was made 
of a thin slice of intensely hard stone, cut from the larger block by means 
of a sandstone slip, sand, water, and days, nay weeks, of hard labour? Do 
we ever consider that the surgeon’s keen scalpels had their beginning in 
a bit of sharp shell, or agate chip? Very few, among a million people, 
give thought to the evolution of the commercial article in every day use. 


We read a book, admire the print, the binding, the texture of the 
paper. We sit down to write on various themes, and at times throw 
Pshaw, why don’t they make better paper to 
write on?’’ Forgetting for the time, that the first documents were serib- 
ed on stone; then on bark, or papyrus, until at last some human more 


ce 


down pen or pencil with a 


clever than the rest, or one who desired less manual labour in indicting 
his love letters or his declarations of war, hit upon a scheme whereby 
some vegetable substance was pulped, mixed with a glutinous vehicle, 
then spread thin and dried; with the result that a material was finally 


PROCEEDINGS, 1924 13 


produced which could be written upon. This probably was after the age 
of sheepskin; sliced piths of shrubs and plants and other substances 
which, in their day, were considered the ‘‘dernier eri’’ in material for the 
art. 

Who was the man, and of what people came this observer? Of the 
Chinese? Perhaps; for these people have been, and probably always will 
be, better observers of natural phenomena and of Nature’s handiwork 
than we ‘‘superior’’ races. For mark; there was a paper maker before 
his day. Had been, since Nature first evolved him from some obscure, 
erawlinge form of Primordial life. 

We, to-day, look with wondering eyes on the vast intricacies of the 
modern paper mill. We see the great logs drawn into the gangs of saws, 
and we follow the course of the blocks until we see the sheets of beautiful 
snowy paper slowly rolling up, a hundred yards or more away from the 
starting point. We marvel that man ever could conceive the idea of thus 
turning a hard, woody substance into the beautiful, phable commodity 
which, were we to now be suddenly deprived of, would stop the commerce 
of the world. But the basic method was followed ages before history 
began by a little insect which we know to-day as ‘‘ Vespa,’’ the Wasp. It 
only remained for an observant human with a disinelination for the hard 
work necessary in chipping or seribine hard stone, or dressing tough 
sheepskin, to note ways of friend Vespa, to copy him, and to improve his 
methods, until he produced a substance white enough, and tough and 
smooth enough, to enable him, with the aid of a pointed stick and a little 
coloured fruit juice, or blood, to easily set down his ideas. The rest was 
simply a matter of persistent endeavor in evolution. 


Years ago, when a boy, I was fortunate enough, from a persistent 
habit I had of watching birds, beasts and reptiles going about their daily 
housekeeping tasks, to see Vespa busy at the operation of paper making, 
and, for the benefit of those of this Society who perhaps have not been so 
lucky, I shall describe as nearly as possible the way she went about the 
task. 

In those days, what are known as ‘‘Snake’’ rail fences, went zig- 
zagging about all the fields. Made of 12-ft. split sections of the Douglas 
Fir, these singularly unbeautiful creations were nevertheless a boon for 
the wasp folk, for, as I watched a lady wasp buzzing about, she alighted 
on a rail, and, after a little searching, began to chew with her strong 
mandibles on a part of the soft layer of the annual ring, meanwhile wet- 
ting the resulting mass with a presumably sticky exudation from her 
mouth. After a few minutes work, she had collected a round ball, the 
size of a small pea, of perfect pulp, (1 will here digress to read a bit from 
Kirby, Assistant in the Zoologieal Department in the British Museum, 
who, in deseribing *‘Vespa,’’ says: ‘‘These nests are composed ot a 
material resembling thin, coarse brown paper.’’) 


14 B. C.. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


If my audience will follow me, I think it will agree with me in spite 
of this authority’s words that the material, apart from 
in fact, coarse brown paper-grey, to be correct. To proceed; the wasp, 
after gathering together the little pellet of pulp, flew to a nearby shrub, 
where, on the underside of one of the smooth, wide leaves, carefully 


oe 


resembling,”’ is, 


spread with feet and mandibles her little bit of paper material, then back 
to the rail to collect more pulp. Not always returning to the same bush 
for the spreading operation, until at length, I presume other household 
cares claimed her attention, as she flew away and came no more. 

Afterwards, (shall I say the next day? I faney that will be nearly 
right), I again took my post near the paper bush. I had not been there 
long when Mrs. Vespa came buzzing about, and though I then, and always 
have had, a deathly fear of wasps, I stood my ground, soon perceiving 
that paper making was to the lady of far greater importance than sting- 
ing a boy dressed in dirty face and ragged pants. Soon she alighted on 
the bush, on one of the very leaves under which she had plastered a bit 
of pulp. Carefully taking a corner of the now dry paper in her man- 
dibles, she gently pulled the sheet clear of the leaf, and taking wing, 
flew away with a dirty grey banner trailing beneath her body, a sheet 
measuring perhaps three-quarter-inch of irregular shape. 


That closed the book for the time being, for being ‘‘ Vespa occidenta- 
lis’’ (or shall we say, ‘‘Vespa vulgaris, var. occidentalis?’’) her nest was 
undereround, and the last I saw of her was a busy wasp dragging a folded 
bit of paper into a hole in the ground. Having become interested in this 
paper-making operation, I later watched nest building operations when- 
ever possible, and was finally lucky enough to see the operation of build- 
ing up. This time it was another of the paper-makers, the Black Hornet, 
who showed me the way, whose nest, being built above ground, gave a 
eood view of the work. Alighting on the nest with a piece of paper of 
much the size and appearance of that made by ‘‘Vulgaris,’’ the insect 
proceeded to a part evidently being built on or strengthened. She 
attached one corner of the sheet to the nest, and gradually spread it 
smooth, at the same time wetting the edges with (presumably) mucous 
saliva, tamping the whole quite smooth, the whole operation taking per- 
haps 30 seconds. This, in brief, is the story of Vespa’s paper-making and 
building up. It is of course well known that the queen lies dormant in 
some snug place during winter. In early spring, she bestirs herself with 
the first warm rays. A small nest is made without delay, this of less than 
one inch in diameter, in some sheltered place above ground. I am again 
speaking of Vulgaris—in which she lays 3 or 4 eggs—seldom more at 
first, each in its tiny cell (paper cells too), and from this on the life 
history is easily traced. The first brood help build a bigger nest, also 
above ground, and this brood in turn help the colony, which, at a certain 
stage in life’s affairs, digs its underground chamber in which is built the 
final nest from which the members emerge in search of prey, belted war- 


PROCEEDINGS, 1924 15 


riors filled with more concentrated, villamous bitterness than so many 
rattlesnakes, always prepared to give battle to any moving thing in the 
vieinity of the nest, the unwary entomologist included. 


A habit of this same wasp which I at one time noted may be of 
interest. The season opened early and warm, and the common wasp made 
many flourishing colonies. Later on, the weather turned very wet, and 
in a field of barley, where were many wasps nests, the careful household- 
ers of the underground communities built chimnies of clay, to the height 
of three or four inches, above the mouths of their underground passages, 
without doubt to guard against flooding from sudden downpours of 
rain. I have never since been fortunate enough to see these structures 
at the mouths of the nests. 


NOTES ON COLLECTING AT FLOWERS AND BLOSSOMS 
By A. W. HANHAM 
Looking back over the notes and records started soon after I came 


to Canada in December, 1881, I have jotted down in this paper some 
items that may be of interest. 


IT had my introduction to Canadian Entomology at Ottawa in 1882, 
with such enthusiasts as the late Dr. James Fletcher, and the late W. 
Hayne Harrington, to speed me on my way; the former with the but- 
terflies and moths, and the latter with the beetles. Later on, at Que- 
bee, I had the pleasure of working in these with the late Rev. T. W. 
Fyles, and when I came out to this coast, with the late Rev. G. W. 
Taylor, and late Capt. R. V. Harvey, with insects and shells. 


All these old friends and kindred spirits have passed on; yet one 
remains, your President, Mr. L. EK. Marmont, with whom many happy 
days and outings were spent at Brandon and Rounshwaite, Man., dur- 
ing a number of years when I was stationed at Winnipeg. 


From Ottawa, I was moved to Paris, Ont., and then to Hamilton 
and Brantford, Ont., thence to Quebee City, in 1891, to Winnipeg in 
1893, and to Victoria, B. C. in 1901. From these remarks you will see 
that I have had exeeptional opportunities of collecting in many parts 
of Canada. 

In 1888 IT recorded the capture of a number of noetuids—as many 
as 100 specimens in one evening—off sunflowers In my garden at Ham- 
ilton, Ont., in August, towards dusk. In May and June a number of 
species of Coleoptera, mostly Cerambycidae, off hawthorn blossom in 
open bush, along under the mountain there. In June, 1859, six species 
of Sphindidae from flower beds, one evening at Port Dover, Lake Erie, 
on June 12th, 1892, on Isle d’Orleans, lyine in the St. Lawrence River, 


16 B. C. ENToMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


a few miles below Quebee City, a rare Blister beetle, Pomphopoea sayi, 
at elderberry flowers; and on the same Island on Aug. 10th, 1893, 
flying about the spreading dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium) in 
a small clearing, 30 specimens of Autographa, 7 or 8 species being cap- 
tured. 1894 found me settled in Winnipeg, and I record little seen or 
taken on flowers or blossom, except butterflies and beetles, until well 
on in the summer or fall, when the Canada thistle (Cnicus arvensis), 
asters and golden rod were out. At Bird’s Hill, near Winnipeg, on Labor 
Day, 1890, some good noetuids (day flyime) were swept off golden rod, 
and some rare beetles (Lebia) off asters. On July 29th, Aug. 2nd and 
5th, 1900, a number of Melicleptria villosa, form sexata, were taken at 
rest in the centre of a purplish daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum), 
and in the same meadow I swept off flowers, my first specimen of Pam- 
phila ottoe. During my sojourn on the Prairies my best collecting off 
flowers was made at Brandon and Rounshwaite, Man., where in 1896 and 
1897, particularly, as recorded in Vol. 30 of The Canadian Entomologist, 
many 2ood species of noctuids were swept at dusk in July and August 
off the following; the spreading dogbane, wild bergamot or horsemint 
(Monarda fistulosa, var. mollis), Scotch thistle (Cuicus undulatus), wild 
sunflowers (Helianthus scabra and rigidus), and species of golden rod, 
of which Solidago rigidus proved the most attractive. The moths inelud- 
ed Autographa biloba, brassicae, flagellum, and californica (the last 
named was looked on as a rarity on the Prairies.) Perhaps at Rounsh- 
waite, where I was the guest of Mr. Marmont, on several occasions, Oncoc- 
nemis atrifasciata was our most beautiful, if not also our best eatch. 


In Aueust, 1896, five specimens of Bosphoropteryx thyatyroides were 
taken at dusk in Elm Park, Winnipeg, off one of the above-mentioned 
sunflowers (scabra). 


During flying visits to Carberry, Man., I bagged my first specimen 
of Argynnis nevadensis (ereen washed frit), a number of Hurymus (albi 
nos), Euptoieta claudia and some rare ‘‘Sikippers,’’ off milk weed; and at 
dusk off golden rod, many rare noctuids, including Oncocnemis viridi- 
tincta; the only time I ever took it. When I lived in Victoria, Gold- 
stream was a favorite hunting ground with me, and in May and June 
especially, many good captures were made on the mountain slopes, and 
along the railway line; needless to say, the majority off flowers. I remem- 
ber my first view of the Dogwoods in flower, and my disappointment 
when I found that virtually nothing seemed to be attracted. One year in 
May, in Victoria, I took some nice noctuids about the holly trees in blos- 
som. Since my residence near Quamichan Lake, 214, miles from Dunean, 
V. 1., where I came in 1906, I have devoted much time to collecting at 
flowers chiefly in my own garden. In August and September, 1913, at 
dusk, off sunflowers, I made my first big eateh here of autographas; 
they included nine species; the sunflowers were mostly of the double 
variety. I first grew Mathiola (night blooming stock) a year or two 


PrOcEEDINGS, 1924 iby 


later, and took my first Autographa speciosa off it in July, 1915. I have 
planted special beds of this highly scented flower since I discovered its 
attractive properties, and have taken speciosa every season; it is on the 
wing from the beginning of July until about the 20th. In September, 
1922, I took a pair of Autographa brassicae at the flowers, a new record 
for Vancouver Island, and an addition to my B. C. collection. 


Last year (1923) my record for the season, from the beginning of 
July to the beginning of October, was 11 species of Autographa, some 
150 specimens. Every species that I have taken on the Island has beer 
attracted, except Mappa, which files in June before the flower are out. 
Strange to say comparatively few other species of noctuids appear to be 
attracted to this flower, although [ have twice taken smegle specimens of 
Cucullia. I have taken the Peach-blossom moth (L. pudens) at blossom 
of the wild cherry. 


Last year a neighbour, Mr. Demus Ashby, called my attention to the 
attractiveness of the Tansy ragwort; Stinking Wille is another name for 
it, and a fitting one, for it has a very strong sour, disagreeable smell— 
and he gave me some plants. I can truthfully state that I have never 
before seen such swarms of insects on any flowers or plants. <All orders 
were well represented, but, as the flowers were not open until the begin- 
ning of August. not many species of Diurnals were out to be attracted 
Hymenoptera simply swarmed; the Coleoptera were mostly “‘Lady- 
birds,’’ and ‘‘Longhorns,’’ but here again not a great number of species 
of the latter were still about; I, however, took two species new to this 
district. Hemiptera were abundant, and Diptera also. Micro-Lepidop- 
tera were attracted in numbers, and species new to me turned up, includ- 
ing our tinyest ‘‘Plume”’ (Trichoptilus pygmaeus), and Allononyma vica- 
rialis; of the latter I caught about twenty specimens during August, all 
during the daytime, never towards dark or later. Strange that, during a 
residence at Quamichan of 18 years, I had never run across it before. 
This handsome little moth skipped about on the flower heads, usually 
with its wings out at right angles or up-tilted; once it took flight, it dis- 
appeared from my vision. This moth was met with one season at Gold- 
stream in August. In the evening a lot of ‘‘Micros’’ were on the flowers, 
also noetuids and geometers. Among the latter the pick was a specimen 
of Cleora albescens. If this plant (it is really a weed) could be persuad- 
ed to flower earlier than August, the possibilities of its attraction would 
be almost unlimited. To all collectors of ‘*‘Bues’’ possessing a garden, 
my advice is, grow a patch of Tansy ragwort, and one of Mathiola; the 
flowers of the latter, except on rainy or very dull days, close up entirely, 
and it is therefore no use for day collecting. Honey suckle (not the wild 
kind) draws the Sphingidae, and Lilac (I only grow the white variety) 
attracts well; in the day time Papilios and clear wing moths, among them 
Proserpinus clarkiae and ulalume—both rather rare species usually—and 
towards evening many of the early appearing Polias, ete. 


18 B. C. EnNromouoaicaL Society 


I should not omit to refer to collecting at ‘‘Sallows.’’ I do not 
remember doing any ‘“‘sallowing’’ worth mentioning in Ontario, Quebee, 
or on the Prairies, nor during my stay in Victoria, chiefly for lack of 
any convenient localities, easy of access, but since I came to Dunean, this 
mode of collecting has been almost a yearly event. Accompanied often 
by my friend and next door neighbour on Quamichan Lake, Mr. G. O. 
Day, I have enjoyed many profitable evenings, and without going any 
distance away from home. Sheets spread under the trees—some of them 
quite large and tall—some vigorous shaking, lamps, cyanide bottles, or 
pill boxes, and then often a rich and varied harvest. The noctuids usu- 
ally sit dormant on the sheets lone enough to allow one to pick and 
choose. The Geometers, which come in surprising numbers, have to be 
collected off the flowers, or flushed before it is too dark to see, and then 
taken in the net. All the native species of Stretchia, Xylomyges, Peri- 
grapha, Orthosia, Graptolitha, Xylena, and other early flying species, 
may be taken in one good season. The season varies a good deal, accord- 
ing as it may be an early or late one, mild or chilly. This year (1924) 
some of the sallow noctuids appeared before the last days of February. 


In British Columbia I miss the collecting off ‘‘ Milk weed ;’’ in Onta- 
rio, Quebec, and to a lesser degree on the Prairies, the flowers proved 
highly attractive to butterflies, especially perhaps the larger Argynnids. 
IT regret that I never tried the ‘‘Milk weed’’ of an evening. I wonder if 
any Lepidopterists present have ever taken that beautiful noectuid, Rho- 
dophora florida, at the flowers of the wild evening primrose (Oenothera, 
biennis). Perhaps the moth does not occur anywhere in B. C., but I 
noticed the plant in flower, and fairly abundant around Agassiz in 
August, 1922. I have taken the moth back East, and on the Prairies, and 
found it at rest in the daytime, partly in the closed flowers; with its 
pinkish primaries, it was a feast to the eyes. 


In 1919 and 1921, with Mr. Day, and in 1920, with Mr. Glendenning, 
Mount McLean, in the Lillooet District, was visited. Im the two last 
years we camped at 5,000 feet, and a number of trips were made to the 
higher elevations, and to the summit nearly 8,000 feet. I think most of 
our best collecting was done off flowers above the tree level, at about 
7,000 feet. There are meadows of fairly level ground, quite extensive, 
and, on the whole, well carpeted with flowers. Some kinds were over 
when we were up in August, the Anemone occidentalis were all seeding ; 
they were abtmdant from 5,500 feet up, and the heather was mostly past 
also. Where the flower patches were thickest, Diurnals, especially the 
““Blues,”’ simply swarmed in 1920 (August 22nd and 23rd). It was here 
that I took two species of Syngrapha; in 1921 none were seen, I think 
because we were a couple of weeks ahead of the 1920 dates. The patches 
of flowers consisted chiefly of a large flowered Aster (apricus), yellow 
or orange daisies (Arnica), and another tall yellow flower (Aplopappus). 
One day in 1920 at 2 0’clock, and the second as late as 4 o'clock, Hepialus 


a 


PROCEEDINGS, 1924 19 


marglashani was taken over and about one of these patches, dashing 
around rather wildly. I am not sure that they were attracted by the 
flowers to any extent; perhaps one of them was its food plant, and I for- 
get whether I took any except on the wing. Noctuids were plentiful also 
in individuals—if not species—on the flowers, and one kind could be 
swept off a dwarf Solidago, only a few inches high. Yarrow or Milfoil 
(Achillea) Lupins, and Fire-weed, rather dwarfed, all three erowing 
fairly high up, say about 6,500 feet. We did not find worth while visiting 
Angelica, and Heracleum flowers were quite attractive to all orders, but 
did not , I think, grow higher up than 5,500 feet. 

In the rocky ravines, and on the slopes towards the summit, a silene 


occurred; this is the moss-eampion, with tiny pink flowers on a greenish 
cushion lying close to the ground. Lasiestras, Lasionyctas, and Orosagro- 
tis incognita favored this silene, sometimes half a dozen of them on one 
plant, and it was on this that I took all my specimens of Autographa alta. 
The beautiful ‘‘Copper,’’ Heodes cupreus, could occasionally be swept off 
the scattered plants of Arnica on the slopes, but they usually preferred 
to sit down amone the rocks in the ravines, like the Anarta and Sym- 
pistis, though in 1921 I swept some of them (the latter) off a tiny white 
flower, a few inches high, growing by one of the lakes at 7,500 feet. 

Around our camp in 1921, especially at dusk, a number of things 
were taken at the Asters, these included some Autographas, and Oncoc- 
nemis hayesi, Paroa-nigra, and chandleri, also Euxoa brocha. Alpine 
collecting for Coleoptera did not come up to expectations, but some good 
species of Ceramby cidae, were taken on Mount MeLean in 1920 and 1921, 
and on Mount Cheam in 1922, all picked, or swept off flowers, chiefly 
umbelliferus plants. Two specimens of a small clear-wing moth were 
taken off these in 1921. In the spring of 1905, I was fortunate in being 
able to visit Southern California; I was down there from the end of Janu- 
ary into May. At the beginning of February, Autographa californica 
was out in large numbers, flying about some flowering shrubs during the 
day in the gardens; the only other species met with were brassicae, and 
on Catalina Island, one biloba; other noetuids were very searce, with the 
exception of species of Melicleptria and allied genera. Some of these 
were quite common, some of considerable beauty; the flowers off which 
I swept them were mostly strangers to me. That exquisite ‘*Blue,”’ 
Philotes sonorensis, was flying with the moths in March and April. The 
very tiny ‘‘Blue,’’ Brephidium exilis, appeared to hug the coast line. 
The Cacti flowers only seemed to attract small beetles. Species of Bren- 
this, Euphydryas and Melitaea were fairly abundant, and at Santa Bar- 
bara in May Dione vanillae and Junonia coenia were not wncommon; 
both are handsome butterflies. Most of my collecting was done at La 
Jolla, near San Diego; all that country is treeless, except for the fruit 
orchards, and the catch made during my stay was hardly a rich one. My 
intention had been to deal with the results and possibilities of collecting 
‘At Light’? also, but the present paper is already unduly long. 


20 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


ENTOMOLOGISTS, MORERN AND ANCIENT 


BY R. S. SHERMAN. 


As the years speed by I begin to realize the great changes that have 
marked the study and pursuit of entomology during the half century 
covered by my conscious experience. It occurred to me that it might be 
of interest to some of the younger knights of the net to listen for a few 
minutes to the rambling thoughts of one of the old school. 


My first collecting was done during the seventies in the vicinity ot 
Belleville, Ontario. The only entomologist of my acquaintance—a dist- 
ant, awe-inspiring acquaintance—was Professor Bell of Albert College. 
T saw him twice; once with net in hand in dignified chase of some elusive 
hexapod; and again when I carried to him a male rhinoceros-beetle. This 


ferocious creature had broken cover from a jungle of dead leaves, and I 
ean remember the powerful thrust of his horned head and doughty lees 
as he tried to free himself from my grasp. I took him to the profes- 
sor, who pronounced him a rare capture and a new record for Canada. 
From that moment the virus of the collector entered my blood and has 
not yet worked its way out of my system. 


Naturally, on the streneth of this capture, I ran largely to coleoptera 
during the first part of my entomological career. There was good 
hunting in those days. The beech and maple forests had not yet fallen 
beneath the all-consuming axe of the farmer. From the opening of the 
first hepaticas to the wanine of the golden-rod, the forest aisles were 
a-hum with insect life. Nor did the snows that lasted from November to 
April put an end to our entomological pursuits. The half-rotted logs of 
beech and maple yielded treasures sufficient to keep our interest alive 
throughout the winter. 


I suppose there is no entomologist who has not succumbed, for a 
brief period at least, to the manifold charms of Madame Butterfly. And 
who that has once seen our mountain meadows in all their glory could 
fail to admire those living, palpitatine flowers of the air, flitting from 
bloom to bloom and making the sunlight vibrant with their beauty? Yes, 
like the rest of you, I had my fling at the butterflies. 


But there came a time when the needle of my inclination refused to 
oscillate to these local attractions, however alluring, and settled down to 
the pole star of my destiny—the diptera; and there I think it will remain. 
A recent writer in the Canadian Entomologist, commenting on the rea- 
sons which lead one man to work upon dragonflies, another on butterflies, 
and a third on beetles, states that ‘“‘he himself was irresistibly drawn to- 
wards the smallest and most intrinsically uninteresting of insect forms.’’ 
That explains nine-tenths of our predilections. Yet I am convineed that 
the true entomologist is broadminded enough to find something of inte- 
rest in all of nature’s forms. Personally, though I ‘“‘run to diptera,’’ I 


PROCEEDINGS, 1924 21 


am a lover of all Mother Nature’s children, be they birds, beasts, insects, 
or plants; and though I have been a collector for nearly half a century, 
my keenest pleasure has always been derived from watching the living 
creature at work or play. The economic value of an insect, bird, or mam- 
mal weighs but ttle in my regard. And just there is the line of fission 
between the old and the new entomology. The question of dollars and 
cents looms large on the mental horizon of the modern man; with the old- 
timer dollars and cents were a minus quantity. 


I realize fully the importance of the economic side of entomology. 
As a citizen I am most keenly alive to the valuable—nay, I may say the 
invaluable, work which is being carried on by the gallant band of work- 
ers selected by the government to control insect pests. It is a noble, a 
patriotic work; but to me it makes little appeal. Nor do I think that I 
am alone in this avoidance of the economie side of entomology. I think 
I belong to a class (a vanishing class, it may be) who study the insect 
purely for the inherent interest in the creature itself. 


There is a third class of entomologists, off-shoots or by-products of 
the other two—the simon-pure systematists, who care not an atom, or 
should I say an electron? for the creature, living or dead, except in so far 
as it avails:them to add another Greek-and-Latin hybrid of a name to the 
hair-splittng monographs they are compiling. The late S. W. Williston, 
commenting on this modern mania for multiplying genera and species, 
says: ‘‘By an excessive splitting of genera broader relationships are lost 
sight of, and the tendency is inevitable to restore those evidences by the 
invention of new group terms to express them. Possibly it may be neces- 
sary some time in the future to have a quantitative chemical analysis of 
a mosquito before deciding to which genus it may belong... convenience 
is an important end of classification, as well as the expression of relation- 
ships.”’ 

What amateur entomologist can hope to keep abreast of the bib- 
ography that is piling up in his own particular group? And look at the 
changes in nomenclature that are thrust upon us! No, I am convinced 
that the old-fashioned entomologist will soon become extinet, like the 
Dodo and the Great Auk. And it is a pity; for he was a harmless imbe- 
cile and afforded rare sport for the small boy and the yokel. 


IT cannot conelude these rambling remarks without a reference, how- 
ever brief, to some of our departed members, good men and true, who 
wielded the net in woodland trails that now are paved highways, and in 
primeval forest vistas that now form the bedragegled outskirts of a great 
metropolis. 

The Rev. G. W. Taylor was a typical entomologist of the old school, 
and one whose work in his special field will lone endure. So, too, was 
Tom Wilson, who carried on his work and his interests as an amateur and 
a collector while faithfully performing his duties in the economic field. 


2, B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


His close companion and collaborator, Arthur H. Bush, was never happier 
than when displaying the beauties of his wonderful collection to timia 
tyros amone the younger group of entomologists, and in giving them 
assistance and advice. But to Capt. R. V. Harvey our society is particu- 
larly indebted for the impetus which his splendid personality gave to the 
initial growth of our organization. He had the rare faculty of inspiring 
and fostering enthusiasm in all who were associated with him. Having 
travelled with him over three hundred miles of mountain trails, I learnea 
to value him as an ideal ‘‘euide, philosopher, and friend.’’ 


In conclusion, let me say that in our present society I believe we have 
men of whom any similar institution in America might well be proud. 
The least that we can do is to foster that spirit of comeraderie and good- 
fellowship without which the fires of achievement turn cold and crumble 
into the ashes of disappointment. Give the word of praise and encourage- 
ment now, when it may bear fruit, not reserving it as a flourish at the end 
of an obituary. 


LEAF-ROLLERS ATTACKING ORCHARD TREES IN THE 


OKANAGAN VALLEY 
By E. P. VENABLES, 
DomINION ENnToMOLOGICAL BRANCH, VERNON, B. C. 

The collection and breeding of larvae causing typical leafroller inju- 
ry in the dry belt of British Columbia during the past few seasons has 
revealed the presence of four species of tortricid moths, viz.: the fruit- 
tree leaf-roller, Cacoecia argyrospila (Walker), the oblique-banded leaf- 
roller Cacoecia rosaceana (Harris), Tortrix alleniana (Fern.), and Pero- 
nea maximana (B. and B.). Prior to the year 1918 injury caused by leaf- 
roller larvae was as a rule attributed to Cacoecia rosaceana (Harr.). [i 
was a matter of uncertainty as to whether the fruit-tree leaf-roller actu- 
ally occurred in the Okanagan Valley at that time. This latter insect is 
included in the check list of British Columbia Lepidoptera published in 
1906, beine recorded from the coastal district, and at Kaslo. It is also 
listed by Dr. Dyar in his ‘‘Lepidoptera of the Kootenay District of Bri 
tish Columbia’’ as having been captured near Field in 1903. It was first 
actually bred from Okanagan material in 1922, though egg masses sup- 
posedly referable to this species were noted by Mr. R. C. Treherne in 
1921 on apple trees at Kelowna. Cacoecia rosaceana (Harr.) has un- 
doubtedly been present within the province for a number of years, and 
has been frequently mentioned in the lists of injurious insects of the 
Okanagan Valley. Tortrix alleniana (Fern.) was first detected as an 
orchard pest by the author in 1922, when larvae were bred from apple 
foliage at Vernon. The similarity of the hfe-history of this species to 


ee ee 


PROCEEDINGS, 1924 23 


that of the oblique-banded leaf-roller is a matter of interest, and the 
type of injury caused by both species is identical. Peronea maximana 
(B. and B.) was first bred from apple foliage in 1921 at Vernon; this 
constituted the first record of this insect as a species of economic import- 
ance in the Okanagan. Further notes of an historical nature regarding 
this insect will be given under the life history on a later page. 


In considering the life histories of these four species of leaf-roller, 
we may take them in their order of importance. ’ 


The Fruit Tree Leaf-Roller, Cacoecia argyrospila, (Walker). 


The control of this insect may at present be considered the most 
serious problem facing the orchardists in the interior fruit growine see- 
tions of the Province. Extensive damage has been caused in many of the 
commercial orchards in the Okanagan Valley, and although in 1922 these 
areas Were circumscribed, and fairly well defined, the insect, during 1923, 
spread throughout the whole of the orchard sections of the Valley, be- 
sides being reported from Creston in the Kootenays. 


The life-history of the fruit-tree leaf-roller may be briefly outlined 
as follows: the winter is passed in the ege@ stage upon the trees, the eges 
occurring in small, greyish-brown, oval patehes upon the bark of the 
main limbs and twigs. The number of eggs in a single egg mass varies 
approximately from fifteen to one hundred, or possibly more. The hateh- 
ing of the eggs from a single mass may extend over a period of from 
about 24 to 48 hours, and occurs in May just as the buds are commencing 
to expand. The young larvae at first attack the opening buds, and later 
the blossoms and fruit, much of which is entirely destroyed, or so severe- 
ly mutilated as to produce only scarred and deformed specimens at pick- 
ing time. During July the larvae become mature, at which time they 
appear as cylindrical, pale green caterpillars with dark heads. Folage 
injury is extensive, and considerable quantities of silk are spun by the 
jarvae, which conceal themselves in nests formed from leaves tied to- 
eether with silken threads. Pupation takes place within the protection 
of the nest used by the caterpillar for concealment. Moths emerge, and 
are on the wine during the latter part of July, and are active chiefly at 
dusk. During the daytime the moths lie dormant amonest the foliage of 
the trees, but large numbers may be observed in flight if the trees are 
shaken, or disturbed. The eggs are deposited towards the end of the 
month, and by early August all adults have practically disappeared. 


It will be seen that from 9 to 10 months are passed by the fruit-tree 
leaf-roller in the ege stage, and it is during this period of its existance 
that control measures should be applied. Applications of miscible oil at 
an 8 per cent. dilution, put on in early spring, before any bud develop- 
ment has started, will give a good control, especially if thoroughness is 
observed. Where oil sprays are not used, it will be necessary to apply 


24 B. C. ENToMOLOGICAL SoOcIETY 


sprays containing arsenate of lead after the caterpillars have hatched. 
In the control of the fruit-tree leaf-roller, thorough covering and high 
pressure are essentials. 

The Oblique-banded Leaf-Roller, Cacoecia rosaceana (Harris). 


The past two seasons have witnessed a very considerable increase in 
the numbers of this pest, and numerous enquiries have been received re- 
garding its depredations. 

The life-history of the oblique-banded leaf-roller affords a good ex- 
ample of the necessity of a clear understanding of the habits of an insect 
in order that repressive measures may be intelligently apphed in any 
given locality. Prior to the year 1922 certain phases in the development 
of this insect were not well understood, at least in so far as the interior 
fruit-growing sections of the province were concerned. 

It was generally belheved that the winter was passed in the ege 
stage, and that the newly hatched larvae immediately attacked the open- 
ing buds, and that its life history was more or less identical with that of 
the fruit-tree leaf-roller. Recent observations, however, have shown that 
this is not the ease. The oblique-banded leaf-roller passes the winter in 
the Okanagan Valley as a partly grown caterpillar upon the trees, within 
the protection of a closely woven silken cocoon. Over-wintering cocoons 
occur beneath flakes of dead bark, under bud scales attached to the fruit 
spurs, or in other protected situations. These over-wintering larvae 
emerge from their hibernating quarters in early spring, as soon as the 
buds begin to expand, and feed in much the same manner as do the lar- 
vae of the fruit-tree leaf-roller, which they closely resemble. Maturity 
is reached in July, and the adults are on the wing about the middle of 
that month. 

The eges of the oblique-banded leaf-roller are deposited upon the 
upper surface of the leaves of apple and other orchard trees during the 
month of July. A number of eges are laid together in a flattened oval 
mass, and are of a pale green colour, closely resembling the leaf surface 
to which they are attached. Individual egg masses appear as blots of 
tinted wax, and each mass may contain from 15 to 100 eggs or more. A 
short time before hatching, the black heads of the larvae may be distinct- 
ly seen within the eggs, the masses appearing as though finely stippled 
with black dots, arranged in symmetrical lines. An interesting point 
regarding the hatching of the eggs of the oblique-banded leaf-roller is 
the brief period covered by the emergence of the larvae from a single egg 
mass, all of which appear to mature at the same time, and emerge within 
a few minutes of each other. The hatching of a fully ineubated egg mass 
may sometimes be brought about at a given time by jarring the leaf to 
which the eges are attached. 

The newly hatched caterpillars migrate to the under surfaces of the 
leaves, and spin fine silken webs in close proximity to the main veins, 


PROCEEDINGS, 1924 D5 


beneath which they feed during the entire period of their activity before 
entering hibernation quarters. In many cases a caterpillar will attach a 
leaf to an apple with silk, and feed upon the surface of the fruit, eating 
out small holes in the skin, and causing injury identical with that of the 
larvae of the bud moth, Tmetocera ocellana (Scehff.) In late August the 
tiny caterpillars leave their feeding grounds and spin their cocoons for 
hibernation upon the twigs and limbs of the trees. 


In controlling this insect, the same arsenical applications as are em- 
ployed against the fruit-tree leaf-roller in early spring should prove 
effective. The possible value of late summer sprays against the newly 
hatched larvae is a matter for further experiment. 


Tortrix alleniana, Fern. 


This insect was first recorded as an orchard pest, in the Okanagan 
Valley, in the summer of 1922, when larvae were bred from apple foliage. 
Our notes for the past two seasons indieate that this insect has a life 
history very similar to that of the oblique-banded leaf-roler, inasmuch 
as the eges are laid in July in flattened oval masses upon the upper sur- 
face of the leaves of apple trees. Eges have also been taken upon the 
foliage of alfalfa, and snowberry. The ege@ mass of Tortrix alleniana dit- 
fers from that of Cacoecia rosaceana in being a pale lemon yellow color, 
and of more delicate structure. <As the hatching period approaches, the 
mass becomes more or less transparent in appearance, with the heads 
of the larvae clearly visible. There is no difficulty in distinguishing the 
eges of the two species at hatching time, owing to the cloudy appearance 
of the egg mass of Tortrix alleniana as compared with the very regular 
arrangement of the larval heads in the mass of Cacoecia rosaceana. 


The newly hatched larvae feed exclusively upon the under surface 
of the foliage, and also upon the surface of the fruit, in much the same 
manner as do the larvae of C. rosaceana. The young larvae appear to be 
somewhat gregarious in their habits during the late summer, three or 
four individuals occasionally being found within the same web beneath 
a single leaf. Individual larvae may cause injury of an extensive nature 
during their early life, their work, at this time, being in the majority of 
cases, more apparent than that of either the bud-moth, or the oblique- 
banded leaf-roller, both of which insects occur in the same situation, and 
at the same period of the year. 

The young larvae construct hibernating cocoons upon the limbs and 
twigs during the latter part of July and early August, within which they 
remain until the following spring, emerging just as the buds begin to 
expand. 

The injury in early summer, by the maturing larvae, is identical with 
that of the other leaf-rollers already mentioned. The mature larvae 
measures 23 mm. in length. The head is pale yellowish, with dark brown 


26 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


markings; thoracie shield pale yellowish, with a dark brown, triangular 
mark on the caudo-lateral margin on each side. The thoracie shield is 
divided by a narrow pale line, which is bounded on each side by a narrow 
pale brown stripe which is considerably wider posteriorly. The whole 
of the dorsum above the spiracles is very dark green in colour, with the 
tubereles conspicuous, and of a dull yellowish white. Below the spiracles 
the body is pale yellowish, with the tubercles of that region heht in col- 
our and prominent. In the centre of each tubercle there is a dark brown 
circular spot, from the centre of which arises a single pale seta. The anal 
plate is paler than the dorsum, and bears eight setae. There is a pro- 
nounced anal fork beneath the posterior margin of the anal plate. The 
thoracic legs are pale brown; prolegs concolorous with venter. Spira- 
cles dark brown. 


The pupa is 12 to 15 mm. in length, very dark brown above, and 
somewhat paler beneath. Pupation takes place within folded apple 
leaves in the same manner as with the other leaf-rollers mentioned in 
this paper. The pupae under observation spent from 12 to 15 days in 
this stage. Adult emergence from pupae taken in the field covered a 
period of approximately two months. 


Peronea maximana B. & B. 


In Scientific Agriculture, March, 1921, we find the first authentic 
record of this insect as an orchard pest in the Okanagan, Valley. In this 
article, ‘‘Some notes on the fruit worms of British Columbia,’’ by Mr. R. 
C. Treherne, Dominion Entomological Braneh, Ottawa, this insect is 
included among the fruit worms of the province, and is remarked upon 
as follows: ‘‘Peronea, (Alceris) maximana has proved an interesting 
insect attacking orchard trees in the Okanagan Valley, not so much from 
its economic importance, which is sheht, but from its identity and dis- 
covery. The early authors on British Columbia insects record the pre- 
sence in the province of Teras minuta. Much of the work ascribed to the 
bud moth, T. ocellana and the lesser apple worm has been placed to the 
credit of Teras minuta in the minds of field inspectors. Its presence is 
popularly believed to exist, and doubtless some moths were originally 
identified as referable to this species. The writer has, however, been 
unsuccesstul in recovering Teras minuta, and all efforts to collect it or 
its near relatives have failed, until this year, when Peronea maximana 
was bred from the North Okanagan. Its identity was proved by Dr. J. 
MeDunnough, Dominion Entomological Branch, Ottawa.’’ 


The life-history of this insect has only been shehtly studied, and 
beyond the fact that larvae were taken on the terminal shoots of apple 
during the early summer of 1920, and that moths developed from these 
in August and September nothing is known. Mr. E. H. Blackmore re 
ports that the imseet is more or less common on Vancouver Island, and 
that in some seasons it is extremely common at Fraser Mills, in the lower 


PROCEEDINGS, 1924 Pati 


Fraser Valley, in September and October, and that supposedly the larvae 
feed upon alder. The mature larvae measure 14 mm. in length, with the 
dorsum pale yellowish-green throughout, with no markings apparent. 
The head is pale yellowish, with the mouth parts of a dull purplish tinge. 
The ventral surface is paler than the dorsum. Tubercles inconspicuous, 
bearing short setae. 


No mention has been made in this paper of certain other well-known 
foliage and fruit feeding larvae which are known to oceur in the Oka- 
nagan Valley, attention bemg merely drawn to the four species men- 
tioned, all of which cause what is commonly referred to as ‘‘leaf-roller 
injury,’ and which is distinctive from the work of most other lepidop- 
terous larvae inhabiting the orchard. 


NEW RECORDS OF HEMIPTERA FROM BRITISH COLUMBIA 
BY W. Downes. 


Since the year 1921, when a report on collections of Hemiptera from 
British Columbia was published in this journal by Dr. H. M. Parshley, 
little has been recorded regarding the Hemiptera of this province. Much 
collecting has been done, however, and I have recently had an oppor- 
tunity of working over the accumulated material. The present list adds 
46 species of Heteroptera and 68 species of Homoptera, making 115 addi- 
tional species. This brings the number of species of Heteroptera known 
to occur in the Province up to 252 and of Homoptera 152. When we 
consider the restricted areas in which collecting has been carried on, it 
will be seen that these figures probably fall far short of the actual num- 
ber of species occurring in our territory. Most of the collecting has been 
done in the neighbourhood of Victoria, and those reeords from such 
places as Penticton, Summerland and Vernon are usually the result of 
short collecting trips of not more than one or two days duration, usually 
in late summer or early fall. Very. little collecting has been done in the 
neighbourhood of Vancouver and the Lower Fraser Valley generally, but 
that district has yielded many species that find a favourable environment 
in the humid coastal area. In 1920 and 1921 Mr. Buekell collected in the 
Chileotin and Barkerville districts and provided many new records and 
some new species. 


IT am greatly indebted to Mr. E. P. Van Duzee for his kindness in 
ceiving me access to the collections at the California Academy of Sciences 
and for much generous assistance in the determination of material, and 
to the following gentlemen who have determined species in various 
eroups: Dr. D. M. De Long, Cicadellidae; Dr. H. B. Hungerford, Aquatic 
Hemiptera; Dr. H. H. Knight, Miridae; and Mr. W. L. McAtee, Reduvii- 
dae. 


28 B. C. ENroMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


The names of the collectors are: K. F. Auden, E. H. Blackmore, E. R. 
Buekell, N. L. Cutler, W. Downes, R. Glendenning, A. W. Hanham, 
George Hopping, T. A. Moilhet, M. H. Ruhmann, R. C. Treherne, E. P. 
Venables, O. Whittaker. 

List OF SPECIES. 
Heteroptera 
Family Pentatomidae 


Brochymena 4-pustulata (Fabr.). Walhachin, 6/17. (E.R.B.) 

Trichopepla aurora Van D. Vernon, 20/6/19. (E.P.V.) Victoria 
12/5/22. (E.H.B.) 

Tricopepla californica Van D. Mt. Garibaldi, 10/9/23. (K.F.A.) 
Taken on fruiting heads of Anemone occidentalis at a height of 6,000 
feet. 

Corizus viridicatus Uhl. Summerland, 18/7/23. (W.D.) 

Aradus parvicornis Parsh. Midday Valley, 19/7/21. (G. H.) 
From Pinus ponderosa. 

Nysius californicus Stal Duncan, 29/6/22. (W.D.) 

Ligyrocoris diffusus (Uhl.). Penticton, 16/8/20. (W.D.) 

Stignocoris rusticus (Fall.). Vernon, 24/9/19. (W.D.) 

Trapezonotus arenarius (Linn.). Goldstream, 12/8/23. (K.F.A.) 


Scolopostethus pacificus Barb. Kelowna, 19/1/23. (W.D.) Taken 
hibernating under bark. 


Family Tingidae 


Corythuca morilli O. and D. Penticton, 18/7/23. (W.D.) Abun- 
dant on Artemisia dracunculoides. 


Physatocheila ornata Van D. Chilliwack, (O. W.) On alder. 


Family Reduviidae 

Ploiariola vagabunda var. pilosa Fieb. This was originally re- 
corded as P. canadensis (Parsh.). but Mr. MeAtee informs me it is iden- 
tical with the first named, a European species. I have taken it on tree 
trunks in the city of Vancouver and in Stanley Park, and in Victoria on 
the shady side of board fences in company with P. hirtipes, but not as 
commonly as the latter. 

Ploiariola californica Banks Victoria, 24/5/21. (W.D.) This 
was abundant in an old henhouse in Victoria among the cobwebs. One 
specimen was taken in flight at Keatings, B. C., 30/5/22. 

Pselliopus spinicollis (Champ.). Lillooet, 7/7/19. (A.W.H.) Taken 
by Mr. Hanham on Mt. McLean. 


Fitchia spinosula Stal. Oliver, 23/8/22. (E.R.B.) 


PROCEEDINGS, 1924 29 


Family Anthocoridae 


Lyctocoris campestris (Fab.). Victoria, 24/6/21. (W.D.) Abundant 
in a henhouse in Victoria, where it appeared to be living on the red mites 
which swarmed under the manure with which coops and boxes were en- 
crusted. 

Lyctocoris elongatus (Reut.). Midday Valley, 23/7/21. Under bark 
of Pinus ponderosa. 


Tetraphleps latipennis Van. D. Victoria, 23/7/23. (K.F.A.) 


Family Miridae 
Stenodema virens (Linn.). Chilcotin, 16/5/21. (E.R.B.) 
Phytocoris commissuralis Van D. Victoria, 8/9/22. (W.D.) 
Phytocoris stellatus Van D. Burnaby, 18/8/23. (W.D.) 


Phytocoris tiliae Fab. (Vancouver, 23/9/21 and 15/9/23. (W.D.) 
This European species, evidently introduced, is now quite common in the 
city of Vancouver, where it occurs on tree trunks in the boulevards. It 
is a beautiful insect, the hemelytra being usually bright green with irre- 
gular black markings. Other specimens may be brownish with black 
markings, or again the black marks and mottlings may predominate on a 
pale green or greenish white ground. It is not uncommon in England on 
palings and tree trunks. 

Capsus ater (Linn.). Chileotin, 27/7/20. (E.R.B.) Vernon, 20/6/19 
GHERAVS) 


Lygidea obscura Reut. Barkerville 14/8/21. (E.R.B.) 
Lygus atriflavus Knight Mt. MeLean, 6/7/19. (A.W.H.) 
Lygus elisus var. Viridiscutatus Knight Victoria, 11/5/21. (W.D.) 


Lygus rubicundus var. winnipegensis Knight Chileotin, 18/5/21, 
(E.R.B.) 


Lygus distinguendas Stal. Barkervelle, 14/8/21. (E.R.B.) 


Neolygus confusus Knieht Barkerville, 14/8/21. (E.R.B.) 


Clivinema fusca new species 


General colour of dorsal surface, except scutellum and membrane, 
brown; antennae brown; head and secutellum dark brown; tylus black ; 
membrane hyaline clouded fuscous; dise of abdomen lheht red; ventral 
surface black except abdominal margins, which are red; genital see- 
ments mostly reddish yellow; coxae and tarsi black, legs brownish yel- 
low.’’ 

In the specimen described the sides of the scutellum are bordered 
with a line of white waxy excretion, and the propleura, sternal plates, 
sides of the abdominal segments and margins of abdomen are partly 
coated with the same substance. 


30 B. C. ENromMoLoGicaL Socrery 


Head produced before the eyes, the vertex convex with a median line 
of pale pubescence extending over the frons nearly to the base of the 
tylus and a narrow border of pubescence behind each eye. Pronotum 
with entire surface rugose and coarsely pubescent, the anterior margin 
strongly incised at the middle; the apical portion of the pronotum con- 
vex, depressed deeply below the posterior portion; posterior margin sinu- 
ate; scutellum pubescent, raised tumid, the apex depressed; hemelytra, 
except membrane, finely and evenly punetate and covered with short 
pubescence; ventral surface finely pubescent; legs slightly hairy, the 
outer sides of the femora with a line of black dots extending nearly their 
entire length. 


Form elongate oval. Leneth 5.2 mm., width 2 mm. Holotype, female, 
Saanich District, B. C., 10/7/23. (W.D.) in the National Collection 
at Ottawa. Deseribed from one specimen collected by sweeping at the 
top of Mt. Douglas, a hill a few miles north of Victoria. 


Ceratocapsus fusiformis Van D. Saanich Dist. 18/8/22. (W.D.) 
Labops hirtus Knight  Chileotin, 23/7/20. (E.R.B.) 

Tiryus punctulatus (Reut.). Penticton, 16/8/20 (W.D.) 
Hadronema robusta Uhl. Summerland, 17/7/23. (W.D.) 
Hadronema princeps Uhl. Summerland, 17/7/23. (W.D.) 
Plesiocoris rugicollis (Fall.). Barkerville, 14/8/21. (E.R.B.) 
Orthotylus dorsalis (Proy.). Penticton, 15/7/23: (W.D.) 
Orthotylus katmai_ Knight 3arkerville, 14/8/21. (H.R.B.) 
Psallus alnicola D.andS. Barkerville, 14/8/21. (E.R.B.) 


Plagiognathus fraternus Uhl. Dunean, 28/7/19. (W.D.) 


Family Saldidae 
Saldula explanata Uhl. Mt. Wahleach, 28/7/23. (K.F.A.) 


Family Nepidae 


Ranatra americana Montd. Vernon, 3/10/20. (W.D.) 


Family Corixidae 
Callicorixa praeusta (Fieb.). Saanich Dist. 17/6/19. (W.D.) 
Arctecorixa laevigata (Uhl.). Vernon, 26/9/19. (W.D.) 


Homoptera 
Family Cercopidae 


Philaenus leucopthalmus var. lateralis (Linn.). Victoria, 25/6/21. 
(W.D.) 


Clastoptera lineatocollis Stal. Summerland, 18/7/23. (W.D.) 


PROCEEDINGS, 1924 Sil 


Clastoptera lineatocollis var. binotata Ball. Summerland, 18/7/28. 
(W.D.) Swept in fair numbers from rabbit brush (Bigelovia). 
Family Membracidae 


Stictocephala franciscana. Goldstream, 15/7/23. (K.F.A.) 


Family Cicadellidae 
Koebelia californica Bak. Goldstream. 27/6/23. (E.H.B.) 
Agallia californica Bak. Saanich Dist. 19/4/18. (W.D.) 
Idiocerus femoratus Ball. Barkerville, 14/8/21. (E.R.B.) 
Idiocerus suturalis var. vagus Ball. Barkerville. 1/9/20. (E.R.B.) 
Macropsis occidentalis (Van D.). Saanich Dist. 7/7/19. (W.D.) 
Oncopsis sobrius (Walk.) Vancouver, 20/7/23. (W.D.) On alder. 
Oncopsis californicus Van D. Victoria, 3/8/22. (W.D.) 
Oncopsis fitchi Van D. Vernon, 8/7/20. (M.H.R.) 
Gypona 8-lineata var. striata Burm. Enderby, 28/8/20. (W.D.) 
Acucephalus nervosus (Schrank). Agassiz, 5/10/21. (W.D.) 
Acucephalus albifrons (Linn.). Victoria, 14/9/21. (W.D.) 
Parabolocratus viridis (Uhl.). Vernon, 13/6/17. (R.C.T.) 
Aligia jucunda (Uhl.). Victoria, 30/8/20. (W.D.) 
Mesamia coloradensis (G. and B.). Penticton, 21/9/19. (W.D.) 
Scaphoideus immistus (Say.). Penticton, 16/8/20. (W.D.) 
Platymetopius oregonensis Bak. Saanich Dist. 3/8/18. (W.D.) 
Deltocephalus inimicus (Say.). Vernon, 26/9/18. (W.D.) 
Deltocephalus ocellaris (Fall.). Chileotin, 1/9/20. (E.R.B.) 
Deltocephalus striatus Linn. Chileotin, 23/7/20. (E.R.B.) 
Deltocephalus punctatus O. and B. Victoria, 25/6/21. (W.D.) 
Deltocephalus abdominalis (Fabr.). Chilcotin, 23/7/20. (E.R.B.) 
Deltocephalus escalantus (Ball.). Chileotin, 1/9/20. (E.R.B.) 
Euscelis vaccinii Van D. Victoria, 25/6/21. (W.D.) 
Euscelis instabilis Van D. Penticton, 15/7/23. (W.D.) 
Eutettix scitulus Ball. Penticton, 21/9/19. (W.D.) 
Phlepsius superbus Van D. Victoria, 10/8/21. (W.D.) 
Phlepsius lascivius Ball. Penticton 15/7/21. (W.D.) 
Phlepsius irroratus (Say.). Saanich Distr. 18/8/22. (W.D.) 


Phlepsius fulvidorsum (Fitch.). Penticton, 16/8/20. (W.D.) 


oo 
bo 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


Phlepsius apertinus O. and L. Penticton, 16/8/20. (W.D.) 


Acinopterus acuminatus var. viridis Ball. Summerland, 17/7/23, 


(W.D.) 


D.) 


Thamnotettix subcupraeus (Prov.). Enderby, 22/8/20. (W.D.) 
Thamnotettix cockerelli Ball. Chileotin, 29/7/20. (E.R.B.) 
Thamnotettix eburatus Van D. Penticton, 21/9/19. (W-.D.) 
Thamnotettix belli (Uhl.) Barkerville, 14/8/21. (E.R.B.) 
Thamnotettix mendicus Ball. Penticton, 16/8/20. (W.D.) 
Thamnotettix aureolus Van D. Victoria, 12/6/18. (W.D.) 
Thamnotettix waldanus Ball. Penticton, 15/7/23. (W-.D.) 
Thamnotettix smithi Van D. Shawnigan, 15/9/22. (W.D.) 
Cicadula variata (Fall.). Penticton, 16/8/20. (W-.D.) 

Cicadula divisa (Uhl.). Shawnigan, 15/9/22). (W.D.) 

Cicadula lineatifrons (Stal.). Vancouver, 21/9/21. (W.D.) 
Balclutha osborni Van D. Vernon, 10/6/17. (R.C.T.) 
Eugnathodus abdominalis Van D. Vancouver, 21/9/21. (W.D.) 
Dikraneura abnormis (Walsh.). Chileotin, 29/6/20. (E.R.B.) 
Empoasca aureoviridis (Uhl.). Chileotin, 1/9/20. (E.R.B.) 
Empoasca unicolor Gill. Vernon, 15/4/12. (M.H.R.) 
Empoasca nigra G.and B. (Var.) Penticton, 21/9/19. (W.D.) 
Empoasca aspersa G. and B. Penticton, 21/9/19. (W.D.) 
Empoasca alboneura Gill. Vernon, 10/6/18. (R.C.T.) 
Empoasca flavescens (Fabr.). Vernon, 8/6/18. (R.C.T.) 


Typhlocyba ulmi (Linn.). Vernon, 29/9/19. Victoria, 12/8/20. (W. 


Typhlocyba bifasciata G.and B. Shawnigan, 21/7/18. (W.D.) 
Family Fulgoridae 

Scolops angustatus Uhl. Penticton, 16/8/20. (W.D.) 

Elidiptera henshawi Van D. Victoria, 8/7/23. (K.F.A.) 

Catonia nemoralis Van D. Goldstream, 17/6/23. (K.F.A.) 

Cixius misellus Van D. Burnaby, 18/8/23. (W.D.) 


On Pinus contorta at Burnaby Lake. 


Cixius coeloepium Fitch. Victoria, (E.H.B.) no date. 
Bruchomorpha suturalis Melich. Enderby, 22/ 8/ 20. (W.D.) 


Otiocerus degeeri Kby. Vavenby, 20/9/22. (T.A.M.) 


Saanich, 13/8/22. (W.D.) 


99 


PROCEEDINGS, 1924 23 


Stenocranus dorsalis (Fieb.) Shawnigan, 15/9/22. (W.D.) 


Laccocera vittipennis Van D. Gordon Head, 17/7/20. (W-.D.) 


Family Chermidae 
Aphalara angustipennis Crawf. Dunean, 29/6/22. (W.D.) 


Psyllia alni var. americana (Crawf.). Sooke, 30/6/23. (W.D.) on 
alder; Victoria, 8/9/22. (W.D.) on cottonwood. 


THE ELM-CURRANT APHIS (Eriosoma ulmi L.) 


BY R. GLENDENNING. 


RELATIONSHIP AND DISTINGUISHING FEATURES 

This aphid is a double host species and has a rather interesting lite- 
history and relationship. 

In the genus Eriosoma (Schizoneura) there are at present known 
some four or five species which use the various elms as primary or winter 
hosts. These species have been badly mixed in the past, but, now that 
their complete life-histories are known, they are readily distinguishable. 

lanigera, Hausman, the common woolly aphis of the apple, alter 
nates normally between the American elm (U. americana) and apple. 

americana, Riley, spends the winter on American elm, and the sum- 
mer on the roots of the Juneberry (Amelanchier). 

rileyi, Thomas, spends its whole life on the bark and twigs of Amer 
ican elm and migrates only between trees of the same species. 

lanuginosa, Hartig, has been recently co-related with pyricola (B. 
and D.), and migrates from Enelish elm (campestris and vars.) to the 
roots of pear trees. 

ulmi L. has as its winter host English elm, and migrates in early 
summer to currants and gooseberries, forming subterranean colonies on 
the roots. 

The separation of these species on their summer hosts is easy, as 
apparently they are constant in their habits. 

On the elms they are also separable from each other without recourse 
to their structural differences, which are rather minute. 


Key To Species oF Ertosoma ON EuMs IN CANADA. 


On American elm—Rosette type of gall, leaves and twigs in 
COMME ATAU OWLS faedr elt Te eh OM ge esa wee eae eee eer are lanigera 


34 B. C. ENToMoLOGICAL SOCIETY 


Leafcurl caused by E. americana (original). 


Fig. 2—Rosette curl of E. lanigera (after patch). 


Fig. 35—Leaf curl caused by E. ulmi (original). 


PROCEEDINGS, 1924 


3D 

Leaves curled singly, usually one-half of blade only 
DTV Oe Clits tet secs. ere cs, SRS ees BRS Wh Ee a ee americana 

No leaf curl, insect feeding on wooly colonies on trunk 
eairavol: Moers aN Ol ast ay lh ae peaeeeee eeeere ee ae ng aE RRR Be a we el ec rileyi 

On English elm—Margin of leaf enrolled usually to midrib 
OMliyaen Oathickenimo GISSUGs sacs eee eee ee ee ulmi 

Whole leaf involved, tissue and veins much thickened, 
[oxerexonreaub ayers. ovsiealbDkds\ see eee yt eae eee Re ney eee Dunne TE 2 Se lanuginosa 


The only two galls liable to be confused are those of americana and 
ulmi, which, although on different species of elm, are very similar. The 
lice contained, however, are distinguishable both macroscopically and 
microscopieally. 


The young stages of americana are bluish-purple, those of ulmi are 
oreen, both covered with a floceulent wax. The pupae of both species are 
purple with paler wing pads. Definite determinations may be made by 
the antennae of the winged individuals. In ulmi segment III. being 
nearly twice the length of IV.4-V.+VL, and segment V. is without annu- 
lar sensoria, while americana has III. equal to [V+ V.+VI. and segment 
V. has annulations. 


Distribution: 

The species ulmi with which we are dealing is not a native insect in 
America, but has been introduced from Europe at a comparatively recent 
date. 


It was first recorded from Maine in 1913 on elm, but has been seldom 
recorded from black currant roots in America. 


In British Columbia it was first reported in 1920, when Mr. W. A. 
Ross identified specimens collected by Mr. W. H. Robertson, Provincial 
Horticulturist, from black currant roots in a nursery at Chilliwack. 

In the spring of 1921 it was located freely on English elm, both at 
Chilliwack and Agassiz, and notes on its life-history have been taken 
during the following seasons: 


Lire-Htstrory. 


The eges, which are laid in the fall on the elm trunk, hatch between 
April 15th and 30th, according to the season. The newly emerged 
nymphs crawl to a bursting bud, often several yards distant, and ensconce 
on the underside of a young leaf. These individuals become the stem- 
mothers and remain in the leaf until death. With the feeding of the 
insects the leaf curls, forming a pseudo-gall in about a week, and thus 
protecting to some extent the lice therein. 


The stem-mother moults four times and commences depositing young 
when about three weeks old. Approximately fifty young are deposited 


B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


Fig. 1—‘A’’ antenna of E. ulmi 


“BB” antenna of E. americana \ 


- Spring migrants, (original). 


Fig. 2—Colony of E. ulmi on currant root, (original). 


Fig. 3—Roots of black currant showing injury by EB. 


ulmi, (original) 


PROCEEDINGS, 1924 Su 


by each stem-mother. The lice of this second generation become winged 
and leave the elm early in June. 


The life-history of lanigera, the woolly aphis of apple, differs here 
from this and other species of Eriosoma, since an apterous viviparous 
generation is produced by the stem-mother, this second generation pro- 
ducing the spring migrants, whereas with ulmi, as stated above, the 
spring migrants are the direct progeny of the stem-mothers without an 
intervening generation. 


The spring migrants, upon leaving the gall, fly to black currant or 
eooseberry, often at a considerable distance; infections having been 
located on currants two miles from any elms. 


Upon arrival on the currant they ahght on the leaves and travel 
down the stem to the ground, penetrating to a depth of from 1-4 inches. 
They here deposit from 12-15 young each, which become the first genera- 
tion of apterous root hee which gradually colonize the entire root system, 
penetrating to a depth of three feet and often occur five feet from the 
stem. 


This root louse, originally described as fodiens, is pale yellow, be 
coming orange after the third moult. Either 3 or + moults occur, and the 
adult louse then measures 1.8 mm. long by .75 mm. wide; they secrete 
copiously a silky wax from a series of pores. These pores occur longi- 
tudinally in two rows of four on the head and in four rows of fourteen 
each on the thoracie and abdominal segments, one row being on each 
margin of the dorsum, the other two rows equidistant between them. 
Lice of the apterous root generations mature in about fourteen days and 
commence reproduction, depositing 25-30 young each at a rate of rather 
more than one per day. No complete series was reared through, but, 
from the data obtained by several batches reared on pieces of currant 
root in petri dishes buried in the soil of the insectary, it would appear 
that from 5 to 6 root generations occur during the summer in British 
Columbia. 


The colonies are readily located on currant roots by the masses of 
white waxy secretion, which indicates one or more lice, and persist for 
some time after they die. 


Early in September pupae may be found in the soil, and the result- 
ant winged migrants are leaving in large numbers by the middle of Sep- 
tember, stragglers often continuing to emerge from the ground as late 
as the middle of October. The autumn migrants fly back to English elm, 
where, alighting on the trunk and main branches, they deposit the sexed 
forms. 


The migrants are found most abundantly at a height of from five to 
seven feet from the ground, just below the main branches. 


38 B. C. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 


E. ulmi. 


Fig. 1—Adult root louse, (X25). Fig. 2—Stem mother, (X15). 
oy oral igra 1 siti youna “| rh 
Fig. Fall m grant Le OSLO SU OUI Fig. 4—Pupa of spring migrant, ( > GANE 
(X10). : : 
Fig. 5—Male, (X40). Fig. 6—Oriparous female, (X40). 


(All photos original). 


PROCEEDINGS, 1924 39 


Each migrant deposits six or seven sexed individuals, which, as echar- 
acteristic of the sexual forms of this genus are without functioning mouth 
parts. 


These males and females live for about a week hidden in the crevices 
of the bark and amonest the damp moss of the trunk. Four moults take 
place before mating, after which operation the male soon dies. The 
female lives for a day or two and may or may not extrude her single egg 
before death. Eggs may often be found apparently healthy, with the 
shrivelled skin of the mother still adhering. 


The sexes are without wooly secretion, pale straw in color, the males 
smaller and darker than the females, which measure 1 mm. in leneth: 
the males being only one-half mm. lone. 


The ege is elongate, about .6 mm. long, pellucid when laid, becoming 
straw yellow by spring. The eggs are not attached to anything when 
laid, but are simply deposited in crevices amongst the moss stems. 


Economic IMPORTANCE AND CONTROL. 


This insect has not proved to be of serious economic importance so 
far in America. It is, however, reported by Theobald as doing serious 
damage to young currants in the nursery row in England. 


In the event of its increasing to serious extent, the following observa- 
tions may be useful: 


In the control of this insect on its primary host, the elm, the most 
vulnerable period appears to be when the fall migrants are clustered on 
the trunks, depositing the sexes there. At that time even one application 
of nicotine sulphate would undoubtedly destroy a very large percentage 
of this migration, and two applications ten days apart would undoubted- 
ly destroy almost the entire number. 


Where elms have been rendered unsightly by leaf curls made either 
by this species or other Eriosomas, as often occurs, the above procedure 
should be followed. 


The leaf curls are almost impenetrable by sprays, and, with the 
additional protection the hee receive from their waxy secretion, they are 
very difficult to destroy at this stage in their life-history. 

Experiments were conducted at Agassiz in 1921 with soil insecticides, 
such as carbon bisulphide, naphthalene, nicotine sulphate, but all failed 
through lack of penetration, and whereas the subterranean forms descend 
several feet, it would appear economically impossible to treat the roots of 
small fruits thus. 

In 1923 an experiment was conducted with naphthalene as a deter- 
rent, the object being to prevent the deposition of the root form by the 


spring migrants. 


40 B. C. EnromMouoGicaL Socrery 


Two rows of black currants in a block adjacent to heavily infested 
English elm were treated with naphthalene compound (naphthalene and 
wood ashes) just as the migrants were leaving the elms. The treated 
rows kept entirely free from root infestations for two weeks. <A few 
migrants were found in the soil and an occasional root form, but always 
dead and discolored. The untreated rows showed numbers of migrants, 
and infection of the roots soon became general. Eventually, when the 
effect of the light dose of naphthalene disappeared, the later migrants 
infected the roots of the treated rows. 

From the result of these experiments it would appear that a heavier 
six handfuls to each bush hoed in to a 


dressing of crude naphthalene 
depth of 2-8 inches—would be satisfactory. 


PRELIMINARY LIST OF APHIDIDAE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA 


By R. GLENDENNING 


Callipternini (Tribe). 

Phyllaphis fagi (L.). On copper beech. Agassiz. The copiously floceu- 
lent lice are frequent all summer on the undersides of the leaves. 

Chromaphis juglandicola (Kalt). On walnut. Agassiz. 

Therioaphis tiliae (L.). Common on lime and linden, Tilia sp. on Experi- 
mental Farm, Agassiz. A very distinct species. Body with black 
bars and wing veins heavily bordered with black. 

Euceraphis gillettei (D’son). A large free-flying species, using Alnus 
oregona as a primary host; also found on Birch. 

Euceraphis betulae (Koch). A similar species frequent on Birch. 

Myzocallis querci (Kalt). A small green species on introduced oak— 
Agassiz and Westminster. 

Drepanosiphum platanoides (Schrank). A large active species very 
common on Acer pseudo-platanus in the Lower Fraser Valley. Very 
objectionable from copious excretion of honey dew, on which a black 


fungus grows. 

Chaitophorus viminalis (Monell). Frequent on native cottonwood (P. 
trichocarpa), rendering the leaves very sticky. 

Periphyllus americanus (Baker). A dark red species on Acer circinatum 
—dimorphie—tiding over the dry weather thus. 


Neothomasia populicola (Thomas). Frequent on petioles of cottonwood 
leaves. Apterae yellowish with a black Y on back. 


Melanoxantherium populifoliae (Fitch). On twigs of Salix sps. 


ProcrEpiInas, 1924 4] 


Melanoxantherium smithiae (Monell). Similar habits to above but with 
shorter cornicles. 
Several other Pterocommnas have been collected on polpar and wil- 
low, but are at present unidentified on account of unsatisfactory state of 
this sub-tribe. 


APHIDINI (Tribe) 
Aphidina (Subtribe). 

Anuraphis helichrysi (Kalt). Taken on plum at Mission. A European 
species confined in America to the West. Alternate host species of 
Compositae. 

Anuraphis cardui (L.). Taken on Scotch thistle occasionally. 

Anuraphis viburnicola (Gillette). On Viburnum opulus, Agassiz. 

Anuraphis crataegifoliae (Fitch). Fall migrants taken on apple; mig- 
rates to clover. 

Anuraphis roseus (Baker). 

Anuraphis sorbi (Kalt). 

One, or possibly both, of these species taken on apple at Agassiz. 

Aphis helianthi (Monell). Taken on Cornus stolonifera from the flower 
heads, Harrison Lake, migrates to composites. 

Aphis yuccae (Cowen). Present in 1921 on Yucca filamentosa on Experi- 
mental Farm, Agassiz. 

Aphis neomexicanus (Ckll.). A black species from black currant as 
primary host only. 

Aphis rumicis (L.). Very common on a great variety of hosts—most 
common on goosefoot, spinach and beans. 

Aphis pomi (De Geer). Green apple aphis occurs throughout the Proy 
ince, remaining on apple entirely. 

Brevicoryne brassicae (l.). The cabbage aphis most commonly found on 
erucifers in British Columbia. 

Cavariella capreae (Fabr.). A medium to large species migrating from 
willow to Umbelliters. Common. 

Hyalopteris arundinis (Fab.). The mealy plum aphis. Taken at Agassiz 
for the first time in 1924. 

Rhopalosiphum nympheae (L.). Migrates between plum and various 
water plants. 

Rhopalosiphum prunifoliae (Fitch). The common apple-grain aphid, 
evenerally mentioned in literature as Aphis avenae. 

Rhopalosiphum grabhami (Ckll.).. Found on Lonicera involucrata, in 
spring and fall, curling the leaves, which become variously colored. 
Alternate host unknown. (Possibly belongs to genus Francoa). 


42 b. C. ENToMorLoGICAL SOCIETY 


Subtribe Macrosiphina 


Amphorophora lactucae (Kalt). This light green species migrates bet- 
ween currants and various ligulate composites. 

Amphorophora corylinum (David). Taken on wild hazel, on twigs 
Agassiz. 

Macrosiphoniella millifolii (Fab.). Taken on Achillea at Agassiz. A 
European species, very distinet by reason of its heavy black and 
ereen bars. 

Macrosiphum granarium (Kirby). Very common on grains, especially 
oats, where they cluster in the heads. Larger than Rho: prunifoli- 
um. Stays on Gramineae all the time. 

Macrosiphum rudbeckiae (Fitch). A red aphid, common on composites 
(Solidago, etc.). Found on the stems and, when disturbed, raises its 
body at mght angles to the stem. 

Macrosiphum rosae (L.). Occurs on roses, frequently overwinters in 
viviparous stage in Victoria. 

Macrosiphum solanifolii (Ashmead). <A similar species, migrating bet- 
ween rose and potato. 

Macrosiphum pisi (Kalt). The common pea aphis, very destructive at 
Agassiz in 1923. 

Macrosiphum albifrons (Essig). Specimens collected by Mr. W. Downes 
in Victoria on Lupinus arboreus are apparently this species. 

Myzus cerasi (Fab.). On common cherry, curling the leaves, partial mig- 
ration to Lepidium. 

Myzus persicae (Sulzer). One of the few aphids apparently omnivorous. 

Myzus ribis (L.). Frequent on currants, causing blister-like swellings 
on leaves. 

Phorodon humili (Schrank). The common hop-plum aphis—very com- 
mon and troublesome on hops. 


Mindarinae (Subfamily). 


Mindarus abietinus (Koch.). Taken at Agassiz on Abies grandis, curl- 
ing young shoots. This species is considered a relic of the past with- 
out any surviving relations. 


ERISOMATINI (Tribe) 


Erisoma americana (Riley). Causing leaf curl on American elm and 
migrating to roots of Amelanchier florida. Both forms found at 


Agassiz. 


PROCEEDINGS, 1924 43 


Eriosoma lanigera (Haus.). The common woolly aphis of apple, curling 
the leaves of American elm, often continuing entirely on apple. 


Eriosoma lanuginosa (Hartig). The species occurring on pear roots (py- 
ricola) has recently been co-related to this species. A pear root 
aphis oceur on Vancouver Island and is probably this species. The 
primary host is English elm, the leaves of which it causes to form a 
bag-like gall. A European species. 

Eriosoma ulmi (L.). An introduced species alternating between Enelish 
elm and the roots of black currant and gooseberry. The root forms 
were described as fodiens. 


PEMPHIGINI (Tribe) 

Pemphigus betae (Doane.). This beet-root aphis occurs in the Province 
on mangels, beets, Rumex and Polygonums, using the cottonwood as 
a winter host. The poplar form was described as balsamiferae 
Williams. 

Pemphigus populicaulis (Fitch.). This species makes a petiole gall on 
cottonwood, and its secondary host was determined this year as 
Oenanthe sarmentosa, Water Parsley (Umbelliferae). 

Pemphigus gravicornis (Patch.). This species folds the leaves of cotton- 
wood. Its alternate host is unknown. 

Pemphigus populi-venae (Fitch). <A gall like a cock’s comb ascribed to 
this species has been frequently observed on cottonwood at Agassiz ; 
no alatae, however, were secured. It is believed that this species 
also migrates to beet. 


PROCIPHILINI (Tribe) 


Prociphilus corrugatans (Sirrine). An aphid very near this species is 
commonly found curling the leaves of the native Pyrus rivularis at 
Agassiz. The fall migrants are taken abundantly on various species 
of Pyrus and Crataegus. 


In Memoriam 


KR. OC. Creherue 


In no more fitting place could a memorial notice to ‘‘Tre’’ appear 
than in our Proceedings, which are in themselves a monument to his 
energy, his diplomacy, and his cameraderie. 


It was impossible to realize, when the sad news of his sudden death 
arrived, that he had gone and we should see him no more. 


Entomologists in British Columbia were looking forward to seeing 
him in July, to feel his hearty handshake, to hear his genuine laugh, and 
to consult his well balanced mind, but our hopes were shattered. 


Entomology in the Dominion, and especially in British Columbia, 
has received a serious blow by his death, for his interests were here, and 
he had done more for entomology in this province than anyone. 


To Mr. Treherne belongs the honour of resuscitating our Society in 
1911 and of bringing together the two classes of entomological workers 
and keeping them in happy unison during his tenure of office as Secretary 
from 1911 to 1916. 


Economie entomologists knew his value as an adviser, and, when he 
was called east in 1921 to take charge of a Division of the Entomological 
Branch, we in British Columbia knew our loss, the only consolation being 
the knowledge that he would be a tower of strength at headquarters in 
our interests. 

Mr. Treherne had offers of lucrative positions in Canada, in England 
and elsewhere, but his soul was in the Branch and he remained true, too 
true, for his death can be ascribed to his indomitable energy whereby he 
neglected his health for duty and died in harness. 


On the 30th of May he returned ill to Ottawa from an inspeetion trip 
in southern Ontario. On the second of June he was foreed: to go to bed, 
and on the seventh he died under an operation for acute peritonitis; the 
one wish of his friends, he had no enemies, is that the trouble had been 
taken in time. 

Besides these Proceedings we have as a memorial, the thrips genus 
TREHERNIELLA, and the example of his life, a pattern not only for 
young entomologists to follow. 


Re Gr: 


h 


LIST OF MEMBERS, 1924 


es Marmont, Maillardwilles Bs, Qes 22.22... 2e:-sexe.. 2 uepidoptera 
W. B. Anderson, 1225 Roslyn Road, Victoria, B. C. 


W. R. Buekell, Salmon Arm, B. C. 


ey ee Lepidoptera 


E. Hearle, Court House, Vernon, B. C. ......................+-.-+-+----------..-Mosquitoes 


M. H. Ruhman, Court House, Vernon, B. C. 


Hekebuckells@ourtublouse, Wernon, ioe Ot) eee Orthoptera 
Ke P. Venables, Court House, Vernon, B).C,. ......20..4-. Poe Lepidoptera 
Hi Hi. Blackmore, P.'©., Victoria, B. C. _...... ae DS PE Sere we Lepidoptera 
Wels bynes Court blouse; Mancouvers 3. Cr 222. Imported Insects 


KE. W. White, Dept. of Agriculture, Victoria 

Fuse CHlenc.eninin Ox NC aS 7 aed Cee 5 eee ee eee a nn Aphids 
J. W. Gibson, Dept. of Education, Victoria, B. C. 

OF Whittaker, Chilliwack, Bis Cis = see. ee ee Hemiptera 
W. E. Ward, C. P. R. Freight Office, Vancouver. 

T. A. Moillet, Vavenby, B. C. 

W. H. Robertson, Dept. of Agriculture, Victoria, B. C. 


CsGarrets Cranbrook, 5 @i ste Diptera and Hymenoptera 
His Ce WilnibelousesiNie Sorts s5 Ce mer eee Rae ee eee eee Odonata 
AS Weetlanhamey Duncans S.C... ee Lepidoptera and Coleoptera 
ReHoppime Court House, Vernon, BiG. 2.2 ee Coleoptera 
CRO Fe Darya Dum Can wlan © see ce oe eee eee ee ee Lepidoptera 


F. Kermode, Prov. Museum, Victoria 

J. Davidson, University of B. C., Vancouver. 

J. W. Winson, Huntinedon, B. C. 

15S Dike VAD MerO, TEXo p< TAPE AVE ACL Ae) Oi eee ee ee ee er ee ces ee Coleoptera 
A. O. Hope, Dunean, B. C. 

W. Downes, Dept. of Agriculture, Victoria, B. C. .........-...-...------- Hemiptera 
R. S. Sherman, 3642 Dundas St., Vancouver, B. C. ..........-...---.------ Diptera 
W. H. Gray, 338 St. James Rd., N. Lonsdale P. O., B. C. 

P. N. Vroom, University of B. C., Vancouver. 

A. P. MaeDougall (Miss) University of B. C., Vaneouver, B. C....... Aphids 
C. Bannister, 1154 Robson St., Vancouver, B. C. 

G. E. W. Clarke, Court House, Vancouver, B. C. 


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